Since 1991, Australian Keith Urban has been reshaping the face of country music alongside contemporaries like Martina McBride, Faith Hill, and Tim McGraw. Urban’s style is considered country but it definitely appeals to a much wider audience including those who primarily listen to AC and Pop artists. Defying Gravity has arrived and, judging by the fact that it cracked the Top 10 in its first week of release, Keith Urban’s rabid fans are rejoicing. As a matter of fact, Defying Gravity is Urban’s first album to debut in the number one position.
Defying Gravity will sound very familiar to longtime Urban fans. Perhaps, the biggest asset on this release is the fact that Urban apparently feels little need to reinvent the wheel. The album is chocked full of positivity, featuring upbeat, high energy performances, big heartfelt ballads, and plenty of inspirational (and semi-occasionally cheesy) lyrics. “Kiss a Girl,” the somewhat funky “Sweet Thing,” and “Hit the Ground Running” are all Pop gems with a country tinge that will have you singing along in no time, even if you are resistant to it. “Thank You” is the grand prize though, easily ranking itself as the definitive album highlight. The song is a mid-tempo power ballad and ode to his wife. Although it’s more than a little sappy, the lyrics speak truths that those in love can certainly relate to in both specific and broad ways.
Overall this is a solid Pop Country album that is a good bit better than most of what is out there today. Urban is a veteran artist and this is his first album that really lets that shine through. Defying Gravity is a mature release with a little something for everyone. It’s pretty hard to not like.
Reviewed by Mark Fisher
