Only 17 days into January and the year has already been full of confusion, anticipation and elation.
After a week and a half of teasing something big, Dierks Bentley announced on Jan. 10 that his new album, The Mountain, is available for preorder, and BONUS, the new single, "Woman, Amen," was set to be released in one week!
Well, amen and hallelujah! Here we are.
THE MEANING
For those who have gotten to know Dierks over the years, "Woman, Amen" is clearly a reflection of who he is and where he stands in his priorities. For those who don't know him as well as we do, there will be no doubt now how much he loves his bride.
In an interview with Billboard, Dierks said, “I feel like it all starts at home with my wife. She is who grounds me; she is also the one who has helped me to grow as a person over all these years, so I feel if I’m going to tell these stories [on this album] right, I need to start with her."
"Our journey together has made me the man I am today. I doubt my heart would even recognize the old me,” shared Bentley. "This song addresses that in the most direct possible way. The personal gratitude expressed in the lyrics, mixed with a track that leans heavily on some bigger sounds, is the perfect way to introduce the album.”
THE SONG
Written by Dierks, Josh Kear and Ross Copperman, "Woman, Amen" seems to channel Dierks' heroes U2, and classic Mumford & Sons, with the flavor of Dierk's Riser album. Described by Billboard as a "mid-tempo track [that] features bright, ringing guitars and vocals [as] if shouted from a hilltop, while a rolling drumbeat embodies an avalanche of devotion for one's significant other." Taste of Country finds it similar to "I Hold On," building like "Home" and celebrating like "Freedom." "The result is a deeply sincere and personal message of love and gratitude made universal and then freed to soar with signature acoustic instrumentation and a full-throated anthemic chorus."
And the drums. Let's take a moment to talk about that drumline. In what has been described as mountainous, propulsive or even tribal, the drums that carry "Woman, Amen" through the full three minutes have potential to take over but always seem to find the perfect balance with the rest of the band. Drummer Matt Chamberlain--who has worked with Pearl Jam and Soundgarden--played with this beat when they were recording. "We all just sat in the control room watching him play," Dierks recalls. It was a bucket list for some to watch that control room magic. And the magic continues every time we click "play."
THE CHARTS
"[Woman, Amen is] relatable, even though it's such a different title," he said to Rolling Stone. "It's so different than what I had envisioned this record might be, or the lead single might be, but you have to go where the music leads you."
We're so glad the music led him this way. This song--and what we can assume for the entire album at this point--will be a standout among current country tracks. For those who have been dreaming of more classic country, it looks as if Dierks will deliver. As of the first day of release, "Woman, Amen" is #1 on Spotify Hot Country, #6 on the iTunes Country Chart, and is on the Hot Tracks on Apple Music. A well-deserved start for what we "pray" is recognized as an award-winning album across the board. How can it get to #1? Call or tweet your local radio stations and request this track!
You can see Dierks perform this live on The Ellen Show tomorrow (check your local listings for show times).
In the meantime, don't forget to purchase your "key to The Mountain" at dierks.com and use your code to download this single for free! (Now we know the meaning behind the "keys to The Mountain" Faith, Grace, Hope and Strength!) You can also purchase the song on iTunes, Amazon and other music channels.
THE VIDEO
DB Congress reps anticipate the music video will be available in the next month. Stay tuned! In the meantime, enjoy this behind-the-scenes imagery audio version his team released today:
THE LYRICS
I'd lose my way, yeah
I'd lose my mind
If I faced one day on my own
I know I was saved
The night that she gave
This drifter’s heart a home
Every night I should be on my knees
Lord knows how lucky I am
I never say it near enough
Thank God for this woman, amen
This world has a way of shaking your faith
I’ve been broken again and again
But I need all the cracks
In my shattered heart
Cause that’s where her love gets in
Every night I should be on my knees
Lord knows how lucky I am
I never say it near enough
Thank God for this woman, amen
She gives me faith
She gives me grace
She gives me hope
She gives me strength
She gives me love, love without end
Thank God for this woman, amen
Thanks for the moon and the stars up above
Forgiveness of sin and your undying love
Every twist every turn for the way you made sure
All my roads lead to her
So tonight I will fall down on my knees
'Cause Lord knows how lucky I am
I’m going to shout at the top of my lungs
Thank God for this woman, amen
Yeah thank God for this woman, amen
She gives me faith
She gives me grace
She gives me hope
She gives me strength
She gives me love, love without end
Thank God for this woman, amen
Jessica Borrelli and Ronna Clark
DB Congress Reps, WA and FL
@AllTheWayToMe @RonnaFL
