Back with his first album in nearly four years, Keith Urban has announced his new record, HIGH, will be released on September 20th. A press release describes the album as “a musical journey, intentionally sequenced through themes of what it is to be alive, human connection, cutting loose, huge hook choruses, hope, nostalgia, shredding solos, straight-up fun, and some personal life revelations.”
“I’ve always been drawn toward the subject of living in the moment, because it’s all there is, and it’s hard to do,” Urban shares. “And these days with so much ‘content’ flying at us, it can feel like drinking from a fire hose.” The album’s title was inspired by the many meanings of the word ‘high:’ “what makes you ‘high’ can mean whatever you want it to mean. It might be physical, spiritual, herbal, meditative, chemical or musical, but it’s definitely a place of utopia.”
He continues, “For me it’s my family, my friends, and this rollercoaster musical journey I’m on. Playing guitar, writing songs and the place where I always feel high – playing live. Every night I get a chance to bring an energy and a release to people.”
Highs, however, come with lows. Urban first tried to make the album during a hectic period in 2022.“At the time I was on tour. I’d do a concert, go back to Nashville to record, do a concert, and come back to record, and over again. So, I thought I’d call the album 615. That’d keep me on track – focused and disciplined.” However, he explains, “there was no continuity. The songs didn’t work well together. I learned that what I thought was a framework to create within, turned out to be musically limiting.”
Alongside the announcement, Urban has shared a new single, “WILDSIDE.” The party anthem is loosely based on Joan Cusack’s character in the movie “School of Rock.” “She’s the principal of a school by day, all prim and proper,” Urban explains. “And then, a few tequilas at night and all bets are off.” The new single follows “STRAIGHT LINE,” “GO HOME W U” with Lainey Wilson, and HIGH’s current radio single “MESSED UP AS ME.”
