Feel That Fire

Dierks Bentley's fourth album literally kickstarts with "Life On The Run." That's right, the instrument introducing Feel That Fire is a revved up motorcycle tearing off into the night as a beefy baritone guitar ushers in some heavily distorted electric twang before Bentley waxes desperado about living and loving the lone-wolf lifestyle. The song's bridge boasts a cool breakdown sounding like Bentley is crooning through the crackling speakers of a cop's walkie-talkie. Traditional tones and driving beats of the country rocking "Sideways" help keep the energy high and exciting while he sings about connecting with a tougher-than-nails blue-jean girl at a rowdy roadhouse. In between 2006's Long Trip Alone and this album, Bentley must have tangoed with one hell of a muse because in the catchy, boot-tapping title track she turns up again wearing his shirt to bed, painting her nails black, joy riding his truck, and making his heart melt like the watery pedal steel notes at the end of the tune. Things slow down on the romantic "I Wanna Make You Close Your Eyes," a sweet serenade that comes off like a '70s Eagles hit with amorous lyrics and soaring vocal harmonies sure to make the cowgirls swoon.