"keith urban" A cold-blooded critic once observed of an Eddie Money album that it's probably unrealistic to expect art from a guy named Money. In which case, it's equally unrealistic to expect down-home country music from a guy named Keith Urban. Sure enough, the Australian-born Urban's debut solo album combines canned fiddle 'n' steel licks with hip-hop-flavored drum loops. The rock edge that characterized his previous band, the Ranch, has been replaced by pretty-boy poses and puppy-love lyrics aimed straight at the young female demographic. Not coincidentally, two of the Dixie Chicks show up to sing backup on the Cajun-lite "I Wanna Be Your Man (Forever)." The only demonstration of Urban's guitar prowess is the by-the-numbers instrumental "Rollercoaster." A couple of the better songs hint at darker moods and adult emotions that might be closer to the real Keith Urban. But too often he comes across as another latter-day Urban Cowboy who has simply traded in the shiny boots and Stetson for bare feet and an earring. --Rick Mitchell

Customer review from Amazon

Reviewer: Jon from New York City I love this CD. The songs make you feel as if you are reading someone's journal -- it's almost a diary of a relationship -- the ups and downs, the joys and the pain. Keith definitely sings about topics that I, as a 32 year old man, want to hear. His guitar playing is great, his songwriting is real, and you can hear the truth in his voice. This is a CD that I plan to give to friends. If you like Jackson Browne, Dixie Chicks, Merle Haggard, James Taylor, Jewel, Lucinda Williams.....you will like this cd. I read the review that the Amazon music reviewer gave -- I'm sorry, but I don't think he listened to the same album I did -- I think he quickly scanned his copy and moved on. This is an album to be savored -- to listen to over and over, and find new nuances each time you do.