flow state (MCA, 2026)

Keith Urban's "flow state" is the perfect album to start the summer. The 11-track album contains mainly yacht rock covers that are perfect to listen to while on the beach or out at sea, with covers like "How Much I Feel," by Ambrosia, and "Just The Two Of Us," by Bill Withers and Grover Washington, Jr., entering the mix.

"flow state" is different, incorporating a new wave of instrumentals that add a uniqueness to each track alongside Urban's vocals. "Steal Away" is upbeat, with a pop-funk tone to it. The keyboard is prominent, alongside an electric guitar that sings with melody. The track is carefree and lighthearted, leaving the audience's ears with a track that could easily lift their spirits with its electric feel. Featuring Little Big Town, "Magnet and Steel" is low key. The layered vocals enhance the song while Urban sings about not letting go. It's about being vulnerable while being continuously drawn towards someone special.

"On and On" is like a yacht rock cut that plays as you sail in the sea. It's soothing, slow and has entrancing background music that hums underneath Urban's soft vocals. Urban sensually sings about the conflicts that come with being in love. Urban sings "On, and on, I just keep on trying / And I smile when I feel dying." It's relatable. Everyone has felt a sort of heartbreak where they need to remind themselves to keep moving.

Featuring Michael McDonald, "We Go Back," the lone original, incorporates desperate vocals that sing about going down memory lane. The instrumentals are slightly generic. There are simple strums of the guitar with light beats from the drums, while maracas are slightly shaking in the background. The song is good, but not the best on the album.

The laid back and slightly coastal vibe of the entire album is what makes it appealing. Tracks like "Summer Breeze" heavily incorporate a nice summer feel. Different instruments enter the mix, like bongos and flutes. The collective instruments along with Urban's vocals merge harmoniously together. The closing "Guitar Man," featuring John Mayer, is soul-searching and slow. Urban incorporates deep, meaningful strums of the guitar. The electric guitar contrasts with the overall aesthetic of the song. Nearing the bridge, the ambiance of the track is insane. Echoing vocals, killer guitar. It's got a rock vibe that enhances the song by a million. This might be the best track because of the end of the track alone. The electric guitar has its time to shine, never catching a break. Truly, one of the best endings to a song. A magnificent way to end an album, but almost makes one wish Urban's other tracks were this good.