Country megastar Keith Urban explores yacht rock on new album

Keith Urban, a global country music megastar, is venturing into unexpected territory with his latest album, "Flow State." The 13th studio album is a collection of covers from the soft rock era of the 1970s and 80s, often referred to as yacht rock. This move might surprise fans, given Urban's deep and lifelong dedication to country music.

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I was nine years old when I first went to Tamworth. It's a massive part of my story and my life.

Urban's connection to country music began in his childhood. He recalls visiting Tamworth, Australia, a hub for aspiring country artists, at just nine years old. "It's a massive part of my story and my life," he told Henry Wagons on Double J and ABC Country's Tower Of Song. His early musical influences, cultivated by his father's record collection, included legends like Don Williams, Merle Haggard, and Charlie Pride.

Despite his polished sound, Urban maintains a love for raw, spontaneous performance. He reminisced about playing in cover bands in Brisbane after quitting school at 15, performing country and Top 40 hits in pubs. This experience, he says, is where he truly comes from. "Country and top 40 covers in pubs in Brisbane is really where I come from," he stated.

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Country and top 40 covers in pubs in Brisbane is really where I come from.

"Flow State" allows Urban to revisit songs that have captivated him for decades. He expresses particular enthusiasm for the intricate harmonies found in tracks like Little River Band's "Help Is On Its Way." The album includes interpretations of hits such as Robbie Dupree's "Steal Away," Seals & Croft's "Summer Breeze," and Player's "Baby Come Back," showcasing his appreciation for the era's tight songwriting and immaculate production.

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What's better than a harmony guitar part? A triple harmony guitar part.