Hidden Gems from Keith Urban’s Self-Titled Debut Album

Keith Urban's self-titled debut album not only launched his career into a global guitar-slinging country star, but it also changed the genre. Released in 1999, it introduced a sound that was unapologetically different from other country albums.  

Sure, radio and fans ate up “But for the Grace of God” and “Where Blacktop Ends,” but behind these chart toppers were a handful of tracks that never got their time. So, let’s take a look back at Urban’s first album and shine a spotlight on the underrated bangers.  

Urban has been known to experiment with influences from other genres, and this is evident even at the beginning of his career. “I Thought You Knew” is a hidden gem that showcases his R&B influences. Co-written by Urban, Matt Rollings, and Skip Ewing, the track demonstrates the Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter's willingness to incorporate non-traditional country elements to create his unique sound.   

Urban’s admiration for the R&B genre became an important tool in his musical arsenal to stay relevant throughout his career, especially in the country music genre.   

Co-written with Matt Rollings, who also served as co-producer on the album, “Rollercoaster” is an instrumental track that emphasizes Urban’s guitar skills, creativity, and willingness to experiment. Adding an instrumental track to a debut country album was a daring choice, considering how uncommon it was at the time. This track earned him his first Grammy nomination for Best Country Instrumental Performance in 1999, establishing his credibility early on as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.  

The track “Don’t Shut Me Out” bridges traditional country with modern elements. Written solely by Urban, it's been described as, “A blend of traditional country and pop, featuring fiddler Stuart Duncan, focusing on themes of decency and humanity.” The lyrics also highlight Urban’s talent in writing a song that talks about a universal theme. The chorus goes, “And here I am when you need someone / My shoulder's yours to cry upon / And everybody now and then / Needs an understanding friend around / So don’t shut me out,” emphasizing Urban’s respect for country music’s foundation of songs that highlight good values.  

Aside from the mentioned tracks, there are other songs in his debut album that you should consider listening to:  

These early tracks helped establish Urban’s later success and his commitment to blending genres from the very start of his career. Listening to these deep cuts provides an insight into his developing artistry and his sound that makes him stand out in the country music genre.