Dierks Bentley’s rodeo seventh rodeo performance another lucky one

Dierks Bentley spoke his Friday night performance into existence two years ago at RodeoHouston.

“My favorite number is No. 7. I’d like to come back at least one more time,” he told the crowd in 2015.

It likely wasn’t a tough decision for RodeoHouston bigwigs. Bentley’s 2015 show was the best that year, a country strong showcase full of charisma and confidence.

Friday’s set before 64,007 fans was on par with that standout set. He kicked off, and kicked up the twang, with “Up on the Ridge” and “Free and Easy (Down the Road I Go),” the first of many singalongs.

Bentley echoed his 2015 sentiment early in Friday’s set.

“This is every country singer’s dream to play here just one time,” he said. “Number seven’s my lucky number so this is a big night for us.”

Bentley has a rich, textured voice that’s put to good use on his material. It’s polished enough for radio but still “country” enough to satisfy purists.

“Tip it on Back” scaled a wall of guitar reverb. “Am I the Only One” played like a rallying cry for the beer drinkers

He smoldered through “Say You Do,” an atmospheric ballad that soared on his emotional delivery.

Expect there to be an eighth RodeoHouston for Bentley in the near future.