Dierks Bentley - "Riser"

[carriekins]

Hits Daily Double has this trending between 50k and 60k this week. Dierks still has appearances on The Tonight Show (tonight) and The View (tomorrow) so it's possible that might trend up. Right now, that's exactly on par with Home in 2012. So, with how sales have been declining, that's not too bad. Home also had the benefit of one #1 already under its belt, with the title track about four weeks from the top, AND came out right before Valentine's Day, so one could argue that perhaps Riser is faring better... but I'd still like to see more. Heh.

After "living" with this album for going on a week now... I really just can't get enough. I am as excited about this album as I was about Up on the Ridge. And while I don't think this will ever top Ridge for me, this is really, really good. The songs that had been on the lower end of the CD for me have grown on me tremendously (Pretty Girls and Sounds of Summer are really it), and I agree with jhomes87's assessment of SoS. I've seen a few reviews that all but dismiss these two songs and I don't think that's necessarily fair. I get that yes, on the surface, they seem like fluff. But after living with them and really listening to them and the instrumentation and the lyrics - they really aren't. I really like that SoS is so hopeful and Dierks really, really sells the nostalgia factor here. And the same goes for Pretty Girls - there's something about that song that I just love. I think because it's so... true? I don't know. I just find the storyline to be so believable... but the song is somewhat melancholy, which I feel brings more depth and dimension as well.

[tvoss20]

It's only been out 2 days and I've already played the heck out of this baby. Cannot. get. enough. Not 1 bad song on here. My personal favorite since Jake's Barefoot Bluejean Night.

[slowmo]

I've listened to this about 6 times now and there's not one song that I don't like. There's a couple I like a little less than the rest, but none that need to be singled out. I'm finding that Pretty Girls gets stuck in my head whether I want it to or not. On the surface, it's not really a song that I tend to go for, but as jholmes mentioned, there's a melancholiness to it that works for me.

[Kentucky25]

I've never been a big Dierks fan, mostly just pick and choosing certain songs from his albums, but I am digging this album pretty well. I still prefer Church's album a bit more, but this is a good album. I think it's different (which Dierks usually has been) and that helps me like it more. Couple real standouts, "Five" (probably my favorite on the album besides BiK), "Say You Do", "Damn These Dreams", and "Hurt Somebody".

[kw9461]

It's taken a few listens but this may be Dierks' best album, at the very least his best since Modern Day Drifter (I know Up On The Ridge was critically acclaimed and all, but the bluegrass theme just didn't work for me). Here On Earth is fantastic, one of his best moments to date. I also love Riser and Say You Do. Really, the only song on the album I don't like is Back Porch. In a perfect world, I'd love for all 3 to be singles, but I'd settle for any one of them (Here On Earth is dark for sure, but the chorus keeps it from sounding maudlin and falling into Gary Allan downer territory - so maybe it has a shot). Drunk On A Plane is a fun song, but I can see that one having a really high burn factor. Sounds of Summer, although an inferior song, would probably make a better single. Five is probably the most no-brainer single on the album, so I'd go with it 4th, then release Here On Earth/Riser/Say You Do to close out the record. Bourbon in Kentucky is a very fine song, but re-releasing it would be a mistake IMO. It didn't suddenly get radio-freindly overnight. I'd definetely give this album 4 stars, maybe even trending towards 4.5 stars. I can't believe how strong '14 has been for albums. Jon Pardi, Eric Church, Frankie Ballard, now Dierks, and next week's Eli Young record (which I'm about as geeked for as carriekins was for this album) is quite a gauntlet to start the year (and I have high hopes for David Nail's album as well, although I haven't previewed it yet).

[sabre14]

Feb 28, 2014 23:40:41 GMT -5 kw9461 said:

It's taken a few listens but this may be Dierks' best album, at the very least his best since Modern Day Drifter (I know Up On The Ridge was critically acclaimed and all, but the bluegrass theme just didn't work for me). Here On Earth is fantastic, one of his best moments to date. I also love Riser and Say You Do. Really, the only song on the album I don't like is Back Porch. In a perfect world, I'd love for all 3 to be singles, but I'd settle for any one of them (Here On Earth is dark for sure, but the chorus keeps it from sounding maudlin and falling into Gary Allan downer territory - so maybe it has a shot). Drunk On A Plane is a fun song, but I can see that one having a really high burn factor. Sounds of Summer, although an inferior song, would probably make a better single. Five is probably the most no-brainer single on the album, so I'd go with it 4th, then release Here On Earth/Riser/Say You Do to close out the record. Bourbon in Kentucky is a very fine song, but re-releasing it would be a mistake IMO. It didn't suddenly get radio-freindly overnight. I'd definetely give this album 4 stars, maybe even trending towards 4.5 stars. I can't believe how strong '14 has been for albums. Jon Pardi, Eric Church, Frankie Ballard, now Dierks, and next week's Eli Young record (which I'm about as geeked for as carriekins was for this album) is quite a gauntlet to start the year (and I have high hopes for David Nail's album as well, although I haven't previewed it yet).

I would not have changed a single word in this post. My favorite track is also is "Here On Earth". I've come to the realization that it probably won't get released but I still have a sliver of hope that it does. It's automatically in my top 5 songs he's ever recorded period. I'm so glad someone else brought it up.

I too think "Sounds Of Summer" would make for a better single though it's not quite as good as "Drunk On A Plane". I do like "Sounds Of Summer" overall though. 

[carriekins]

kw9461 I'm pretty geeked for the EYB album, too. ;)

Y'all act like I like Dierks or something... hehe!

[layne]

Been listening to this all week now and imo this is the best overall Album since EYB's Life at Best for me. As far as singles, I think Sounds of Summer would be the safest pick but imo it does nothing to set Dierks apart from the rest of the male crowd on radio. It's not a bad song but still sounds like everything else that is or will be out there this summer. I would go with DOAP or Pretty Girls as the next single just to make a statement and have a buzz surrounding the song. Yeah DOAP might be polarizing or have a high burn rate, but it will also create conversation and be totally different. After that I would like Say You Do or Five and then End with Riser.

[Deleted]

Charlie Worsham plays on a song on this album, right? Does anyone know which one? (cough carriekins cough) ;)

[carriekins]

Mar 2, 2014 2:23:13 GMT -5 jhomes87 said:

Charlie Worsham plays on a song on this album, right? Does anyone know which one? (cough carriekins cough) ;)

According to a Billboard article that appeared in MWCU ... Bourbon in Kentucky. It's possible there are more. Kind of annoyed the liner notes don't list musicians by song.

[zjames]

Not sure if it's relevant, but Charlie posted a picture yesterday on Instagram of Say You Do playing on iTunes.

[gonecountry]

It's great to see the love for this album as I think he is criminally underrated. I have all his albums and really think they are all quite good. Feel that Fire had one or two groaners on it (I'm looking particularly at you "I Want To Make You Close Your Eyes"), but generally I love most every song on his albums and have to hand it to him for being adventurous (e.g., Last Call, among others).

As much as I love Bourbon in Kentucky, I don't think a reissue is the best thing for Dierks career.

If you like fun, meaningless, toe tapping country music, check out Dierks "Country and Cold Cans" EP. It is just a lot of fun. "Grab a Beer" in particular.

Finally, he is incredible in concert. Highly recommend!

[Kentucky25]

Just saw where Dierks will be touring with Chris Young, Jon Pardi, and Chase Rice...wondering how many "Pulsers" are put off by the Rice inclusion. I know most of you seem to dislike him and like or love the other guys.

[blueguitar]

Mar 2, 2014 23:20:19 GMT -5 Kentucky25 said:

Just saw where Dierks will be touring with Chris Young, Jon Pardi, and Chase Rice...wondering how many "Pulsers" are put off by the Rice inclusion. I know most of you seem to dislike him and like or love the other guys.

No offense but none of those opening acts inspires me to buy tickets. However, I would buy a reserved seat just to see Dierks and avoid these openers. I haven't been a huge fan of his over the years but his overall body of work is all coming together for me. Tons of respect for this artist! He is really standing out to me right now!

[Kentucky25]

Mar 3, 2014 1:09:20 GMT -5 blueguitar said:

No offense but none of those opening acts inspires me to buy tickets. However, I would buy a reserved seat just to see Dierks and avoid these openers. I haven't been a huge fan of his over the years but his overall body of work is all coming together for me. Tons of respect for this artist! He is really standing out to me right now!

I would (and have), been to see a Chris Young headlined tour live and I thoroughly enjoyed it.  Though I agree on the other two and really Dierks. I like this new album but he's never been an artist I'd be willing to go see without a guy like Young with him.  All personal preference really though. I just thought it'd be really interesting to see the reaction to a guy most people on the boards love touring with someone most dislike (musically).

[carriekins]

Mar 2, 2014 23:20:19 GMT -5 Kentucky25 said:

Just saw where Dierks will be touring with Chris Young, Jon Pardi, and Chase Rice...wondering how many "Pulsers" are put off by the Rice inclusion. I know most of you seem to dislike him and like or love the other guys.

I'm super unhappy about it but what can you do?

[Kentucky25]

Mar 3, 2014 7:55:19 GMT -5 carriekins said:

I'm super unhappy about it but what can you do?

Protest?? Lol nah. I just am kind of confused as to why he has 3 acts with him when usually it's only 2.  Are Dierks and Chase on the same label?

[carriekins]

Mar 3, 2014 11:26:28 GMT -5 Kentucky25 said:

Mar 3, 2014 7:55:19 GMT -5 carriekins said:

I'm super unhappy about it but what can you do?

Protest?? Lol nah. I just am kind of confused as to why he has 3 acts with him when usually it's only 2.  Are Dierks and Chase on the same label?

No, Chase is on a super tiny indie label. Honestly I think it's an attempt to give fans more bang for their buck. While Dierks is fantastic live, this is really his first time headlining major venues. Last year's tour with Miranda both lasted way too long and wasn't a huge seller. So, I think they're trying to drive the crowds. Jon Pardi and Dierks are on the same label, Chris Young has a fairly sizeable following, and as much as I hate it, Chase is hot right now and plays directly into the demo they're going for. I'll personally be using his set to use the restroom. ;)

[onebuffalo]

#1 country CD, #6 top 200 CD with 63,000 sold. Congratulations, Dierks Bentley!

[43dudleyvillas]

Very late to chime in on Riser, but I wanted to add to all the good thoughts posted here.

Dierks has been frustrating to me because, Up on the Ridge excepted, I've often felt like he was half-heartedly chasing the mainstream while burying a few gems that reflected his true abilities in the back half of his last few albums. But there's none of that indifference on Riser. Here, Dierks gathers a slew of vivid songs, ties most of them together with a pensive mood, updates his sound from red dirt to atmospheric rock-meets-country-meets-pop, sounds more vocally present than he has since Up on the Ridge, and re-establishes a niche for himself within the contemporary country world. If today's country format is supposed to be a college scene, Riser sets Dierks up not as the boisterous life of the party that so many of the country boys seek to be, but as the moody, introspective loner with feelings and stories just waiting to be unlocked. I can't possibly be the only person who has always gravitated toward the latter?

My favorites on the album are "Riser," "Say You Do," "Bourbon in Kentucky," "Damn These Dreams," and "Hurt Somebody," (the latter two return Dierks to his red dirt origins) "Here on Earth" is also really effective musically - I wanted sharper, more precise lyrics, but the point of view resonates anyway and the song is essential to this album.

I'm also in the "'Drunk on a Plane' is hilarious" camp. I just think the bitterness and sarcasm of the song combine perfectly with how foolish and self-conscious the narrator feels. "Drunk on a Plane" sets up beautifully for a music video starring oh, I don't know, Paul Rudd as the sad-sack protagonist?

That said, I personally would rather see "Say You Do" or "Riser" as singles. I'll be interested to see what Capitol Nashville chooses here. "Drunk on a Plane" and "Back Porch" seem likeliest to thrive in the current radio climate, and I think both are likely to pull in good download numbers due to their appeal to the most commercially active demo in today's mainstream country market (the "bros"). I also think that both would likely help drive interest in Dierks' tour this summer. However, neither song really represents the album, and I suspect that neither would really drive album sales as a result.

On the other hand, "Say You Do" and "Riser" would continue to position Riser as what it is -- a moodier, more pensive but at its core romantic album. "Riser" could move and inspire, while "Say You Do" hits that lovelorn ache that is Shane McAnally's writing sweet spot beautifully. While I don't think either is guaranteed to become an airplay or download hit the way "Drunk on a Plane" and "Back Porch" are, I think "Say You Do" and "Riser" might help Dierks to craft his target audience, and would also enhance his chances of showing up as an Album of the Year nominee at the CMAs and Grammys this year. I see "Say You Do" and "Riser" as part of a medium- and long-term strategy to position and sell Riser as a persuasive answer to lowest common denominator "bro" fare. But they would both be riskier releases in this climate and UMG Nashville would have to be committed to waiting for a payoff in November/December.

"Sounds of Summer" and "Pretty Girls," especially the latter, have the same kind of appeal that Frankie Ballard's "Helluva Life" does. Like Frankie's hit, both feature lyrics and scenes pretty typical of what dominates country radio today. But production gives all three tunes a more atmospheric feel and thus a contemplative vibe that distinguishes them from the Nickelback-wannabe pack. The lyrical choices in "Sounds of Summer" and "Pretty Girls" feel more deliberately impressionistic than the typical "bro" songs, too. "Pretty Girls" in particular feels almost cinematic, and Dierks delivers the lyrics as an observer, maybe an outsider without the guts to approach any of the women he is singing about. Neither is my favorite song on Riser, but I think both show how Dierks bends the typical themes to suit his mood on the album, and how he succeeds in distinguishing Riser as a result.

And that, in my view, is Riser's most striking accomplishment. The album achieves cohesiveness without feeling overly uniform - for all but two of the songs, the melodies, lyrics and production create a pensive mood that is the perfect match for Dierks' vocal tone and plain-spoken phrasing. He lets his grief over his father's passing trickle into reflections on so many different aspects of life (his faith, his worldly possessions, love & heartbreak, road life, triumph after struggle), and the album feels uniquely Dierks and uniquely of this moment in his life as a result. If country label executives are looking for a roadmap out of mainstream country's creative doldrums, I think Riser makes for a good endpoint - not because of any formula that it could represent, but because of the way it manipulates formula to make an album with such an individual and distinctive personality.