Diverse Country Vibes with Keith Urban

I grew up listening to Don Williams. He was my Dad's favorite artist and his tapes were the only ones found in the house during my childhood. I have memorized most of his songs by heart (i.e. I Believe in You; Lord, I Hope This Day Is Good; and It Must Be Love, to name a few).

My father's choice of music has influenced me so it is no surprise I was drawn to western or country early on, becoming my favorite genre for many years before Pop came into the picture.

I have loved the genre in different forms or subgenres - country rock, soft country, contemporary, country pop, alternative, country rap, folk, gospel country, etc. I've listened repeatedly to John Denver, Garth Brooks, Shania Twain, Alan Jackson, Alison Krauss, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Carrie Underwood, George Strait, Tanya Tucker, Vince Gill, Miranda Lambert, Dixie Chicks, and many more I could go on and on.

While I can listen to any genre, Country had my heart first and Pop second. The genre has unique ballads that speak or connect to the soul, dance tunes plus different instrument accompaniments like banjos, guitars, fiddles, etc. Speaking of instruments reminded me of one whose hit songs feature his acoustic guitar playing prowess and signature sound. He's also our (the Farmboy and I) long-time favorite, none other than Nicole Kidman's better half, Keith Urban.

Urban blends traditional country instrumentation with pop, rock, and blues elements making it his unique sound. His strumming and fingerpicking techniques are also worth mentioning as they add to his appeal.

Anyway, let me share three of his songs we have loved listening to, especially during our dating years. But why 3? I'll answer that toward the end of this post :)

Blue Ain't Your Color

This song showcases Urban's guitar and music style blending pop, blues, and country.

It was released in 2016, becoming one of Urban's number-one hits, having two Grammy nominations at the 59th Grammy Awards for Best Country Solo Performance for Urban and Best Country Song (for its songwriters). In 2017, the track won the CMA Award for Single of the Year and the American Music Award for Favorite Country Song.

Somebody Like You

An upbeat country rock that is fun to listen to on any day. A fusion of rock, pop, folk, and country which shows yet again the artist's diverse music and his willingness to be out of the box.

The song was released in July 2002 as one of the singles on Urban's third studio album. It was a hit becoming his second number 1 song on the US Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks. It was remixed and used as one of the soundtracks in the film How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. In 2009, it was named by Billboard as the number-one country song of the 2000s decade.

Making Memories of Us

Another ballad single by the artist was released in 2005. The song was also recorded by two other musicians (i.e. Tracy Byrd and Vince Gill) but Urban's rendition was the most popular, making it to the number 1 spot on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs and staying there for 5 weeks.

And finally a bonus track just for today. I know, I lied saying 3 but it wouldn't hurt to add another, lol! Here's You'll Think of Me.

This emotional country ballad, blending rock and country sounds was released in December 2004. This track won Urban his first Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance in 2006. (src)

Keith Urban is one of the big names in the music industry and continues to innovate. I read that he has had a big impact on the Country music scene and paved the way for numerous artists to blend new elements into their music.

His newer singles show his versatility and collaborative spirit. We love The Fighter with Carrie Underwood, Messed Up As Me, and something surprisingly different, Parallel Lines.

There ends my participation in today's topic on the July INLEO in collaboration with the Afri-Tunes community. Check this post out and share yours too. Coincidentally, my entry to the Three Tune Tuesday (TTT) by Ablaze. Thank you and happy Tuesday.