Music review: Keith Urban – ‘Graffiti U’
On the opening track of “Graffiti U,” Keith Urban samples a portion of Merle Haggard’s “Mama Tried.” But don’t be fooled, Urban’s latest album isn’t your typical contemporary country effort.
The 50-year-old songwriter, vocalist and guitarist follows the same blueprint of 2016’s “Ripcord” by crafting another diverse set of genre-bending arrangements offering up a heavy dosage of crossover appeal.
“There’s a place that I know where they all know me/I gotta get back now to the ones who love me,” sings Urban on “Coming Home.” Paired with singer-songwriter Julia Michaels, Urban yearns to return to a familiar place that provides plenty of comfort, security and love.
“Never Comin’ Down” is a party anthem that pulsates under a slick bass groove with Urban dishing the details about an evening full of good friends, hot music and plenty of ice cold beer to keep the festivities going all night long.
“My Wave” finds Urban rolling with the punches on the feel-good number that features Shy Carter warning us to stay clear of the people who try to steal our sunshine and dampen our dreams.
Up-and-comer Kassi Ashton provides an infectious vibe to “Drop Top.” Letting the wind surge through your hair during a carefree cruise on the open road certainly makes for a memorable summertime adventure.
After hearing the first few notes of “Parallel Line,” it is easy to recognize that this stirring ballad was co-written by Ed Sheeran. Urban mirrors Sheeran’s knack for capturing the pure emotion of the moment with the heart-on-your-sleeve tune about finding love at just the right time.
“Way Too Long” is another tender love song about trying to keep love alive. This is my favorite selection on the album as Urban’s voice captures the vulnerability and sadness surfacing through the inability to change as he sings, “Though I tried to open up/It’s no use, I’m frozen in the stage/Being great at pushing everyone I love/I love away.”
“Same Heart” is a touching illustration about trying to move on after a broken heart and “Horses” is another album highlight that features Canadian country singer Lindsay Ell.
Area fans can catch Urban when he comes to Pittsburgh for a performance at KeyBank Pavilion on June 23.
Clint Rhodes is the Herald-Standard music reviewer. He can be reached at clinton43@me.com.