Flow State

グラミー賞を4度受賞しているカントリー界の大スター、キース・アーバンの13作目となる2026年作品は、AOR/ヨット・ロックに全面的に挑戦したカヴァー中心の作品。

ロビー・デュプリー「Steal Away」、スティーブン・ビショップ「On and on」や、名曲「Just the Two of Us」など、AORの名曲カバーを中心としたカバー10曲と、マイケル・マクドナルドをフィーチャーしたオリジナル曲「We Go Back」が収録されており、リトル・ビッグ・タウンやジョン・メイヤーとのコラボレーションも収録。AOR好きは大注目のメロウ・アルバム。

For his first ever covers album, veteran country star Keith Urban tries his hand at a beloved, if often-parodied, corner of pop music. Released in 2026, Flow State is a collection of yacht rock staples by the likes of Little River Band, Ambrosia, Gino Vannelli, and other chilled-out soft rockers from the AOR heyday of the late 70s and early 80s. If the album’s announcement came as something of a surprise, its contents shouldnt. Songs like Seals & Crofts "Summer Breeze" and Players "Baby Come Back" feel ready-made for the Australians laid-back style and attention to sonic detail. Urbans smooth, slightly twangy tenor and fluid guitar work add a bit of country flair to romantic ballads like Grover Washington Jr.s "Just the Two of Us" and Stephen Bishops "On and On." In addition to a crack band of session players, hes joined by a handful of guests including Little Big Town on a standout version of Walter Egans "Magnet and Steel." Yacht rock survivor Michael McDonald makes a guest appearance on "We Go Back," Flow States lone original cut. To close out the set, Urban and fellow shredder John Mayer trade licks on a lively cover of Breads "Guitar Man," a song that was something of a precursor to the yacht rock era but fits the vibe here well enough. ~ Timothy Monger