It's always interesting when artists do something different. And "different" is a rather understated description of Dierks Bentley's Up on the Ridge. By taking a modern approach to bluegrass, he's turned in a project that has drawn some of the best reviews of his career. But such a diversion comes at a cost: witness the underwhelming chart run of lead-off single "Up on the Ridge," which didn't even go Top 20. And if that song, with its fusion of old and new, seemed like a huge risk, then "Draw Me a Map" is an even bigger one. 

Written by Bentley along with Jon Randall Stewart (who also produced the album), "Draw Me a Map" is a near-flawless exercise in simplicity. Lines like "Draw me a map that leads me back to you / I don't know where to go, please tell me what to do" don't yank you in with their killer hooks, but rather capture your attention by sounding real — especially when Dierks digs deep into the commonplace emotions that they convey. The production leans far more traditional than the title track; there's not much more than guitar, soft percussion, Dobro and a lonesome fiddle. Oh yes, and some sweet harmony vocals from the inimitable Alison Krauss. 

Perhaps Up on the Ridge is exactly what Dierks Bentley needed. For quite some time, I've felt that Dierks was starting to sound a little tired (particularly "I Wanna Make You Close Your Eyes"). But Up on the Ridge seems to have stirred something within him, something that's produced some of the best music he's ever made. For quite some time, I've thought that his debut single "What Was I Thinkin'" (still one of my favorites from the 2000s) may have set the bar a little too high, but "Map" has managed to raise it. Radio may not take a liking to it, but fans should quite easily. I know I did.

You can support Dierks Bentley by purchasing this single at Amazon | iTunes. 

The album Up On The Ridge is available for sale at Amazon for only $5.99