Smooth Sailing: Keith Urban's Musical Journey into Yacht Rock
Keith Urban has recently revealed the inspiration behind his new musical direction in an interview with the Today show. The Australian country singer has shifted his focus to yacht rock on his latest album, Flow State, which includes covers of classic '70s and '80s hits. This unexpected move to yacht rock, a smooth jazz and R&B-inspired soft rock genre, was a departure from Urban's usual country pop rock style. Urban shared that the decision to explore this new genre was spontaneous, as he had recently acquired a studio in Nashville and wanted to experiment with recording some yacht rock songs. After recording the covers with his band, Urban was pleasantly surprised by the outcome and felt that the genre suited him well. He also collaborated with Michael McDonald on an original song titled "We Go Back," further solidifying his new musical direction.
Urban's transition to yacht rock comes amidst concerns from fans about his post-divorce appearance, particularly at the ACM Awards in Las Vegas in May. Some fans expressed worry about Urban's demeanor at the event, commenting that he appeared anxious and out of place without his former partner, Nicole Kidman, by his side. Urban's friends reportedly noticed his discomfort at the event, prompting speculation about his adjustment to being on his own after his divorce from Kidman. Sources suggest that Urban has turned to retail therapy and self-care to cope with his nerves about flying solo, investing in a Nashville studio and focusing on his physical appearance. The singer's efforts to rejuvenate himself and explore a new musical direction reflect his commitment to personal growth and artistic evolution.
In conclusion, Keith Urban's foray into yacht rock with his latest album, Flow State, marks a significant shift in his musical style. Embracing a genre that diverges from his country roots, Urban has found inspiration in the smooth sounds of the '70s and '80s, surprising both himself and his fans with the results. As he navigates life post-divorce and adjusts to a new chapter, Urban's creative exploration and self-care efforts demonstrate his resilience and determination to evolve as an artist and individual.