Up on the Ridge is Dierks Bentley’s fifth album and its significance is immeasurable. Bentley returns to what made Country music great on this tremendously powerful and tremendously traditional release. The album is laden with acoustic guitars, the Country lament, and lyrics that EVERY working class man will and can relate to. The album boasts some wonderful guests as well – such as Kris Kristofferson, The Punch Brothers, and Miranda Lambert.
The album opens with a duo of tunes. The first “Down in the Mine” is as traditional as they come, relating the working man’s life in a fairly poetic manner. “Up on the Ridge” is the brighter side, talking about love and hope aside from the endless work to make ends meet. “Senor (Tales of Yankee Power)” is a Bluegrass gem that features Bentley alongside The Punch Brothers. The cover of U2’s “Pride (In the Name of Love)” is the undisputed highlight here- led by a banjo and Bentley’s powerhouse voice it takes the song to new places and does so while maintaining the sacred integrity of the original. Not many people can cover an artist like U2 without looking stupid, but Bentley does them proud while putting his own distinct stamp on the song.
It’s not all sunshine and roses here though. “Draw Me a Map” and “Bad Angel” (which features Miranda Lambert) are weak at best. “Love Grows Wild” is a decent song but it’s situated between two spectacular songs making for an awkward transition. The song may have fared better if distanced from these two tracks.
In today’s Country Pop market this album should be a certifiable flop but it’s fearlessness to fly in the face of what’s popular is exactly what will carry it through. The album isn’t timeless from start to finish but it definitely makes me believe that Bentley has that kind of album in him. Up on the Ridge is hands down the best Country album released so far this year and I don’t see anyone taking the title.
Reviewed by Mark Fisher
