This Friday (April 27th) marks the release of Keith Urban’s GRAFFITI U, his first new studio album in nearly two years.  The much-anticipated follow up to 2016’s record-breaking, No. 1, platinum album RIPCORD, GRAFFITI U is a natural musical progression that began with FUSE, but it also marks where Urban currently resides creatively. It’s this sense of presence during his writing and recording process that gives each of Urban’s albums an unabashed honesty and authenticity.

“There were no parameters or preconceived ideas,” says Keith.  “I began this process with a completely blank canvas. Every initial spark is organic and then expanded upon, like the art of graffiti, so the name really fit the music. I also liked the idea of “you” the listener (or the audience), because this is an inclusive experience. And because of my last name we had a little grammatical fun and shortened it to U.”

When Keith titles his albums, he usually does it with a lot of care, time and consideration. The last two — Ripcord and Fuse — had energy-driven titles, while his new record, Graffiti U has a very free, no boundaries feel to it. “As the record started to reveal itself to me, the word ‘graffiti’ kept coming to me out of the blue,” says Keith. “I’ve always loved that word, loved the sound of the word, and then I loved the fact that it’s art-driven. When I think of graffiti, I think of self-expression, personal expression, absolutely personal expression whether you’re painting something on the side of a building in a city or whether you’re painting ‘Billy Bob Loves Charlene’ on the side of an overpass [laughs], it’s all graffiti and it’s all free and pure and very personal, and I thought this record feels like that to me.”

A soaring spirit spray-painted right from the heart, Keith’s curiosity powers each moment on GRAFFITI U and the very title speaks to that personal and passionate vibrancy, vitality, and vision.

Of his continued drive to collaborate and explore his musical curiosity, Keith says, “I’ve always been creatively curious and I follow that passionately. That’s why I work with different people, and on this album predominantly new people, giving me an opportunity to discover new musical sides of myself.”

When Keith titles his albums, he usually does it with a lot of care, time and consideration. The last two — Ripcord and Fuse — had energy-driven titles, while his new record, Graffiti U has a very free, no boundaries feel to it. “As the record started to reveal itself to me, the word ‘graffiti’ kept coming to me out of the blue,” says Keith. “I’ve always loved that word, loved the sound of the word, and then I loved the fact that it’s art-driven. When I think of graffiti, I think of self-expression, personal expression, absolutely personal expression whether you’re painting something on the side of a building in a city or whether you’re painting ‘Billy Bob Loves Charlene’ on the side of an overpass [laughs], it’s all graffiti and it’s all free and pure and very personal, and I thought this record feels like that to me.”

Graffiti U, which has already seen the release of “Female” and “Coming Home,” features over thirty songwriting, producer and featured guest performance credits, including Greg Wells, Dann Huff, Mike Elizondo, Ed Sheeran, Ross Copperman, JHart, Julia Michaels, Nicolle Galyon, J.R. Rotem, Shane McAnally, Shy Carter and a signature lick for “Coming Home,” which credits Merle Haggard as one of its songwriters.

 

GRAFFITI U TRACK LIST:

Coming Home (Featuring Julia Michaels)
Written by Keith Urban, J.R. Rotem, Julia Michaels, Merle Haggard, Nicolle Galyon
Produced by J.R. Rotem & Keith Urban

Never Comin Down
Written by Keith Urban, Josh Kerr, James Abrahart, Shy Carter
Produced by Josh Kerr & Keith Urban

Same Heart
Written by Keith Urban, Jason Evigan, Emily Weisband, Jordan Minton
Produced by Jason Evigan & Keith Urban

My Wave (Featuring Shy Carter)
Written by Keith Urban, Greg Wells, Shy Carter
Produced by Greg Wells & Keith Urban

Parallel Line
Written by Ed Sheeran, Benjamin Levin, Johnny McDaid, Julia Michaels, Amy Wadge
Contains elements of “Everglow” courtesy of Chris Martin, Will Champion, Jonny Buckland, Guy Berryman, Tor Hermansen and Mikkel Eriksen used by permission.
Produced by Benny Blanco, Ed Sheeran, Johnny McDaid & Keith Urban

Drop Top (Featuring Kassi Ashton)
Written by Keith Urban, Jimmy Robbins, Mozella, Josh Osborne
Produced by Jesse Shatkin, Jimmy Robbins & Keith Urban

Way Too Long
Written by Oscar Holter, Julia Michaels, Nate Ruess
Produced by Oscar Holter for Wolf Cousins Productions

Horses (Featuring Lindsay Ell)
Written by Matt Rad, Mozella, Jamie Scott
Produced by Matt Rad & Keith Urban

Gemini
Written by Keith Urban, Julia Michaels, Justin Tranter, Ian Kirkpatrick
Produced by Ian Kirkpatrick & Keith Urban

 Texas Time
Written by Max Townsley, Drew Erickson, Steve Lindsey, Dillon O’Brian
Produced by Mike Elizondo & Keith Urban

Love The Way It Hurts (So Good)
Written by Keith Urban, Ben Berger, Ryan Rabin, Ryan McMahon
Produced by Captain Cuts & Keith Urban

Female
Written by Nicolle Galyon, Ross Copperman, Shane McAnally
Produced by Ross Copperman, Dann Huff & Keith Urban

Steal My Thunder
Written by Keith Urban, Jason Evigan, Emily Weisband, Jordan Minton
Produced by Jason Evigan & Keith Urban

For more official Keith Urban news and information go to www.keithurban.net.