After enduring rehab for substance abuse issues, Keith Urban releases Defying Gravity as a get-back-on-his-feet-type of album. It is an appropriate title for the songs featured on the new release. A major difference from previous albums, the songs feature more of an uplifting and hopeful tone. Regretful, relationship-failing lyrics have a lesser presence on this CD compared to his last album, Love, Pain the Whole Crazy Thing. As always, his songs feature catchy choruses and one of them, “Sweet Thing,” has already topped country charts and can be found on any country station — not surprising for Keith Urban whose popularity has still withheld his past trials.
The saddest song on the album, “‘Til Summer Comes Around,” about waiting for a love to return, still has this hopeful tone that’s interwoven throughout all of his lyrics. Defying Gravity is a very feel-good album that is balanced in the sense that it is not too dramatic, something non-country fans have criticized this genre for. His lyrics are filled with good intentions and sometimes the melody is a little darker, but it fits completely with Urban’s artistic style and symbolizes what he has gone through with the releasing of his last album. He has just gone through rehab and has recently had a baby girl, Sunday Rose, with his wife Nicole Kidman. In his album dedication and the song “Thank you” he tells his wife she “gave him life.” There’s this theme of rebirth and renewal and it is brought through all of his songs like “Kiss a Girl,” where instead of focusing on the devastation of a broken relationship, Urban writes about how he can’t wait to be with someone again. “And it took some but I’m feeling like I’m/ Finally ready to find, find somebody new.”
Another notable song, “Hit the Ground Running,” immediately catches the listener’s attention, mixing bluegrass and rock melodies. The song’s lyrics also focus on going after what you want and being ready for anything once again focusing on Urban’s desire to live a more accomplished life. For those who like a little bit of Kenny Chesney and Jimmy Buffett-esque music, “Why’s It Feel So Long” may be of interest with a melody inspired by both of those artists.
Perhaps Urban is experimenting with a few musical styles, but nevertheless, it only contributes to the album. Country fans will love this album because, overall, it features multiple songs that are just plain and simply good. For those who would rather not listen to country, the album should still be noted because Urban does have that slightly country twang, however a lot of his music reflects different genres. The lyrics are catchy, not overly dramatic, and they put everyone in the mood for summer and good times. Expect this album in its entirety to do well on the charts.
4 1/2 stars out of 5.
