On Your Way Home –
Patty Loveless
Loveless has been a mainstay on the country charts for more than 15 years now, and her career continues to blossom. These days the Kentucky girl is producing mountain soul music, which just happened to be the name of one of her most recent records. This latest disc is a roadmap back to the heart of country music that makes no compromises and touches the soul.
“Draggin’ My Heart Around” is an up tempo mover with heavy guitars. Loveless and her producer/husband Emory Gordy Jr. have done a masterful job. The songs draw out Loveless’ blues slurs and the same sense of command and empathy that’s presented in her greatest singles. Jim Lauderdale’s “Lookin’ For A Heartache” sways the night away. Although commercial radio may thumb their noses at this, On Your Way Home is a great snapshot of Loveless’ music evolution. B+
Dierks Bentley –
Dierks Bentley
Finally – a good ole boy that doesn’t have to be a spokesperson for tight jeans, tight shirts and cowboy hats. This talented newcomer rose to the top of the charts with his fun, spirited single, “What Was I Thinkin’.”
Luckily, the Bentley album is loaded with fun, energetic music.
Animal lovers should like Bentley – the dog you see all over the CD is Bentley’s pooch Jake, and that imaging touch, positively adventuresome by Music Row standards, suggests something about the album within. “Wish It Would Break” offers insightful verses and a lush chorus. The classic honky-tonk anthem, “Bartenders, etc.” rocks, while the final cut “Train Travelin'” closes out an impressive debut effort. A-
