In a bold move for his artistic journey, country music star Keith Urban recently took a step back from his planned album titled ‘615,’ named after Nashville’s area code.
After completing the album, Urban realized it didn’t resonate with him as he had hoped and chose to scrap it entirely.
Reflecting on this decision, Urban expressed, “I think subconsciously I was wondering if sometimes my albums feel a bit scattershot and hard to define what they are.”
He recognized the need for a more focused and defined sound, prompting him to experiment with new songs and ideas.
However, this approach led to a product that felt excessively linear, a departure from the spontaneity that had characterized his previous records.
Urban stated, “I started recording those kinds of sounds and songs, and it didn’t allow for as much spontaneity as I’ve done on every other record — and exploration. The result was something a little bit too linear for me.”
After setting aside the ‘615’ project, Urban felt liberated and confirmed his instinct to embrace spontaneity in the studio.
The breakthrough came with the creation of the song “Chuck Taylors,” which he described as buoyant and energetic, a reflection of the newfound freedom in his creative process.
This was the beginning of a new chapter for Urban, and he subsequently named his new album “High” to symbolize the joy he experienced during the recording process.
Released last fall, “High” opens with the vibrant track “Straight Line,” featuring catchy hooks and a rootsy groove that fans have come to love.
The album also includes heartfelt ballads like “Daytona” and “Messed Up As Me,” which were originally intended for the scrapped ‘615’ but fit seamlessly into the overall feel of “High.”
Urban’s artistic exploration extends throughout the album, with tracks such as “Chuck Taylors” showcasing a fresh blend of acoustic guitar and synthetic beats.
“Laughin’ All the Way To the Drank” offers an energetic instrumental experience characterized by banjo, violin, and guitar solos, amplifying the album’s lively essence.
Overall, “High” stands out as a diverse collection, combining familiar comfort food sounds with adventurous new ones, appealing to a broad range of listeners.
As Urban prepared to embark on his High and Alive World Tour, he felt that it was time to refresh his live performances as well.
In an unexpected turn, he parted ways with three key members of his touring band, including renowned drummer Terence F. Clark and guitarist-keyboardist Nathan Barlowe.
Most notably, he separated from his longtime collaborator Jerry Flowers, who had been a fixture in Urban’s band since 1997.
Urban emphasized that this decision stemmed from a desire to step out of his comfort zone, stating, “I kind of have to just keep creating new things and creating with new people creates new things.”
He acknowledged that this year felt particularly powerful for change, encouraging him to embrace unfamiliar musical environments.
Known for his electrifying live shows, Urban promises concert-goers will have a memorable experience during the tour.
“We’ve got obviously new songs to put in there from the new record,” he noted, highlighting the excitement of performing fresh material.
Additionally, Urban plans to delve into his extensive catalog, reviving older songs and incorporating spontaneous acoustic moments to keep each night unique.
“I want it to be a high-energy night, so we come out the gate swinging with the first couple of songs,” Urban affirmed.
His mission for the concert experience is clear: to provide fans with an escape from their everyday lives and leave them in a happier state by the end of the night.
With the tour approaching, Urban’s commitment to authenticity and creativity continues to inspire his fans and the music community alike.
image source from：https://www.ajc.com/arts-entertainment/2025/05/keith-urban-is-feeling-spontaneous-and-in-high-gear-as-tour-hits-atlanta-area/
