Keith Urban, known for his diverse songwriting style, has surprised fans with the 2026 album “Flow State.” This album includes an original track featuring music legend Michael McDonald and covers of ten yacht rock classics. Yacht rock is a term for soft rock from the late ’70s and early ’80s, including songs like Player’s “Baby Come Back” and Grover Washington Jr. and Bill Withers’ “Just the Two of Us.” Even Urban found his musical shift unexpected, stating, “I didn’t either, no.”
How Urban Created ‘Flow State’
The journey began with the reopening of a renovated studio, The Sound, in Nashville. Urban and his team decided to record a yacht rock song, a genre they admired for its strong musical arrangements. After recording two tracks in one day with session musicians and producer Dann Huff, the momentum grew. What was intended as an EP expanded into a full album. “It really took on a life of its own,” Urban said.
The album, full of joy and spirit, allowed for creativity without altering the essence of the classics. Urban took liberties with extended outros, adding his personal touch. An example is “Summer Breeze,” where they extended the ending with keyboards and acoustic guitar. “Those moments kept presenting themselves,” Urban explained, emphasizing the balance between honoring the original songs and making them his own.
Collaborations on the Album
Notable collaborations in this project include Little Big Town on Walter Egan’s “Magnet and Steel” and John Mayer on Bread’s “The Guitar Man.” The album’s only original track, “We Go Back,” features Urban and Michael McDonald. Written in 2020 with BRELAND, Sam Sumser, and Sean Small, the track reflects on a couple meeting again later in life. Urban’s manager later suggested collaborating with McDonald. Thankfully, “he loved it,” Urban shared, highlighting the surreal nature of fulfilling a six-year-old vision.
A Timely Release
Urban sees “Flow State” as a comforting release amidst challenging times. “The music was almost an antidote to the stresses,” he remarked. He believes the songs resonate now as they did initially, offering an escape from divisiveness. After Urban’s divorce from actor Nicole Kidman in January, the album provided a therapeutic outlet.
“Flow State” represents a counter to Urban’s personal challenges. It is a collection of songs that found him at the right moment. “It really was about just constant movement,” he mentioned, noting the album’s effortless sound contrasted with its complex creation. Despite life’s challenges, Urban remains devoted to his family while appreciating how the album turned out. Reflecting on “Flow State,” Urban believes a good yacht rock song can unite listeners. “One theme, one feeling, one emotion that just lets us all exhale for a minute,” he concluded, underscoring the album’s universal appeal.