Keith Urban has released his 11th studio album, "High," which showcases the dual sides of his personality. The record includes songs about his past struggles with addiction, growing up with an alcoholic father, and his current life as a happily married family man.
Keith Urban's latest album, "High," is a reflection of his life's journey, encompassing both its highs and lows. In a recent interview with the Associated Press, Urban explained that the album captures the duality of his personality:
> "I’ve got a dutiful, responsible, reliable side. And I’ve got this animalistic, wild, reckless, irresponsible, ‘What does this button do?,’" Urban said. "The spirit of those two things is very much a part of who I am, and this album hopefully captures that."
Keith Urban's Ups and Downs: 'High' Reflects the Duality of His Life
Urban, a four-time Grammy Award winner, has been open about his past struggles with alcohol and drug addiction. In a 2021 interview with Rolling Stone, he recalled that his troubles began after he moved to Nashville from Australia, where he had previously released four hit albums. Feeling like an outsider in the country music scene, Urban turned to substances for solace.
"Nothing I’d done before meant s---," he said. "I felt like I was meant to be here, I had this absolute burning belief, but I was out of step with everything. I mean, what do you do when you’re doing your best, and it’s not enough?"
Keith Urban's Ups and Downs: 'High' Reflects the Duality of His Life
His career breakthrough came in 1999 with the release of his self-titled debut album. However, his addictions continued to plague him. Urban credits his wife, actress Nicole Kidman, with helping him overcome his struggles. After two failed stints in rehab, Urban was finally able to get sober after Kidman staged an intervention in 2006.
"That's the point right there where she really should've just walked," Urban told Oprah Winfrey in 2010. "I'm just so glad she didn't, and she made a decision to turn around and initiate ultimately this intervention, and it was done in such a way that the love in that room at that moment was just right. I was like, 'Put the cuffs on, let's go.'"
Keith Urban's Ups and Downs: 'High' Reflects the Duality of His Life
Urban and Kidman married in 2006 and have two daughters together. Urban has said that Kidman's love and support have been instrumental in his recovery and his success in the music industry.
"I was spiritually awoken with her," the singer said of Kidman. "I use the expression ‘I was born into her,’ and that’s how I feel. And for the first time in my life, I could shake off the shackles of addiction."
Keith Urban's Ups and Downs: 'High' Reflects the Duality of His Life
Urban's new album, "High," includes songs that reflect his experiences with addiction, family, and his role as a father. The title track explores the multifaceted meaning of the word, while "Break the Chain" delves into dysfunctional family dynamics and his own experience growing up with an alcoholic father.
"It’s a lot to do with my dad and being born into a family with an alcoholic father and the challenges that come with that," Urban said of "Break the Chain." "My job is to now maybe break that chain and do something different."
Keith Urban's Ups and Downs: 'High' Reflects the Duality of His Life
"High" is a personal and introspective album that showcases Urban's growth and evolution as an artist and a man. It's a testament to the power of love, family, and the human spirit to overcome adversity and find redemption.
