Keith Urban’s fascination with the concept of time—living in the moment amidst an overload of information—comes alive in his latest album ‘High' set to release on September 20. This marks his first album in nearly four years, offering a musical journey that explores themes of human connection, nostalgia, and pure fun. Pre-save or order here.
Urban explains, “I’ve always been drawn to the idea of living in the moment, because it’s all there is, and it’s hard to do. With so much content coming at us, it can feel overwhelming.”
The album's title reflects Urban's curiosity about the different interpretations of the word. “What makes you ‘high’ can mean whatever you want—physical, spiritual, or musical—it’s a place of utopia,” he says. For Urban, this high comes from family, friends, and his dynamic musical journey, especially when performing live.
With five of the twelve songs already available we decided to dig into a pre-review of the album and what we found was something shaping up to be a really special release and a career highlight as good as, if not better than albums like ‘Fuse' and ‘Ripcord.'
From the off it is clear that ‘High' is a masterful blend of the elements that have made Keith Urban a staple in country music for the last two decades. With a mix of uptempo anthems, heartfelt ballads, and skilful instrumentation, Urban once again proves his ability to craft songs that resonate with listeners on multiple levels. Here’s a look at five tracks from the album that are available right now.
Straight Line:
Kicking off with a signature Urban guitar riff, ‘Straight Line' immediately sets the tone for the album with its anthemic energy. The song is a celebration of love and freedom, reminiscent of Urban’s classics like ‘Long Hot Summer' and ‘Somebody Like You.' The catchy chorus, where he sings about going “straight into forever with you,” is filled with imagery of runaways and getaway cars, painting a picture of youthful abandon. The song’s vibrant energy is wrapped up perfectly with a classic Keith Urban guitar solo, making it an instant hit and a perfect way to kick off the album.
Messed Up as Me:
On the darker side, ‘Messed Up as Me' dives deep into the emotional turmoil of heartbreak. The song’s moody, bluesy melodies perfectly complement Urban’s raw and impassioned vocals as he sings about the pain of a failed relationship. The lyrics, “when I get it wrong, I get it real wrong,” are a stark reminder of the mistakes and regrets that often come with love. The mid-tempo drama of the song, combined with its late-night introspection, makes it a powerful and relatable track that showcases Urban’s ability to convey deep emotion through his music.
Wildside:
‘Wildside' is a poppy, upbeat track that adds a lighter touch to the album. The song tells the story of a girl with a hidden wild side, and Urban’s energetic delivery brings the narrative to life. With driving drums and a blend of guitar and banjo riffs, the song carries a slight 80s influence that adds to its infectious, feel-good vibe. The catchy, snappy chorus is pure Keith Urban, showcasing his knack for crafting songs that are both radio-friendly and packed with musicality. ‘Wildside' is a fun, uptempo track that’s sure to get stuck in your head.
Go Home W U ft. Lainey Wilson:
Featuring Lainey Wilson, ‘Go Home W U' is a mid-tempo duet that captures the carefree fun of a night out. Urban sings about living large in a small-town bar, with the song building up to the inevitable closing time decision of whether to drive home or stay and have more fun. Wilson’s verse adds a playful dynamic as she praises Urban as the MVP of fun. The song isn’t particularly about romance but rather the joy of shared experiences, perfectly captured in the boozy lyrics and back-and-forth vocals. A bluesy extended guitar outro rounds off the track, adding a touch of sophistication to this laid-back tune.
Heart Like a Hometown:
Sure to be one of the standout tracks on the album, ‘Heart Like a Hometown' is classic Keith Urban at his best. The mid-tempo song is a poignant reflection on love and longing, with Urban comparing his heart to a hometown—familiar, welcoming, and full of memories. The chorus, with its singalong quality, is both catchy and deeply emotional, as Urban sings, “I'll still let you right back in,” to the girl that drove away. The clever writing, with the double meaning of the hometown and the girl who left it, adds depth to the track. Urban’s guitar solo is, as always, a highlight, making this song a beautifully crafted piece of music that’s dripping in both heartbreak and hope.
‘High' is shaping up to be a testament to Keith Urban’s enduring talent and his ability to evolve while staying true to his roots. Whether he’s channeling youthful energy in ‘Straight Line,' exploring heartbreak in ‘Messed Up as Me,' or delivering pure fun in ‘Wildside' and ‘Go Home W U,' Urban shows that he’s still at the top of his game. After the poppier experimentation of the ‘Graffiti U' and ‘Speed of Now' albums it feels like Urban is returning more to the Country/Rock sound that was the foundation of his early success. Fans of ‘Days go By Era' Keith Urban are going to love ‘High.' The album’s mix of catchy hooks, emotional depth, and stellar musicianship make it a must-listen and we can't wait for the other seven songs.
