Keith Urban is a celebrated country music star with 13 CMA Awards. He recently spoke to the Associated Press about why he went in a different direction for his new album.
The 2026 record “Flow State” includes 10 yacht rock covers and an original song with Michael McDonald. The genre swap is a surprise to many, including Urban. He didn’t see it coming, sharing, “I didn’t either, no.”
The 58-year-old was interested in creating a yacht rock album because of its ability to connect people.
“One theme, one feeling, one emotion that just lets us all exhale for a minute — and look up and see a blue sky — just for three minutes and 30 seconds, is so needed,” he said.
Not knowing they were creating Urban’s next album, the singer recorded two songs in one day with his band and producer Dann Huff. They knew they had something and kept going back to the studio.
“I thought, well, maybe this will be an EP, something that’s in between albums,” he said. “It really took on a life of its own.”
That’s when “Flow State” was born.
The “Somebody Like You” singer wanted the songs he included on the record to be as meaningful now as when they were originally released.
“The music was almost an antidote to the stresses of the times. And I think the reason it hits now is for the exact same reason it did back then, which is — there’s just so much divisiveness,”
It’s been a difficult year for Urban. The country music star and actor Nicole Kidman officially divorced in January after 19 years of marriage.
“The record’s called ‘Flow State’ for a really good reason,” he said. “It really was about just constant movement. And yeah, it was a challenging record to make at the same time, for something that kind of sounds so effortless. It was quite a juxtaposition at the time. But I’m really grateful for the way that the record turned out and obviously I’m very, very protective of my family and I’ve remained that way the whole time.”
“Flow State” will be available on digital platforms and CD June 12.
This story was originally published by Parade on Jun 11, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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