Keith Urban explores with ‘Fuse’

Anastasia Formica Staff Writer

Keith Urban’s newest hit album “Fuse” shakes up his traditional sound and incorporates elements of pop music. The change of pace works in his favor, and Urban has succeeded in creating an album that fans will love.

Urban’s summer tour “Light the Fuse” introduced the album’s new sound to fans for the first time, highlighting the pop twist his songs have taken with one of his new tracks “Even The Stars Fall 4 U.” This upbeat love song is instantly catchy and falls right in line with the new direction country music is taking.

“Love Poster Child” and “Good Thing” are both examples of Urban borrowing styles of other successful country artists. Fans of Jason Aldean’s “She’s Country” should find a familiar feel in the southern rock style song “Love’s Poster Child,” and those who enjoy the upbeat melodies of Dierks Bentley will likely find a new favorite tune in “Good Thing.”

“Fuse” also features two new duets with popular country stars Miranda Lambert and Eric Church. Urban raises his voice with Lambert on “We Were Us,” a break up song where neither party has completely let go of the relationship. Church joins Urban on “Raise ‘Em Up,” which plays around with the title whether it’s raising a glass or raising a child.

While “Fuse” does mix up Urban’s traditional country style, it does not stray from it entirely. Urban stays true to his roots by adding classic country themed songs such as the fun cars-and-girls type song “Red Camaro”and the banjo laden trip down memory lane “Somewhere In My Car.”

Urban’s latest number one single is also included on the album. “Little Bit of Everything” has already proven to be a favorite among fans with its easygoing lyrics and memorable tune.

Not every song on the album is a success, however. “Cop Car” reveals Urban’s memory of falling in love with a girl after getting arrested. While the sentiment is nice, the lyrics are far from relatable for the average listener.

Of course, no Keith Urban album is complete without the fiery and complex guitar work he is known for, and “Fuse” is no exception. “Come Back to Me” in particular showcases Urban’s talent on the guitar and will no doubt be a welcome addition to his list of hit singles.

Those who spring for the deluxe edition of the album over the regular edition will get the three bonus tracks: “Black Leather Jacket,” “Gonna B Good” and “Lucky Charm.” All three tracks are welcome upbeat additions to the album.

Overall, Keith Urban’s “Fuse” is a successful attempt to expand his musical style and incorporate different elements of music into his songs. While “Cop Car” misses the mark, tracks such as “Little Bit of Everything” and “Come Back to Me” more than make up for any disappointment felt by the fans. “Fuse” not only allows Urban to keep up with turn pop country is taking now, but also sets him up for the possibility of many new hit singles to come.