Keith Urban’s GRAFFITI U, his ninth studio album release and first in nearly two years, debuted this past week to new personal sales and chart milestones in the United States, Canada and Australia. A #1 Billboard Country Album Chart debut (#2 on Billboards Top 200 behind Post Malone), marks his 5th #1 album (his third in a row) and his highest first week sales figure in nearly 8 years (2010s Get Closer).
“Just off a plane to a “screaming” phone filled with texts and emails about GRAFFITI U and I still feel like I’m in the clouds!!” said Urban. “It’s amazing to know that these songs are connecting in the way that they are and I feel so blessed and thankful to everyone who is coming along on the ride with me. I can’t WAIT to get out on the road to bring these songs to life on the GRAFFITI U World Tour.”
In Canada, GRAFFITI U took the #1 spot on Billboards All Genre Album Chart. The album is already well past Gold and marks the only Country album in more than a year to take the top spot on the All Genre Album Chart.
In Australia, Urban’s GRAFFITI U takes the top spot on the ARIA Country Album Chart, marking his 3rd consecutive #1, his 5th overall and finds itself at #2 on the all genre chart.
GRAFFITI U, is the much-anticipated follow up to 2016’s RIPCORD and features over thirty songwriting, producer and featured guest performance credits, including Greg Wells, Dann Huff, Mike Elizondo, Ed Sheeran, Ross Copperman, JHart, Julia Michaels, Nicolle Galyon, J.R. Rotem, Shane McAnally, Shy Carter and a signature lick for Urban’s latest single “Coming Home,” which credits Merle Haggard as one of its songwriters.
A soaring spirit spray-painted right from the heart, Urban’s curiosity powers each moment on GRAFFITI U. The very title speaks to that personal and passionate vibrancy, vitality, and vision.
“There were no parameters or preconceived ideas,” says Urban. “I began this process with a completely blank canvas. Every initial spark is organic and then expanded upon, like the art of graffiti, so the name really fit the music. I also liked the idea of “you” the listener (or the audience), because this is an inclusive experience. And because of my last name we had a little grammatical fun and shortened it to U.”
