A young man pledging his love to a woman says, “I wanna honor your mother/I wanna learn from your pa” (“Making Memories of Us”). “Days Go By” urges fans to make the most of each day and not be swept away by life in the fast lane. Love songs exalt a partner (“You’re My Better Half,” “I Could Fly”) and look forward to lifelong romance filled with better days (“Better Life”). Hot-headed spouses refuse to call it quits on “The Hard Way.” Gathering his thoughts in the wake of a breakup, the artist determines to bounce back and “Live to Love Another Day.” “She’s Gotta Be” notes the need for selflessness, trust and tenderness in relationships. A man recalls grandma’s wise counsel to live one day at a time (“These Are the Days”). A remake of Elton John’s “Country Comfort” paints a sweet picture of down-home rural life. Sunshine and music are among the simple blessings appreciated on “God’s Been Good to Me” which also states, “Where the devil had me chained/Lord, your love done set me free.” Demons and ghosts from the past haunt those who retreat into alcohol on “Nobody Drinks Alone,” however …
The singer fails to take his own advice, getting drunk with wine on “Tonight I Wanna Cry,” which includes a mild profanity.
One tune aside, this Australian could teach his American peers a thing or two about country done right. Young fans of Keith Urban’s vocal style should check out CCM’s Michael James—a virtual sound-alike.
