The Power of a Memory, Keith Urban Style
There is something about music, especially country music, that can take you back instantly to a place in your memory. Add a video to that, and it's like you never left. That's what happens when I hear and see Keith Urban's "'Til Summer Comes Around."
Urban has said that he just wanted to do something about a theme park. "For me, there's something fascinating and deeply sad about theme parks in the wintertime when they're shut down. I loved that metaphor," he said. And I'm sure growing up in Australia, he spent time at places like Bullen's Animal World, Sea World and Thrill Hill. And maybe he even had a few flings while he was there. But for me, it's like he wrote this song about the boardwalk on Rehoboth Beach in Delaware.
That's where I used to spend my summers, riding the Tea Cups and the Seadragon, playing Skee-Ball, eating cotton candy for dinner and jumping off the boardwalk onto the sand below. And -- oh, yeah -- falling madly in love with boys I'd never see again. When I went back there a few years ago in the off-season, it was so depressing to see what happens to a resort town in the winter. So when Urban sings about the boardwalk being quiet and the rides being empty, I know that feeling. And when I see him on the Santa Monica Pier, where he shot the video, I swear I get that same lightheadedness I had on the Ferris wheel of my youth.
And that, I think, is the power of a remarkable song. To be able to take my mind, body and heart back 25 years in just five and a-half minutes.
©2008 Country Music Television, Inc., a Viacom company. A division of
jennifer says:
What I hear is more mushy, love sick POP music from Keith. His album is full of it, its pop music not country. That is why its his worst album of his career IMO.
Michelle R. says:
I love Til Summer Comes Around! It’s one of my favorite songs on the Defying Gravity album. Keith is a great entertainer, and I love each and every one of his albums. This song and its video are both amazing.
Donna says:
I LOVE this song. It also reminds me of the long, fun summers when I was a teen and waiting for the next summer so I could see my “love” again. This song is just beautiful and I LOVE the video. Who cares if Keith sound a little pop, he is fantastic! By the way, alot of country sounds pop, it is still great music!
Ashleigh says:
I love his new music video til summer comes around it is a great video !!!!!!!!!!!
j4urban says:
Everything Keith does is genius! What I love about Keith is he is who is. He never tries to put on an act. He is not only talented but a lovely, lovely person.
AND what I love about country is—it does not have to fit into a box. If it did….where would Taylor Swift be?
Helen says:
I love the Vid!! He did an amazing job!! Reminds me of Myrtle Beach, SC. Such a lovely feeling and very emotional for all of us. Very Proud of Keith!! Keith keep on doing what you are doing. And yes I am not sure if Country Music will ever be the same. But, Keith does have amazing talent in any music genre and can not be boxed in. Great Talent you can not. Taylor Swift, I believe a Great song writer, she is no singer or performer. I have seen her in concert. A teen Pop Star is what she is.
Terri says:
Wow, what an amazing video, one of his best! I absolutely love it. This song tells a story that so many people can connect with. LOVE IT!!! I agree with the comment about how broad country music is, and I think it is great. There is a little bit for everyone. Keith’s music is so beautiful and fresh. He so deserved ETOY this year and he is a great performer. I also agree with the comment about Taylor Swift. She is a great song writer but her voice is weak and is a teen pop star.
ABC says:
This particular guitar sound is very beautiful and haunting. This is what the producer dann Huff has to say about “making of TSCA”.
One that’s defining in another way, “Til Summer Comes Around,” has a beautiful solo, very spacious; the solo is deceptively simple, but with a Beck-type personality. The way we work is very stream of consciousness. Everything is built on something else. We used every conceivable amp—some vintage, one Fender Blues Junior,and once a $200 Keeley stompbox compressor. It was his guitar tech’s 10-year-old son’s and it became the sound for the day just because it was there.
krysten says:
love the video! thanks, keith for your beautiful music.
Cindy says:
“Jennifer” is actually “janetgijoenurse” who is an obsessed fan of Tim McGraw. She can try and disguise who she is by using another name, but since she says the same things about Keith, Brad, Toby, etc., we all know who she is. Yeah, she’s quite a gal…..LOL!
trink says:
I love everything Keith does and am so happy he’s finally winning the awards he deserves.
Ann Johnson says:
This song and video are true works of art. Keith is as country as country gets. All his music and albums deliver stories that pull us straight into his music. He is such an unbelievable talent that it can only be called God given. Country like Keith gives us doesn’t have fences or barriers, like his staging this past year, it is open ended and appeals to people from coast to coast and around the world!!!
Granna says:
At this time in my life, I love Keith’s “sappy” love songs! He is a romantic and that’s what endures me to him! This video does really hit home with me as well! I’ve certainly lived this! One of his best videos and songs to me! Well said Ann! I can’t stop watching it! The music is just awesome!
Susan says:
“What I hear is more mushy, love sick POP music from Keith. His album is full of it, its pop music not country. That is why its his worst album of his career IMO.”
LMAO! That’s why it debuted at #1. This video is pure magic and is one of Keith’s best. Even without the video the song provides it’s own imagery.
trink says:
Susan go away and leave us Keith fans alone. He’s got a great album every song on it is awesome.I Love Keith!!!
Susan says:
“Susan go away and leave us Keith fans alone. He’s got a great album every song on it is awesome.I Love Keith!!!”
trink…excuse me but before you haul off and blast someone you might want to actually read what they wrote. I quoted a post from “Jennifer” where she called Keith’s music and in particular the DG album “mushy and love sick POP music”. Those were NOT my words. I pointed out that DG debuted at #1. Go back and read the post! I’ve been a KU fan since The Ranch days…JEEZ!
ylewis says:
I love that song!!! Its one of my favorites…Keith is awesome, just fantastic!!!!
keep up the great work!!!
Faye says:
LOVE this video and the song! Keith never seems to amaze me when it comes to expressing his romantic side! What is so wrong with being mushy and love sick anyway. In today’s world we need alot more of it! By the way, Keith’s latest album is one of his best and that’s why it debuted not only at #1 on the country charts but also on the Billboard 200! If you are going to critize someone in country for being “too pop” then you have to look at quite a few artists such as Taylor (definitely pop), Carrie (getting more pop) even Rascal Flatts and Lady A. All of these artists have a unique sound to them that may be considered pop but they are “Country Artists” as much as Keith is! Keith’s music can expand beyond country to reach other fans but that’s what makes him such a talented and awesome musician and entertainer! Keep doing what you are doing Keith! Love it!
Kelbell says:
This song and this video stirs something inside all of us. The message of never giving up on hope and clinging to those happy memories that in reality we know will never come back. Do I care if this is “country” music or not? No, because great music is great music no matter what “genre” we pigeon-hole it in to. Keith Urban is amazing, with talent that is serously rivaled by very few. I am proud to be a fan.
BIGKUFAN says:
Hey, I don’t care if the song sounds country or not. I love everything Keith Urban does. He is an AWESOME entertainer and performer. He is also an awesome person as well. Everything he does is magic!!!!
giggles says:
Good on you Susan for supporting Keith Urban, unlike Jennifer who I thought could have been some naysayer from the Keith Urban Mates site … Keith Urban is an exceptional musician and he wouldn’t exactly be too unhappy about the success of Defying Gravity and the Escape Together world tour …
Sue Ann says:
This is a beautiful song and a breathtaking video. From the first time I heard those first few notes until now, I just love this song. Like you Alison, it brings back childhood memories. I grew up spending some time at the Atlantic City Steele Pier in the late 60’s. When I first heard this song I could close my eyes and be back there. Now of course I have a mesmerizing video to watch!
Keith’s talent is unsurpassed and this song is a classic, beautiful guitar playing and killer vocals. Anyone not enjoying it is missing out!!
Peacock Queen says:
This is a beautiful song, and I absolutely love the haunting melody.
bettiemccullough says:
Thank you Keith for this beautiful song so well writen,sang with all your heart and the whine of your guitar is so haunting it gives me chills,This video is very fitting to what Keith feels in his song,We have alwayes loved Keiths love songs this is no differant than all his albums about love but we love all his music this song is extra haunting with ocean,summar park and memories of a love affair.Funny the 1st writer found this song muchy I think she finds Keith as a treat to her singerwhy else jump in to put him down so fast.
Tennesseegal says:
I love the song and the video.
Linda says:
As always Keith you are amazing. I love every song on Defying Gravity. When is “Hit the Ground running” coming as a single??? Perfect timing for “Summertime” the video is award winning. (I hope) As for him being country. It takes all kinds. He is not the only artist that is stretching the limits. Taylor Swift, Lady A, for just a couple. There is a good mix on the radio right now. Brad Paisley doesn’t sound “country” he just writes goofy songs. Love Josh Thompson.. Anyway.. Keep up the good work Keith.. You are my favorite!!!! I love everything you do.
giggles says:
Not sure if you’ve got the stat’s right Jennifer … But, if you’ve got a beef about Keith Urban and his “love sick POP music”, you’re complaining to the wrong people … KEITH URBAN IS #1
kathy says:
Jennfer, no one is forcing you to listen to Keith Urban or buy his albums, he has millions of fans who adores him. He is one of the best performers out today. So just shut up. You moron
barb b says:
kathy i agree with you keith urban does not
get th reconition that he deserves we love
keith urban in FLORIDA
Peacock Queen says:
Hey guys, Jennifer has a right to her opinion, just as we have a right to ours. I love Keith, but if Jennifer doesn’t, that is O.K. Keith does things right for the people who adore him, and if there is someone out there who doesn’t adore him, that won’t change for the rest of us.
timcun says:
I love Keith, his voice, and his music. At least when he performs he can rely on his voice and music to entertain the crowd and doesn’t have to resort to costume changes and running around the stage slinging his hair around like a rock-star wannabe to cover the fact that he can’t sing … no names mentioned!
giggles says:
Hey Jennifer !!! Grammy #3 for “Sweet Thing” off that album, Defying Gravity you so whole heartedly like to put down … I think Keith’s got the wood on you mate … Perhaps you might like to try a little kindness, next time …
Lynette says:
Keith is so amazing and soooooo talented. I love everything he does, he is truly the most talented artist out there. He really should win Entertainer of the Year every year, I think anyone who has seen Keith perform live would totally agree. He is also very sweet and humble, his fame hasn’t gone to his head. Lovin Keith forever!!!!!!!!