The easy road would’ve been releasing an uptempo tune like “Sounds Of Summer” or “Back Porch” but Dierks Bentley was willing to try his hand at releasing the title track to his 2014 album release Riser. Why is there risk involved in releasing “Riser”? Well, there’s an impactful story told in the lyrics of the song, which was written by Travis Meadows and Steve Moakler.
It’s a song Dierks has long been passionate about releasing as a single. Prior to “Say You Do,” Dierks’ biggest hits have always come from his own pen and when he found “Riser,” he knew he could bring something out that not only had substance but could be a huge breakout hit for the songwriters. Dierks also knew the risk in following up the mid tempo “Say You Do” (the third #1 hit from the Riser album after “I Hold On” and “Drunk On A Plane”) with another similar-sounding track could disenfranchise radio programmers (and perhaps fans) but he’s hoping they go with him for the substance of “Riser” demands it.
“I (didn’t) want to throw (a) tempo (song) out there just to throw (one) out there. I want to put out a great song,” Dierks told CMT’s Alison Bonaguro recently. “‘Riser’ is just important and I feel like I’d forever be kicking myself for not being brave enough to give it (a) shot.”
So while they could’ve done an easier song, Dierks says it best with “But this one needs to be heard. It affects people going through tough times, people can find strength in it.”
What do you think of the choice to release “Riser” as a single to country radio? Do you think it’ll be as big a hit as Dierks’ other songs?
Jacob Sudduth
Best song off of Riser.
Jason
Great song.....when I first got record it was my favorite song on it right next to "I Hold On". Both great written songs. Awesome lyrical substance. Hope it's a smash for him. It deserves to be.