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I only began listening to Keith Urban in late 2004 (so I am a relative newbie) when he released the amazing "Be There", which was apparently the CD that took Urban into the stratosphere of success. It's not hard to see why as that release, as well as this one have sold have. They both really grab you into the songs and don't let you go. If I had to try to explain to someone who never heard this artist why I love Keith's music is that it is intimate, sweeping, catchy, loud and while very much rooted in country it is not a slave to the genre. From an Australian? I keep seeing stereotypes tumbling down...
While most reviews for this release have been very positive, I can understand why some, especially long term fans, don't like the direction that Keith's music has taken as he has stepped away from what could be considered the center of country music. Artists as diverse as Wynnona, Faith Hill, k.d. Lang, and possibly the granddaddy of all, Garth Brooks, (just to name a few) have suffered the wrath of some fans for what they see as selling out by becoming more mainstream. What some may not take into account is that most music is a patchwork of sorts that is influenced by music from all over the world and from different genres within each culture. For example, there is no denying that from the very beginning, The Eagles, Jackson Browne and Linda Ronstadt where as rooted in country as in rock. Listen to "Take It Easy" if you have any doubts.
I don't see this release as anything but something from a really successful artist who is following his own bliss. If you happen to like more traditional country music, nothing here will satisfy that need. Urban's voice does all sorts of things during the release, at times reminding me of Glenn Frye of The Eagles, Kenny Loggins and even the lead singer from the 80's band Toto. This is a complement as it's not derivative.
There is a little of everything here. Some of the most touching songs include "Shine", "I Can's Stop Loving You" (what a song!!!!) and "Stupid". There are some killer guitar-driven songs ("Faster Car") and some funked out songs that sound entirely like a new genre. "Tu Compania" is an example of two-stepping funk that ends with some sexy female voices as the end that not only make it sound fresh, but also timely. "God Made Woman" starts out with a choir sound not too dissimilar to the Rolling Stones' "You Can't Get What You Want", but then steers in a totally different direction. There is even some baroque sounds to give the ear a good workout.
I could go on, but you get the point: I like this CD a lot. If you liked "Be Here", you may love this CD as it takes what was great about it and mixes it up with sounds that just make you want to listen to each song over and over again. But again, if you don't like your country music to steer away from convention, this release it not for you. I hope that this last part does not offend as I love traditional country music too, but let's not penalize Urban for being who he is or as someone who has abandoned those who first supported him or married a movie star. We all have to follow our own paths, even if they don't lead to places where those who raised us would want that to be. Cheesy comment on my part? Sure, but I hope the point comes across. Enjoy!
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