Dierks Bentley's Up on the Ridge Branches Out
Dierks Bentley didn't have to do Up on the Ridge. It's the album he really wanted to make, but he could've just pushed it to the back burner because it wasn't as mainstream as his first four studio albums. It's more "bluegrass-influenced." But he seems like he's not afraid to put himself out there and do things that other artists might consider a little risky. And thank God for us, he took that risk. Up on the Ridge comes out today (June 8), and there's not enough room in this blog for me to rave the way I want to rave.
But I will say this: I've been physically unable to remove this CD from my CD player. Bentley invited all kinds of super-special guest vocalists and players to be a part of this album, but all I really need to hear is Bentley. His gritty voice is the one and only choice for the five tracks he penned and a few others written by some pretty remarkable songwriters. (I'm not as crazy about the Bob Dylan and U2 covers, but even those stand out to me as better than the original versions. Sorry, Bono.) Up on the Ridge is one of those albums that has so many great tunes it's nearly impossible to pick a favorite. But throw Jamey Johnson and Miranda Lambert into one of those, and it pretty quickly rises to the top. It's "Bad Angel," a song about the demons you face, like smoking, drinking and gambling, so it makes sense that you'd need three lead singers on this one. It wouldn't be nearly as convincing if Bentley had been singing alone about three addictions and not knowing what to do at the crossroads of temptation and salvation street. You can watch a little bit of the session with Bentley and Johnson here.
Tied for that first-place spot has to be "Down in the Mine." I know Bentley never worked in a coalmine, but he still manages to capture the feeling of how you can't catch your breath for the dust in your lungs. It's powerful stuff.
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Ken says:
Listened to this CD 5 times this morning after purchasing the Cd last night. I thought all of the songs were awesome and look forward to see this cd maybe knocking Lady A off their perch even though I am happy seeing Lady A there.
Tiffany says:
This album is amazing and so unlike anything I’ve ever heard. This will be the one that finally gets Dierks the recognition he deserves from country music.
TG says:
I bought it yesterday as well and yes it’s one of the best cd’s I bought from a mainstream artist since Jamey Johnson’s “That Lonsome Song”.It baffles me however how one can write a story about it and not bring up Del and Ronnie McCoury or The Punch Brothers who played a huge part in this cd,much more than what Jamey or Miranda did.Also no mention of Alison Krauss or Vince Gill who both sing harmony a song a piece.And nothing about Kris Kristofferson who wrote one song and sings on it.
I also like the liner notes where Dierks invites CMT to listen and learn more about this great music that he was turned on to at age 19.Good luck on that Dierks!
JP says:
I guess since he slammed the business (COAL) that makes my living I can slam his. Hope the album is a failure and all future ones as well. A person in the public such as yourself should never voice bite the hand that feeds you.
Shadow says:
TG, this article was written by AB, the queen of the Mainstreamers. Why would she mention or give any credit to the roots artists? They don’t exist in her world.
Joe says:
JP
On the contrary, Down in the Mine is a tribute to those who work such a hard job. I come from a coal family and I thought is was very touching.