In the wake of 2005's Modern Day Drifter, Dierks Bentley has maintained fierce career momentum, earning awards, packing concerts, and joining the Grand Ole Opry in the space of just over a year. As before, he continues to flawlessly integrate straight-ahead, unforced vocals into a riproaring sound, underpinned this time by the solid, appealing mainstream acoustic bluegrass of touring partners the Grascals. The opening track, "Every Mile a Memory," defines the album's direction, buttressed by the witty "That Don't Make It Easy Loving Me." He projects clarity and desperation on "Trying to Stop Your Leaving," enhanced by an understated, yet appropriately tense arrangement. "Band of Brothers" celebrates the quintessential travails of musicians playing the low end of the honky-tonk circuit, while his all-inclusive, courageous views on "The Heaven I'm Headed To" may not please hardcore red-staters. The perpetual debate pitting country modernists against traditionalists often reaches the same levels of intensity as in current politics. Long Trip Alone demonstrates the smartest solution: quality modern country of the moment that simultaneously honors its past. --Rich Kienzle