Born in New Zealand and raised in Australia, Keith Urban has carved a unique path in the country music landscape, becoming a global star while firmly rooted in Nashville’s vibrant scene. His journey, marked by distinctive vocals and masterful guitar and banjo skills, showcases country music’s broad appeal. Urban’s sound, deeply influenced by 70s and 80s rock, blends stadium-sized guitar riffs with danceable grooves, bridging the gap between Top 40 and country radio. This fusion anticipated the rock-infused direction of contemporary country music. With 18 No. 1 country hits and four Grammy Awards, Urban’s impact on the genre is undeniable.
This article delves into 20 of Keith Urban’s best songs, highlighting his evolution and lasting influence on Nashville’s sound and the broader appeal of country music over decades.
20. “Put You In A Song” (2010)
“Put You In A Song,” a collaboration with Sarah Buxton and Jedd Hughes, exemplifies Urban’s knack for crafting upbeat love anthems with a rock edge. This track, resonating with the contemporary country radio ambiance of its time, also carries a hint of vintage rockabilly, setting it apart within Urban’s extensive discography. Its meta-lyrical approach, centered on the power of song to encapsulate emotions, makes it a memorable entry in his catalog.
Keith Urban – Put You In A Song (Official Music Video)
19. “I Told You So” (2006)
“I Told You So” sees Keith Urban delving deeper into his rock and Celtic music influences, creating a track that is both edgier and less conventionally pop-country than many of his hits. This song is notable for Urban’s multi-instrumental talent; he played seven different instruments on the recording, showcasing his prowess as a musician, writer, and co-producer. Its darker tone and stylistic experimentation mark it as a standout in his body of work.
18. “Raise ‘Em Up” (2015)
A collaboration with Eric Church, “Raise ‘Em Up” offers a more reflective and serious tone. This duet is an anthem of gratitude, hard work, and sacrifice, channeling Urban’s signature guitar-driven energy towards more profound lyrical themes. Drawing from his album Fuse, the song subtly nods to U2’s influence, blending expansive sonic landscapes with country roots, demonstrating Urban’s ability to fuse arena rock sensibilities with Nashville storytelling.
17. “I’m In” (2009)
Keith Urban’s rendition of Radney Foster’s “I’m In” (originally released in 1998) injects his characteristic pop sensibility into the track, transforming it into a near chart-topping country hit. This cover, reaching No. 2 on Billboard’s country chart, is the second Radney Foster song Urban has recorded, following “Raining on Sunday.” Romantic and effortlessly charming, with a touch of rock undertones, “I’m In” became another fan-favorite love song, highlighting Urban’s skill in reinterpreting and revitalizing songs with his unique style.
16. “Somewhere In My Car” (2013)
“Somewhere In My Car” is instantly recognizable with its unforgettable banjo riff, combined with a driving beat and stadium-ready guitars. This track is quintessential Keith Urban, delivering irresistible energy and a danceable rhythm. The song paints a picture of a timeless romantic longing, further cementing Urban’s hit-making status. It reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay Chart, marking over a decade of continuous success on U.S. country radio.
15. “Who Wouldn’t Wanna Be Me” (2002)
An archetypal banjo-driven country anthem, “Who Wouldn’t Wanna Be Me” is designed for high-speed highway cruising. This song became Urban’s third No. 1 on Billboard’s country chart and showcases his ability to blend country and pop with an exuberant, jam-ready feel. Co-written and produced by Urban himself, it exemplifies his distinctive, less serious, and more playful approach to country pop.
Keith Urban – Who Wouldn’t Wanna Be Me (Official Music Video)
14. “We Were Us” (2013)
“We Were Us,” featuring Miranda Lambert, is a nostalgic duet that earned the CMA Award for Musical Event of the Year in 2014. The seamless vocal blend of Urban and Lambert, both known for their rock-infused country styles, is a highlight. The song builds into a powerful anthem, showcasing Urban’s instrumental virtuosity as he layers banjo and guitar to create an energetic and heartfelt backdrop for their musical conversation about shared memories.
13. “Kiss A Girl” (2009)
“Kiss A Girl” represents one of Keith Urban’s most successful pop crossover attempts, reaching No. 16 on Billboard’s Hot 100. With its driving guitar rhythm and soaring solos, it underscores Urban’s 2000s rock influences. Its crossover success highlights the increasing overlap between pop and country audiences, solidifying its place as another top-five country hit for Urban.
12. “John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16” (2015)
Penned by Nashville songwriting heavyweights, “John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16” is rich in traditional country themes. Despite its classic subject matter, the song’s sound is surprisingly funky, driven by a bass line played by Urban himself, in addition to his guitar duties. This sing-along-ready track became a streaming success, earning RIAA platinum certification, demonstrating its broad appeal and enduring popularity.
11. “Better Life” (2004)
Co-written with Richard Marx, “Better Life” is an uplifting and optimistic anthem. This banjo-driven country-pop single became Urban’s seventh No. 1 country song, solidifying his early success in the American country scene. “Better Life” is a prime example of Urban’s musical positivity, with his soaring vocals and encouraging lyrics driving this propulsive and inspiring tune.
10. “You Look Good In My Shirt” (2002)
“You Look Good In My Shirt” began as a near-single in 2002, quickly becoming a fan favorite despite being pulled from radio airwaves. A live version was re-released as a single six years later, becoming Urban’s eighth country No. 1 hit. The original spunky version still resonates, capturing Urban’s twangy vocal delivery and memorable guitar riffs. It’s a flirtatious and energetic track that highlights his live performance appeal.
You Look Good In My Shirt
9. “You Gonna Fly” (2010)
Co-written with LoCash and Jaren Johnston of Cadillac Three, “You Gonna Fly” is characterized by its rock riffs and motivational lyrics. The song even incorporates a referee’s whistle, adding to its energetic, starting-line feel. Urban’s dynamic delivery and rhythmic melodies complement the layers of guitars and stringed instruments. The inspiring chorus features backing vocals from Karen Fairchild and Kimberly Schlapman of Little Big Town, adding further depth to this uplifting anthem.
8. “Sweet Thing” (2008)
The lead single from his sixth studio album, Defying Gravity, “Sweet Thing” showcased Keith Urban at his peak in pop-country seduction. This song brought him familiar accolades – another Grammy for Best Male Country Vocal Performance and another No. 1 hit. However, it sounded far from the work of a veteran, exuding youthful energy, upbeat banjo rhythms, and charming harmonies – hallmarks of classic Keith Urban.
7. “Where The Blacktop Ends” (1999)
“Where The Blacktop Ends,” the final single from Urban’s self-titled American debut, might not have broken new ground, but it perfectly exemplifies the classic dirt road anthem. It highlights Urban’s developing virtuosity in country pop. The song features lush, Celtic-tinged strings, enhancing its backwoods hoedown vibe. Co-writer Steve Wariner also contributes guitar, and the instantly catchy lyric, “I’m lookin’ down the barrel of Friday night,” is a standout hook.
6. “Blue Ain’t Your Color” (2016)
“Blue Ain’t Your Color” was an unexpected smash, a pop-tinged waltz that resonated deeply with country radio audiences. Co-written by Hillary Lindsey, this song is a sweet showcase of Keith Urban’s vocal range, demonstrating his ability to croon as effectively as he delivers upbeat party tracks and heartbreak songs. The song’s core wordplay is distinctly country, while its string-driven arrangement adds a unique balladry to Urban’s primarily upbeat catalog.
5. “Long Hot Summer” (2010)
A timeless addition to country music’s vast summer song collection, “Long Hot Summer” evokes open roads, rolled-down windows, and ice-cold drinks. This love song, wrapped in summer imagery, was strategically released as a single in Australia to align with the Southern Hemisphere’s seasons. One of Urban’s more party-oriented tracks, “Long Hot Summer” is perfect for any summer gathering, capturing the essence of carefree summer days and nights.
Keith Urban – Long Hot Summer (Official Music Video)
4. “Days Go By” (2004)
“Days Go By” is an anthem celebrating living in the moment and a subtle rebellion against the 9-to-5 grind. It encapsulates the joie de vivre that became synonymous with Urban’s music. Lyrics like “Somewhere in the race we run, we’re coming undone,” evoke a longing for sunny days and open spaces beyond the daily routine. Bright banjo and a driving, rock-tinged beat enhance this Urban co-write, making it instantly engaging and relatable.
3. “Wasted Time” (2016)
With its danceable synths and sing-along chorus, “Wasted Time” stands out as one of Keith Urban’s most infectious party tracks. While perfect for summer nights, its appeal extends beyond seasonal themes. The song features a memorable banjo solo and an evergreen message about the value of downtime and carefree moments. “Wasted Time” pushed country pop’s boundaries and proved to be a perfect blend of innovation and classic appeal.
2. “Stupid Boy” (2006)
“Stupid Boy,” a powerful ballad, might not have been Urban’s highest-charting single, peaking at No. 3 on Billboard’s country chart, but it has become one of his most signature and beloved songs. This moving portrayal of a man’s regret for mistreating his partner highlights Urban’s vocal interpretation skills, earning him his second Grammy for Best Male Country Vocal Performance. Reportedly recorded at the suggestion of his wife Nicole Kidman, the song takes the often-rare perspective in country music of voicing a woman’s experience, co-written by Deanna Bryant and Sarah Buxton.
1. “Somebody Like You” (2002)
If you’re a country music fan, you’ve undoubtedly heard “Somebody Like You.” The lead single from Keith Urban’s second U.S. album, Golden Road, became his second No. 1 country song and reached No. 23 on the Hot 100. It went on to become arguably the biggest country song of the 2000s. This effervescent love song showcases both Urban’s songwriting talent (co-written with John Shanks) and his banjo skills (though a banjo-free version appeared on the How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days soundtrack). Co-produced by Dann Huff, a frequent collaborator since, “Somebody Like You” propelled Urban to superstardom and remains his signature hit.
Keith Urban – Somebody Like You (Official Music Video)
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