Even after more than 20 years of friendship, Dierks Bentley and Miranda Lambert had never shared a duet on their own — until now. Their first true collaboration, “Never You,” is featured on Bentley’s new album Broken Branches.
Looking back on their history, Bentley recalled the early days of their friendship during a chat with Audacy’s Kate Neal. He mentioned finding an old photo from 2006 of himself, Lambert, and Randy Rogers while they were touring together, a time filled with youthful excitement and fresh milestones. Bentley said those memories remind him of his current tour with rising artist Zach Top, who is now experiencing those same “firsts” in his career.
Bentley also praised Lambert as both a collaborator and a long-standing powerhouse in country music. “I’ve just known her for so long and she’s still the same person she was back then… She’s just one of the greatest singers… a future Hall of Fame member,” he said.
Though they previously teamed up with Jamey Johnson on “Bad Angel” for Bentley’s 2010 Up on the Ridge project, “Never You” marks their first genuine duet. Bentley shared how much he had hoped for this moment: “I’ve always wanted to have a pure kind of duet… So this track with her is just so fun to have her run on that song. She’s perfect for it. I’m so thankful she did it.”
Despite its title, “Never You” tells a story filled with love and devotion — a promise that no matter how much life changes, the bond between two people remains unshakable.
The track adds to the rich storytelling across Bentley’s 11th studio album, which also features guest appearances from Stephen Wilson Jr. (“Cold Beer Can”), John Anderson, and Riley Green on the title song.