Since breaking into the music industry back in the early 2000s, Dierks Bentley proved himself to be a talented country singer. But besides being able to carry a tune, Bentley was also an expert when it came to songwriting. Throughout his time on stage, the country singer produced hit songs like “Come a Little Closer”, “Settle for a Slowdown”, and “Every Mile a Memory.” Releasing ten studio albums, Bentley’s latest, Gravel & Gold, released in 2023. Recently, Bentley was discussing the new era of country music when he revealed one of his favorite artists currently making a name for himself.
Having witnessed country music go through a few changes over the years, Bentley talked all things country with Taste of Country Nights. And when speaking about one of his favorite artists right now, the singer revealed, “Hardy, he’s probably the favorite of all the new guys.” He added, “I listen to a lot of country. You know, I love all the new stuff that’s going on.”
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Besides liking what Hardy is doing in country music, both the singer and Bentley share a similar background given they were both songwriters at one time. And while Hardy continued to share his unique style with fans, Bentley praised the new wave of country singers that went far beyond just Hardy. “You know, Morgan [Wallen], Jelly Roll — he’s great. I love a lot of classic country. [I] Listen to all the old school guys … I’m always listening to something.”
[RELATED: Dierks Bentley Says This Musician Is “The Present and Future” of Acoustic Music—“Bluegrass Music’s in Good Hands”]
Dierks Bentley Always Chasing That Hit Song
More than just a fan, both Hardy and Bentley collaborated on the 2022 song “Beer on Me”. It also featured Breland. And with Bentley showering Hardy with praise, another hit song might be around the corner.
Speaking of hit songs, Bentley also opened up about the mystery surrounding a hit song. Speaking with the Boston Herald, he said, “I wish I could crack that code. I remember reading an article in the New York Times, that was talking about Norah Jones and had a computer program explaining why her song was a hit. And I was thinking, ‘Great — Now we can take all the guesswork out of this.’”
As for his own career, Bentley insisted, “I think I know when I have a song that will sell, and that country radio will like. But there’s a difference between that, and songs that really move the needle and fans will really connect with. And I’ll never stop trying to write those.”
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