Keith Urban makes unexpected career shift with ‘unplanned’ pivot

Keith Urban, a prominent figure in country music, has recently taken a surprising career turn with his latest album, Flow State. Despite his widespread success and numerous accolades, including 14 CMA Awards, five ARIAs, four Grammys, and four American Music Awards, Urban’s latest work strays from his traditional style, venturing into covering yacht rock anthems from recent decades.

In an exclusive interview with Nine entertainment editor, Richard Wilkins, Urban revealed that the creation of Flow State was unplanned. After acquiring a studio in Nashville and spending nine months restoring it, Urban and his band decided to experiment with recording a few yacht rock songs before kicking off the High Tour. Much to their surprise, the music they produced during this casual session turned out to be impressive.

Flow State features renditions of popular yacht rock songs like “Summer Breeze,” “Steal Away,” “Baby Come Back,” and “Just The Two Of Us.” While staying true to the original compositions, Urban adds his unique touch to each track. Despite the challenges of covering well-known songs, Urban shared that the feedback from his team and collaborating with Michael McDonald on a new track, “We Go Back,” added to the album’s distinctive sound.

Reflecting on the album’s evolution, Urban mentioned that the direction of Flow State seemed to create itself, with him merely following its course. He also discussed the last-minute addition of the collaboration with Michael McDonald, which came together swiftly per the suggestion of his manager Jonathan Daniel. Urban expressed delight in the positive reception of Flow State, hinting at its potential inclusion in his live shows, though a dedicated tour for the album has yet to be confirmed.

As fans eagerly await the opportunity to experience Flow State live, the album is currently available for purchase and download. Urban’s unexpected departure from his usual country music style has brought forth a refreshing and unexpected chapter in his illustrious career. Embracing the nostalgia and vibe of yacht rock anthems, Keith Urban’s Flow State stands as a unique and innovative addition to his musical repertoire.