By Emilia Benton
If his latest effort has anything to say about it, Keith Urban is undoubtedly floating on air with regard to his personal life. Country music’s favorite Aussie is back with “Defying Gravity,” his sixth album and the follow-up to 2006’s “Love, Pain and the Whole Crazy Thing,” which was a appropriately titled, as it followed a tumultuous period during which Urban spent time in rehab for alcohol abuse just weeks after his wedding to actress Nicole Kidman
Urban’s recognition as a stunning crossover guitarist has led many in Nashville to dub him the “thunder from down under,” a reputation he continues to embrace through his latest effort, with songs abundant with banjos and pedal steels. The majority of the songs on “Defying Gravity” showcase themes of optimism and joy, which is particularly evident in the album’s first single, and his tenth No. 1 hit, “Sweet Thing,” with its signature country twang in its chorus. Similarly, the latest single, “Kiss a Girl,” is complete with his trademark catchy tunes and poppy hooks, as is “My Heart is Open,” which shows off an impressive guitar solo.
What sets “Defying Gravity” apart from Urban’s previous recordings is the uplifting lyric-filled love songs, rather than somber ballads about regret. Urban’s work wouldn’t be complete without his without a couple of conviction-filled odes to Kidman in “Only You Can Love Me this Way” and the album’s closing ballad, “Thank You,” in which Urban sings “I thank God for grace and mercy that you became my wife.”
Other highlights on the album include “Standing Right in Front Of You,” “Why’s it Feel So Long,” and “I’m In,” a cover of a hit from fellow country artist Radney Foster, which play up Urban’s unique talent combining upbeat instrumentation to optimistic statements about the simple things in everyday life. “Hit the Ground Runnin'” has a favorable blend of electric guitars and the banjo.
While “Defying Gravity” certainly doesn’t have Urban taking any musical risks, there aren’t any real misfires either and Urban’s first No. 1 album proves that he’s getting closer to finding his perfect niche between the genres of country and pop-rock.