Keith Urban Went Out on His Own, 10 Years Ago
Although a handful of folks knew his music from the Ranch, it wasn't until Keith Urban's self-titled solo debut album that millions of country fans started noticing him. Can you believe that was 10 years ago? Released as a single in August 1999, "It's a Love Thing" gradually climbed to No. 18 while "Your Everything" peaked at No. 4 the following year. Co-written with two of the Go-Gos, "But for the Grace of God" ultimately reached No. 1. Meanwhile, "Where the Blacktop Ends" maintained that momentum, spending three weeks at No. 3. Those are the first four tracks on Keith Urban, yet I have to say it's the second half of the album that appeals to me the most.
Urban cuts right to the bone on "If You Wanna Stay," which is about splitting up, not sleeping over. "Don't Shut Me Out" finds him asking to be let in when the circumstances aren't ideal. (I think a lot of people crave those open-hearted conversations but aren't sure how to initiate them. Start with this song.) I first heard "Out on My Own" when I was trying to get a foothold in this unpredictable business, far from home. Hearing it always takes me back to 1994, a year he references in the lyrics, and the same year I moved to Nashville. Right after a playful instrumental, "Rollercoaster," is "I Thought You Knew," a devastating breakup song and one of his most emotional performances.
Urban was 32 when he finally grabbed a Top 10 hit -- that's almost too old for a new artist to make it these days. Of course, the hits were plentiful in the ensuing decade yet I think his new fans would be interested in hearing how his successful solo career began.
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Bettye Cejka says:
I think that his backstory is fascinating. I totally agree with your take on those less familiar tracks and I believe that a big part of Keith Urban’s success is that emotional hook on so many of his songs.
Julie says:
It’s a shame to think that a 32-year old would never get that first shot today because the depth of experience as a musician and as a human being adds so much to the music. It’s that lack of depth and chasing after the barely post-adolescent demographic now that has me tuning in to country music less and less. That really was a killer album and I had never heard a more true song than “I Thought You Knew.” Haven’t many of us been there?
Granna says:
Man, Craig, I so loved The Ranch album. I loved every song on it and I still love it today. It really irks me to know this album never got the attention it so deserved. Hearing and knowing Keith’s start really makes me appreciate him so much more. Like I’ve heard people say he was an overnight success and Keith says, it was a long night… about 10 years!!lol! Gotta love his humor as well!! Thanks Craig…this is a great blog.
Judy says:
I am so happy to see someone put in print how great every cut on that first solo album is! So many little gems that all could be successful single releases. The man is a true artist in every sense of the word. The songs are so carefully crafted, it’s just mindblowing! He’s got it all goin’ on!
Faye says:
Keith Urban was a fresh new breath of air to country music 10 years ago and still is! I love the Ranch album and all of Keith’s albums that followed in his solo career. It’s so great to see Keith still going strong after all the years he has been in Nashville and so happy he was honored with many of awards since then as well. Love “But For The Grace of God” and so glad that is was a number one single for Keith although I thought “Where The Blacktop Ends” deserved to be at the top as well! That would make Keith with 12 number one hits instead of 11 today! But 11 is still AWESOME! I am sure Keith is not complaining, he is so gracious and humble and appreciates all the success he has had! That’s what makes him so great!
Mary says:
I always wonder whether Ranch is the album he wants to make or the studio honchos made him make. It has most organic and authentic sounds/music. Some called it basically an instrumental album. It got critical acclaim (yes!!) but never successful commercially.
I feel like it’s a loss. I just wish we have a band/artist with that type of sound. Some people got very upset with him when he came up with this blue CD and called him
“sold out” to commercial music. But nobody can stay broke/hungry 10 years and counting!! But “Ranch” style is not what he made before or after.
But I know one thing, his music/CDs are never going to be the same. Never one formula. He’ll take risks and do different things. Even his sappy songs (what some of you guys called) are different from each other. Keep on douing what your heart inspires Mr. Urban. We girls always love your sappy songs!!!
Yes, so old at the age of 32, to have a start up CD in business. His musicianship will always take him somewhere.
Carrie W. says:
I really want to know why the Ranch didn’t do well. Its a really good album and I really enjoy listening to it.
I love the songs at the end of that album! Out on My Own really tells where he was at the moment and i love it!
Lisa says:
Love “The Ranch” Keith can do it all!
Ann says:
I have every one of Keith’s CD’s including his first solo effort made in Australia and there is not a song on any of his albums that is not great. I listen to them all, all of the time. His climb up was hard and it had to terribly frustrating, but he has a depth to his music that quite simply no one else has. Even his more light hearted songs have something to say. Of course his awesome talents, vocal, musicianship and writing make him the real deal, and his attitude toward his fans and his art make him a truly good man and a gentleman. I have been a fan since I stumbled on to his Ranch CD and began to look out for other music by Keith Urban, he had something no one else had then and still does!
Bea says:
Craig, I am so glad to see your comments about those four songs on the Blue album. Those are my favorites on that album, especially Out On My Own and I Thought You Knew. I much prefer them to those that were singles. I think if they had been singles, they would have all been big hits. I, too, have been a fan of Keith’s for a long time. I have all of his albums, including his first one in Australia, and I listen to all of them. I love the Ranch album. But I’ve loved every album he’s created. Each is unique, showcasing his growth as a musician. His music does something to me no other artist can match so I hope he continues creating it for years to come.
Sue Ann says:
Some of my favorite music is on The Ranch CD and Keith Urban. All of his music is fantastic, but it’s great to hear the early stuff! Just can’t get enough of his music. Wish there was more older stuff yest uncovered!! My wish would be that all new Keith Urban fans get The Ranch CD and the Keith Urban CD!!
Cardsgal says:
Keith may not agree, but I think his first solo album was his best album.
Jan says:
I love the Ranch CD and on the Blue CD, my faves are “I Thought you Knew” and “Don’t Shut me Out”. Such great rendering of the lyrics and topics.
I was just listening to my iPod yesterday and the song “Billy” came on from the Ranch CD. I really have not listened to that song in a very long time as it never seemed to grab me much. But I tell you, it was like hearing it for the first time. I think that song is a classic “country story” song a la “Fancy” by Reba or “The Night the Lights Went out in Georgia”.
Keith really knows how to tell a story…whether it is a story-type song or just a catchy one. HE is the ultimate artist!!
Samantha says:
I love his music. I fell in love with his music when he first released “Where the Blacktop Ends”. One of my favorite songs from him.
Beth says:
When I first heard “It’s a Love Thing” I was immediately drawn to the lyrics and music. I had to find out as much as I could about this artist. Have been a devoted fan ever since. I think that what makes Keith’s songs so enjoyable to listen to, whether they’re upbeat or sad, is his sweet tenor voice and that he writes from his heart and life experiences.