Keith Urban, a well-known country music star, exhibits a unique songwriting style that spans multiple genres. However, his latest move with the 2026 album Flow State came as a surprise. The album includes an original song with Michael McDonald and ten yacht rock covers. Yacht rock refers to soft rock from the mid-to-late ’70s and early ’80s, with classics like Player’s “Baby Come Back” and Grover Washington Jr. and Bill Withers’ “Just the Two of Us.”
Creating ‘Flow State’
Urban’s unexpected shift started with the reopening of The Sound, formerly known as the Tracking Room studio in Nashville. He suggested recording a yacht rock song due to his love for this loosely defined genre, attracted by its strong arrangements. Urban, alongside producer Dann Huff and session musicians, used this genre for its joyful spirit. The sessions turned what was initially considered an EP into a full-length album as it grew naturally.
Urban valued maintaining the integrity of classic yacht rock songs without simply replicating them. Instead, Flow State carries Urban’s unique sound. For instance, the track “Summer Breeze” features an extended outro with keyboard and acoustic guitar, adding a fresh twist while respecting its original essence. Extended outros throughout the album allowed for experimentation.
Collaborations and Original Track
The album includes standout collaborations such as Little Big Town on Walter Egan’s “Magnet and Steel” and John Mayer on Bread’s “The Guitar Man.” The sole original piece, “We Go Back,” co-written with BRELAND, Sam Sumser, and Sean Small, features Michael McDonald. Urban described reaching out to McDonald after imagining his voice on the track back in 2020, and to his delight, McDonald embraced the collaboration.
A Timely Escape
Urban describes the covers in Flow State as comforting, reminiscent tunes that resonate as powerfully now as upon their initial release. The collection offers listeners an escape, resonating with audiences in 2026 due to the persisting divisiveness. The music uplifts and offers a sense of unity and peace.
The album emerged during a challenging period marked by Urban’s divorce from Nicole Kidman after 19 years. Despite this personal turbulence, Urban found the process of creating Flow State refreshing, reflecting movement and effortless production. He regards the music as a powerful connector, providing solace and allowing people to pause, if only for a moment.