Is Up on the Ridge a good place to start with Dierks Bentley?

Yes, Up on the Ridge is recommended as a starting point for new Dierks Bentley listeners. A vibrant blend of bluegrass-infused melodies and heartfelt storytelling that redefines contemporary country music. Released in 2010, Up on the Ridge marked Dierks Bentley's sixth studio album and a significant departure from the mainstream sound of his previous work. It showcases Bentley's artistic growth as he embraces bluegrass influences while still maintaining his country roots, following the commercial success of his 2009 album, Feel That Fire.

Who is Up on the Ridge for?

Up on the Ridge works well if you're into steady mid-tempo reflective moments, narrative storytelling through songs and journey-like flow of emotions.

How many songs are on Up on the Ridge?

Up on the Ridge has 12 tracks, running approximately 43 minutes.

Up on the Ridge

Dierks Bentley · 2010

43 min · 12 tracks · country music

A vibrant blend of bluegrass-infused melodies and heartfelt storytelling that redefines contemporary country music.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Up on the Ridge Start here — The title track encapsulates the album's essence with its rich instrumentation and evocative lyrics that illustrate a longing for connection and authenticity.
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Bad Angel — This collaboration with Miranda Lambert and Jamey Johnson stands out for its haunting melody and complex narrative about love and betrayal, showcasing Bentley’s storytelling prowess.
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Señor (Tales of Yankee Power) — A cover of Bob Dylan's song, this track highlights Bentley's willingness to experiment with genre boundaries while paying homage to classic songwriting traditions.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album blends bluegrass with country storytelling, showcasing strong songwriting and production choices.

What we noticed

The album opens with a title track that features a prominent banjo line, setting a bluegrass tone that persists throughout.
Several tracks incorporate traditional bluegrass instrumentation, such as mandolin and fiddle, which are central to the arrangements.
The pacing varies, with some tracks maintaining a brisk tempo while others slow down for reflective moments, particularly towards the end of the album.

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: 8/10
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 mid-tempo reflective moments
narrative storytelling through songs
journey-like flow of emotions
warm melodies for outdoor settings

Maybe skip if you

fast-paced, high-energy preferences
dislike for narrative-focused music

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Represents a significant departure from Bentley's mainstream country sound.
Themes: bluegrass storytelling· Appalachian authenticity· love and betrayal
Career context: Released in 2010, Up on the Ridge marked Dierks Bentley's sixth studio album and a significant departure from the mainstream sound of his previous work. It showcases Bentley's artistic growth as he embraces bluegrass influences while still maintaining his country roots, following the commercial success of his 2009 album, Feel That Fire.
Stylistic neighbors: Brad Paisley· Kenny Chesney· Jake Owen