Long Trip Alone (2006)

Long Trip Alone, the follow-up to Bentley's platinum Modern Day Drifter, buffs his image as a charmingly rakish bad boy prone to fleeting existential doubt, and again showcases a great voice, band, and songwriting team. The latter shines on the romantic numbers, and on a surprising track that suggests heaven is open to ''thieves and prostitutes.'' But the life-on-the-road songs get flogged, including one groaner noting the cup size of a fan's bra, and ''Band of Brothers,'' a goofy band-as-military-platoon metaphor that probably won't impress many soldiers in Baghdad.