No Ruby Slippers Needed For This Golden Road

Keith Urban, Australia’s country hottie, returned after his self-titled American debut with Golden Road. His journey as country music’s leading male performer began at the tender age of six when his parents bartered, trading free advertising for free guitar lessons. His talent eventually earned him some number one songs in Australia before he moved to Nashville. Recording with his band The Ranch and doing session work with stars like Garth Brooks and The Dixie Chicks, Urban worked his way up the country ladder and is now a superstar in his own right. Golden Road displays why with it’s adept musicianship, descriptive lyrics and Urban’s pleasant and sincere voice.

There’s a new wind blowing like I’ve never known
I’m breathing deeper than I’ve ever done
And it sure feels good to finally feel the way I do
Now I want to love somebody, love somebody like you

The album opens with “Somebody Like You”, a celebration of life and love as communicated by the frolicking guitars and playful banjo that laces the whole song. Managing to blend superior musicianship with a fantastic hook the song is written so that it just couldn’t go wrong. “Who Wouldn’t Want To Be Me” is carried on a rock backbone even though the music churning on the top is pure country.

“Whenever I Run” is a great little ballad about having someone you can turn to when things get difficult and any woman would love having this song dedicated to them. The guitar riff that runs through the chorus actually sounds like the main motive in “True Colors” by Cyndi Lauper but I don’t think it was intentional. It doesn’t really matter because the song as a whole doesn’t sound like anything else.

Another big hit off this album is the vulnerable and extremely well written ballad about a relationship that’s over “You’ll Think Of Me”. What really sets this song apart is the exceptional lyrics. The song really makes you see the heartbreak and gives you a window into the relationship and how it feels to have it be over.

“Blue Jeans” is a playful, blues flavored romp that easily could be used in a Levi’s commercial. When I first heard this song I wasn’t really into it, but it grows on you with each listen. Continuing a clothes theme we now move onto the sexy and fun “You Look Good In My Shirt”. Basically meeting up with an old girlfriend and getting together again, the song once again has some great lyrics and a fun, inspired melody. You can hear a little Natalie Maines influence on the vocals.

There are two powerful ballads on this album. The first is “You’re Not Alone” is a song about a higher power taking care of you. Not really focusing on God, Urban alone deftly address all different types of higher powers a person might draw support from. The music features an organ and the song manages to be inspiring without being hackneyed. “You’re Not My God” is another moving ballad that addresses addiction, greed and being lost in a deeply personal and engaging way. Urban battled cocaine addiction and he faces that with strength as he sings:
Little white lines on a mirror cut neatly in a row
Medicine that kept me from looking in my soul
I thought you were the answer to all of my despair
You almost had me six feet down but I’m still breathing air
Working with addicts in recovery I often show them this song because I think it’s a wonderful one for giving hope and a little reality. Make sure to stick around for the hidden track that comes after. It ends the album in a more lighthearted manner.

“Song For Dad” is another song written by Urban by himself and it’s a beautiful one about how he is so much like his dad. It’s a highlight on the album and touching. The song is definitely something a lot of guys could relate to.

Sultry and romantic, “Raining On Sunday” is one of my favorite love songs by Keith Urban because he gives such a convincing delivery. (Not to mention the idea of spending a rainy Sunday with him sounds VERY nice) Although he didn’t actually write this song he still makes it his own. All the little guitar touches give the song depth even though it’s basic structure is like a lot of other hits on the radio. There’s this one part towards the end where the guitar just kind of screeches it’s way up before the music drops back that is just a great touch. Anyway, this is a great song.

This album is probably one of my favorite country albums because it is so consistently likeable. He manages to cover lots of different emotions and balance sense of humor with a sense of life. There’s enough rock flavor to this that people who don’t generally like country might still like this album. It just is a good album no matter what genre you’re into.