Is Riser a good place to start with Dierks Bentley?

Yes, Riser is recommended as a starting point for new Dierks Bentley listeners. A blend of heartfelt storytelling and modern country sounds, infused with moments of both celebration and introspection. Released in 2014, Riser marked Dierks Bentley's eighth studio album, arriving after his commercial peak with the chart-topping album Home in 2012. This record showcases Bentley's growth as both a musician and songwriter, embracing personal themes following a period of significant life changes, including the birth of his second child.

Riser works well if you're into steady flow with gradual build, uplifting anthems for celebrations and introspective storytelling moments.

How many songs are on Riser?

Riser has 12 tracks, running approximately 46 minutes.

Riser

Dierks Bentley · 2014

46 min · 12 tracks · country music

A blend of heartfelt storytelling and modern country sounds, infused with moments of both celebration and introspection.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Bourbon in Kentucky Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
→
Drunk on a Plane — This track exemplifies the album’s celebratory spirit while cleverly weaving humor into a narrative about coping through escapism in the face of heartbreak.
→
I Hold On — With its introspective lyrics, this track serves as a poignant reflection on resilience and love, showcasing Bentley’s ability to connect deeply with listeners.
→
Riser — The title track encapsulates the album’s overarching themes of perseverance and hope, combining rich imagery with an evocative melody that resonates strongly.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

Riser showcases solid songwriting and production, balancing personal themes with modern country sounds.

What we noticed

The album opens with a slow ballad, gradually introducing more upbeat tracks, peaking with the celebratory 'Drunk on a Plane' at track six.
Lyrically, the album explores themes of personal growth and reflection, with storytelling that varies from introspective to celebratory across the tracklist.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady flow with gradual build
uplifting anthems for celebrations
introspective storytelling moments
for road trip vibes
sing-along choruses with friends

Maybe skip if you

dislike reflective lyrical content
prefer fast-paced listening

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Riser showcases Dierks Bentley's lyrical depth and artistic growth, marking a high point in his career.
Themes: heartfelt storytelling· post-parenthood reflection
Career context: Released in 2014, Riser marked Dierks Bentley's eighth studio album, arriving after his commercial peak with the chart-topping album Home in 2012. This record showcases Bentley's growth as both a musician and songwriter, embracing personal themes following a period of significant life changes, including the birth of his second child.
Stylistic neighbors: Brad Paisley· Kenny Chesney· Jake Owen