Brantley truly does it again and brings us another badass album with tons of versatility. For those who can’t stand him, it isn’t changing anything.įor those with an open mind and ear, this may just hook you.In his fourth studio album, ‘ The Devil Don’t Sleep,’ Brantley Gilbert brings us 16 brand new songs along with five demos songs and five live performed songs of his old classics on the deluxe version of the album. It’s the same formula with improved parts.įor Gilbert’s hardcore fans, it’s a must. He doesn’t appear to be looking to change up what got him where he is today. But, depending on how you feel about Gilbert now, you may have to take him or leave him. They’re laid back, old-fashioned country, just how a lot of originalists like it.Īll in all, I would say “The Devil Don’t Sleep” is Gilbert’s best yet. If Gilbert had wanted to silence his haters and show a more reserved, thoughtful, classic country side, then those demo tracks making the final cut may have done the trick. In fact, the demos probably could have replaced a couple of the album’s weaker tracks. If you aren’t a fan you probably aren’t interested in the extra cash for a dozen demo tracks and live recording of old hits.īut the demos may actually be worth the price. Gilbert also managed to produce a Deluxe Edition with ten bonus tracks. They outline his darkest days, bring you along through his battles with his inner-most demons and closing with his being born-again in his faith in God. Despite being a bit more relaxed, these tunes best showcase his personal struggles with alcoholism and authority. They portray everything Gilbert has to offer. Leading into the finale with the title track “The Devil Don’t Sleep” and closing the album out with “Three Feet of Water” was brilliant. The final tracks are the best without question. Both of which are strongly reminiscent of rebellious love songs like “My Baby’s Guns and Roses,” from his last album. They’re earworms, and surprisingly they’re two of the songs I’ve kept coming back to.Īnd those wondering where the raunchy, gritty love songs synonymous with Brantley Gilbert are need look no further than “Smokin’ Gun” and “You Could Be That Girl”. These more laid back, emotional songs are easy to relate to. A solid fourth of the album is made up of the angry, machismo style that made Gilbert famous in country music. From “It’s About to Get Dirty” to “Bullet in a Bonfire” There’s no shortage of hardcore Southern rock at the core of “The Devil Don’t Sleep” either. Despite a slow pace, a strong underlying guitar carries this song about being true to one’s self and one’s true friends.Įvery couple of songs one tends to open with an intense lead, the crash of drums and a tight riff. It’s all there, interwoven with some serious heart.Įxcluding “Bro Code”, there are a handful of solid songs that deal with matters friendship and loyalty “The Ones That Like Me” being the best example. The deep inner-struggles with matters of faith and family. The strong riffs and contrasting musical styles. The rest of the album is Brantley Gilbert’s core put on display. It’s generic and may just be the most cliché Bro Country song of all time. If you can get over these two problems, the album is honestly pretty well done with the exception of two songs. It’s a bunch of solid individual songs tossed together in a pot. This isn’t a Miranda Lambert or Carrie Underwood album finely constructed with overarching themes. Despite its length, the album has no clear structure or narrative.Īcross sixteen songs, the album shifts from all out rock and roll, to heartfelt love song, to songs about matters of faith with little to no warning.
If the fact that this album is Brantley Gilbert’s rock-and-roll brand of Bro-Country dialed up to 100 wasn’t the kill for you already, it may be best to concede one more point. Diehard, old-fashioned country fans? This one probably just isn’t be for you. Taken for what it is, however, Brantley Gilbert’s fourth studio album can be a fun, exciting listen for his fans and casual country music fans alike. “The Devil Don’t Sleep” is the same machismo, grit-filled, incredibly cliché music you’ve come to expect. Anyone who was hoping this album would be Gilbert’s escape from the modern “Bro-Country” climate is sorely mistaken. While out on his last three tours, Gilbert has cooked up a 16-song hit that came in at “Billboard 200’s” number 2 in its opening week. It has been just under 3 years since Brantley Gilbert’s last album, “Just As I Am”, hit the country music scene, and one listen through “The Devil Don’t Sleep” will leave no doubt in anyone’s mind that the Southern country/rock-and-roll star hasn’t been sleeping much either.
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