Wednesday afternoon I was sitting in class just going through a normal day, then my mom called me and informed me that Keith Urban announced a pop-up show at Exit/In here in Nashville. Usually, I’m aware of these things but I am extremely sick and was ready curl up in my bed. But what did I do instead? Leave right after my class 4 hours before doors open to stand outside in the freezing cold for Keith. Yes, I think I have bronchitis.
Right when we were able to get in, we ran up to the front. What else would you expect from me? He came out and sang a few bangers, then announced his tour Graffiti U, with his superstar opener Kelsea Ballerini. Of course, Kelsea came out and sang a couple songs. However, Keith played some of his new songs off his new record Graffiti U, and damn are they good. Lucky for you my partial OCD of recording every little thing came in handy last night.
One of the first songs he sang off the new record, “Texas Time”, hit all the states, including New York (that’s me). It’s a fun, different take on Texas and I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it at all. I’ll admit, I was ready to get a cowboy hat on and start line-dancing. I don’t even know how to line dance. Take a listen.
The next song Keith sang “Same Heart”, is a representation of who he is today. It’s pure, genuine, and a song every artist should be able to listen to and take notes. This one is definitely going to be people’s new favorite.
Finally, the song that blew me away was “Parallel Lines”. I was hoping and thinking this is going to be his new single because this could be the wedding hit of 2018, and after today I was right. Not only that, but this is a different vibe from Keith, and I’m digging it.
At the end of his show, he starting talking to us about how playing these small venues and all showing up for the same reason makes us all “one”. Not you, me, or anyone else, we’re all one. Music is what brings people together through good and bad, and he reminds us of that. Keith’s gratitude and humbleness has been so powerful over the years. He is one of the best artists and entertainers of all time, and there’s no doubt his new record Graffiti U will be another success for him. Thanks for the free concert Keith, you’re my broke-college-wallet hero.
Kelly Shea Cunningham 