Dierks’ latest album marks a return to his honky-tonk-tinged brand of country music coming after 2010’s bluegrass-oriented Up on the Ridge.

The poetic lyrics of the album’s second single, “Home,” are a refreshing change from the in-your-face patriotism and pro-military anthems that have dominated country airwaves in recent years. “Home” focuses on the natural beauty and hard-won independence of the USA with a simple message: It’s been a long hard ride, got a ways to go / But this is still the place that we all call home. It’s a safe bet that “Diamonds Make Babies” won’t inspire any concert proposals; the song is a humorous look at the progression from marriage to parenthood.

The sexy “Breathe You In” has the same essence of “Come a Little Closer,” and should become a fan favorite. Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild guests on “When You Gonna Come Around,” her smoky voice a perfect match with Dierks’ grainy vocals. The album closes with “Thinking of You,” a love letter from father to daughter that features Dierks’ elder daughter, Evelyn.

Overall, another ace effort that should cement Dierks as a singer/songwriter to be reckoned with.