Adele's #1 hit single "Set Fire to the Rain" swept the globe with its release in summer of 2011 and it has since inspired listeners and musicians of all kinds–even country musicians. Specifically, country music's Dierks Bentley (who sings "What Was I Thinkin'" and "Free and Easy," and is more recently known for his hit "5-1-5-0") has taken Adele's well-known breakup song and turned it country. His performance aired recently on CMT, as well as on the CMT website.
When he took on Adele, however, did Bentley take on too much? The feel to Adele's song certainly lends itself to country music. Adele tells her story in a series of heartbroken metaphors, addressing her lover. She beautifully expresses her vulnerable state at the relationship's beginning. She sings of her hopes–and her devastation, once she realized the true nature of the person she loved. The song's haunting bridge is only topped by the chorus, in which she "sets fire to the rain" in her bitterness and pain.
"You and me together, nothing is better…"
Dierk's slightly-raspy voice (slightly resembling Adele's raspy tones) effectively carries the song's emotional pull, even in his acoustic cover. Listeners can easily discern a mix of denial, bitterness, and raw hurt in the performance, with flashes of emotion lighting up the song like icy lightning splitting a stormy sky. Dierk's performance is convincing emotionally–but musically, he was uncharacteristically bland.
"Well, it burned while I cried, 'cause I heard it screaming out your name…"
Dierk's musical style deviated from its usual variegated melody and rhythmic lines, instead following Adele's repetitive tendency. Though Adele's rendition of "Set Fire to the Rain" used the repetition to create a haunting effect, Dierk's acoustic version occasionally sounded monotonous. He might have benefitted from taking more liberties with the expression in the song. As it is, we can only imagine its potential.
"Even now when we're already over, I can't help myself from looking for you…"
Nevertheless, Dierk's bold move in taking on Adele's colossal hit was not without merit. Keeping a song's character is no easy task, especially when changing genres; and for the most part, Bentley did an outstanding job. If you have a chance, be sure to look up the song on CMT's website or YouTube. You won't be disappointed.
Article By: Alice Nyquist
