Dierks Bentley Embraces Imperfection on New Album Broken Branches, Out June 13
After more than two decades in the country spotlight, Dierks Bentley is still finding new ways to surprise us. His upcoming 11th studio album, Broken Branches, drops June 13 via Capitol Records Nashville and digs deeper than ever into the soul of country music. It’s rough-hewn, heartfelt, and proudly imperfect — just like the stories it tells.
The 11-track album is now available for pre-order, and it features collaborations with John Anderson, Riley Green, Miranda Lambert, and Stephen Wilson Jr.. If that lineup doesn’t get your boots tapping, check your pulse.
Celebrating the Outliers of Country
“The country music community has a lot of broken branches in it. That’s why we’re all here,” Bentley says. “We want to do something a little bit different. This is the people’s music. It’s about doing it our own way.”
And that’s exactly what this album sounds like. Bentley spent months driving backroads around Tennessee, listening to raw demos with no names attached, choosing songs based purely on feel. The result is an album that lets its edges show — a project full of characters who live outside the lines but make the story that much better.
Produced by Jon Randall and Ross Copperman, and executive produced by Mary Hilliard Harrington, the album leans on an incredible lineup of musicians, including Charlie Worsham, Jedd Hughes, Rob McNelley, and Bryan Sutton. Bentley co-wrote just four songs, opening the door for outside writers and fresh perspectives — a bold move for an artist this deep into his career.
Highlights from Broken Branches
- « Broken Branches » – the title track and anchor of the album, a foot-stomping tribute to life’s misfits featuring John Anderson and Riley Green
- « Never You » feat. Miranda Lambert – a tender, banjo-backed nod to the ride-or-die people in our lives
- « Cold Beer Can » – a new spin on a time-honored symbol
- « Well Well Whiskey » – a return to Bentley’s bluegrass roots
- « Something Worth Fixing » – an acoustic-driven anthem for anyone still figuring it out
- « Jesus Loves Me » – grungy, raw, and gospel-soulful
- « Standing in the Sun » – a sun-drenched love song
- « For as Long as I Can Remember » – a quiet tribute to fatherhood
- « Don’t Cry for Me » – a closing track that brings it all full circle
The Takeaway
With Broken Branches, Dierks Bentley isn’t chasing perfection. He’s chasing connection. He’s embracing the flaws, celebrating the fringe, and reminding us why country music hits hardest when it’s honest. This one’s going to stick with folks.
Duo Redon-Lombardi
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