Graffiti U, Review of Keith Urban’s Latest CD
Release date April 27, 2018
Rebecca Baker
As a longtime Keith Urban fan, there are some CDs I like more than others. Any longtime fan of an artist will certainly not love everything they release. However, experience has taught me that some of the albums that made me initially react with a “Huh? What was that?” often go on to become life-lasting favorites (Bon Jovi’s Keep the Faith and These Days come to mind).
Graffiti U certainly gave me the “Huh?” effect on first listen. And even though I was sonically overwhelmed with the fusion of influences and styles, I noticed one thing immediately—I was moving. I reacted with instinct to the music while my intellect was processing the nuances. I hear a combination of so many other artists, eras, and genres in this CD that it is uniquely Keith Urban. I think he’s probably the only artist since Prince in his heyday who could be this experimental and create songs that are sure to be loved by fans and critics alike. And, since Prince has passed, it would be pretty easy to give the crown of the singularly most talented individual in music to Keith Urban. While he does not write/co-write every song he records, he has the humility to record a song that he did not write if he sees an opportunity to make magic. This is not to take away from his songwriting abilities. Gemini, which he wrote by himself is one of the best tracks on the CD.
Country music purists will certainly sound the alarm that this isn’t country and shouldn’t be on country radio. But, it’s exponentially better than what these Bro Country acts are getting away with publishing under the umbrella of “country.” The fact is, many of these songs can slide right into country radio and widen the spectrum of what country is and, at the same time, find a home on pop stations.
If you’ve ever seen Keith Urban live, you have probably imagined that he was born with a guitar in his hands as he plays so naturally and fluidly that it’s like an extension of his soul. He is one of those individuals who was absolutely born to be a musician. Beyond guitar, he plays piano, bass guitar, gango, drums, and ebow and he’s a brilliant vocalist. There’s a rhythm in his moves and in the sounds he can create that is absolutely visceral. The experimentation on this album is a demonstration of what a musical genius can create when not constrained by formulas or chasing another hit single. He doesn’t have to chase hit songs. He’s breaking through the limiting definitions of what is what in genres. I believe that letting loose and following the muse has given the world something that no one else could have created. I also appreciate that he is really letting himself play guitar on some album tracks while that is often saved for concert performances.
The best songs on this CD are Gemini, Drop Top, Never Coming Down, Texas Time, Coming Home, and Horses. Listening to any of the songs will take you on a journey and might provide a source of entertainment for your coworkers while you bop and tap and dance in your chair with your headphones on.
Is there an artist in this time who is braver than Keith Urban? He’s a verified country super-star, the Susan Lucci of Entertainer of the Year awards. This is an artist making what he wants on his own terms and, believe me, radio will be richer for it when they get these singles that will outshine any formula that’s being followed in the hit factories. I hope more artists will follow suit and stop making the expected and be the creative masters they are meant to be.
Get this CD and if you say, “Huh?” take stock of your shoulders rolling and your feet tapping and make sure to give a 2nd, 3rd, 4th, listen…. Because soon it will be on constant replay on your chosen devices.
Highlights: Gemini, Never Coming Down, Drop Top, Texas Time
Low Points: Parallel Line, Way Too Long (I have to admit a bias against ballads from any artist.)
Bottom Line: This CD will leave you buoyant and invigorated.
Keith Urban’s Graffiti U Track Listing:
“Coming Home”
“Never Comin Down”
“Same Heart”
“My Wave”
“Parallel Line”
“Drop Top”
“Way Too Long”
“Horses”
“Gemini”
“Texas Time”
“Love The Way It Hurts (So Good)”
“Female”
“Steal My Thunder”
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Photo Gallery- NYE 2016 Nashville, TN
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