The Reason Behind Keith Urban’s Album of Cover Songs
On June 12, Keith Urban will release his latest album, “Flow State,” which is anticipated to make waves in the country music scene. This album is unique in that, apart from one original track featuring Michael McDonald, the entire collection consists of covers from the yacht rock genre dating back to the ’70s and ’80s. The decision to create this album was unexpected both for fans and for Urban himself.
In an exclusive interview with Taste of Country Nights, Urban revealed that the creation of this album was somewhat serendipitous. After purchasing a studio in Nashville and spending nine months setting it up, he was eager to start recording. However, just as the studio was ready to go, Urban had to embark on the High and Alive world tour, leaving him craving a recording session. This led to the impromptu decision to record a few yacht rock songs with a session band just for fun. What was supposed to be a casual recording session quickly spiraled into something more significant.
As Urban explains, the recording process became infectious, leading to more and more covers being recorded. Over four months, the album began to take shape and reveal itself to Urban, with each track coming together naturally. Contrary to popular belief, none of this was pre-planned. Urban admits that a yacht rock record wasn’t even on his radar, highlighting the spontaneity and creativity that drove the album’s creation.
“Flow State” is Urban’s 13th studio album and features 10 soft-rock covers, along with collaborations with artists like John Mayer and Little Big Town. What sets Urban apart is his versatility as a musician – a songwriter, vocalist, and skilled guitarist. Known for pushing boundaries and experimenting with different sounds, Urban’s willingness to explore new genres is evident in this album.
Having had the opportunity to preview the album before its release, one can attest to the sheer brilliance of Urban’s reinterpretation of these classic tracks. His musical prowess shines through, breathing new life into familiar songs and making them sound fresh and contemporary. With his unique guitar skills and charismatic vocals, Urban has undoubtedly struck gold with “Flow State.”
In summary, Keith Urban’s unexpected foray into yacht rock covers with his album “Flow State” showcases his musical adaptability and creative flair. While the album was not part of his initial plans, its organic development and the passion Urban poured into it are palpable in each track. Fans can look forward to a captivating musical journey as they immerse themselves in Urban’s rendition of these timeless classics.