"Dirt," the new album from Mark Selby, brings together a rich combination of country, blues and good old-fashioned rock 'n' roll. Raised in the dirt country of Oklahoma, (the inspiration for the album's title), Selby's exposure to a broad range of musical genres served to influence his style. Graduating from Fort Hayes State University in Kansas with honors in music composition and guitar, Selby toured the country as an acoustic solo act before moving to New York. There he gained major attention for his debut album, "More Storms Comin'." He also earned praise for his songwriting efforts, writing lyrics for notable artists such as the Dixie Chicks and Kenny Wayne Shepard. "Dirt," Selby's latest album, showcases his evolution into a musician with a broader sound and lyrical maturity.

The first song off the album, "Reason Enough," reflects the declamatory lyrics about doing things for the right reason with its intense medium-tempo rhythm and use of slide guitar. Selby's voice is reminiscent of David Grey and Randy Newman. The second song, "Back Door to My Heart," written about letting someone emotionally in, showcases Selby's guitar skills. The slow guitar slides and keyboard give the song an element of blues, while the vocal crooning hints at his deep country roots.

Another notable song on the album, "If the World Was Mine," could be likened to a Bruce Springsteen ballad. Written with his co-lyricist and wife Tia Sillers, Selby feels this is one of the best songs he has ever written. The heavy emotion in the vocal melody mirrors the intense lyrics about one-on-one relationships. Although the imagery of lifting the weight of the world off his lover's shoulders is somewhat clich, the song is well written and flows nicely. The soft guitar and mellow drumbeat allow the lyrics to take precedence.

"One Man" is particularly rich in electric guitar riffs and backing instrumentals. The hook is simple, but still catchy enough to stick in one's head. The upbeat exchange between the instruments gives the song a more raw touch, likening it to a grassroots jam session. Another piece that utilizes this upbeat tempo exchange is "Unforgiven," a song about someone accepting the fact that what he's done is unforgivable and moving on with his life. On this track, however, the lively beat is created with an acoustic guitar rather than an electric one.

On "Easier to Lie," Selby creates a voyeuristic feel by talking through the start of the vocals. This song is a lot mellower than most of the others on the record. Its instrumentals are toned down so that the song focuses mostly on the remorseful lyrics and bare acoustic guitar. The end result is a raw and honest telling of a man leaving his girlfriend, only to find that he regrets his decision afterward.

Overall, the record is a solid mix of rock and bluegrass sound. Selby's lyrics about love, loss and life in general are sincere and easy to relate to. With its universal appeal, all types of music fans can enjoy this record.