Country music superstar Keith Urban has spent decades perfecting his craft, but even with one of the most consistent careers in contemporary country, creating his 11th studio album, High, wasn’t easy.
Released Friday, High marks Urban’s first album in four years since The Speed of Now Part 1 (2020). Despite the long break, the journey to this album was anything but straightforward. During the hiatus, Urban composed and ultimately discarded another album titled 615.
Reflecting on the decision to scrap 615, Urban shared, “It’s the only time I’ve gone into the studio with a clear intent to make a specific kind of record with focus. I thought maybe my musical adventurousness needed more discipline.” He admits that the result, though focused, felt “linear” and lacked the curiosity and spirit that usually defines his sound.
Urban realized that the album missed the blend of order and chaos that often fuels his creativity. In High, he revisits themes of love, life, and loss, notably drawing inspiration from the memory of his late father. With this album, Urban continues to explore the balance between structure and spontaneity, giving fans a project that feels both fresh and familiar.
