‘Coming Home’ is the second single off of Keith Urban’s upcoming new album ‘Graffiti U,’ which is scheduled to be released this Friday, April 27^th. Keith co-wrote the song with JR Rotem, Nicolle Galyon, and pop singer Julia Michaels, who is featured on the track. As we’ve seen recently, country/pop collaborations are becoming increasingly popular and this is another one that is sure to climb the charts. Julia Michaels’ vocals add a nice touch to the catchy, upbeat melody and the harmonies between her and Urban at the end are on point. The distorted guitar riff gives the song a unique, really cool vibe that’s unlike anything on country radio today.

Keith Urban pays homage to the legendary Merle Haggard during the intro of ‘Coming Home.’ In an interview with Taste of Country, Keith described how the song came about, “‘Coming Home’ started with an idea I had of using the intro of one of my favorite Haggard songs, ‘Mama Tried,’ to build an entirely new song around it. I called Theresa Haggard and Ben Haggard to play them what we’d been working on. It was important to me to have their blessing and I’m so grateful that they love the song.” In another touching tribute, Keith officially listed Merle as a songwriter on the tune. The concept of incorporating someone else’s song into your own can be quite risky, especially if they’re as iconic as Haggard, but in this case it paid off brilliantly for Urban.

It’s easy to feel a connection to ‘Coming Home’ because the lyrics are so relatable. For Keith, this is particularly true. He explains, “Hearing that rolling Haggard guitar lick sparked memories of my childhood and my dream to come to America. I knew right then the story of the song was about the struggles of being in a city where your dreams have brought you, but far from your home – wherever, whomever and whatever that is for each of us.” Keith’s feelings are echoed in the verse, I’m feeling lost in all the madness, I need somewhere to ease my mind, these sidewalks filled with different faces, so many places but there’s none like mine. These lyrics paint a picture of the challenges of living in a place where you don’t know anyone. It’s very difficult being away from your family, friends, and everything you’ve ever known for an extended period of time but returning to the familiarities of your home can provide an immediate sense of comfort. After hearing ‘Coming Home’ and the previously released first single ‘Female,’ we’re greatly looking forward to Keith’s new album.

Keith Urban is set to embark on the Graffiti U World Tour this summer with Kelsea Ballerini. Lucky for us, they’ll be making several stops in New England: July 5^th and 6^th at the Bank of NH Pavilion in Gilford, NH; August 4^th at the Xfinity Center in Mansfield, MA; August 5^th at Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion in Bangor, ME; and September 7^th and 8^th at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT.

Favorite Lyrics: There’s a place that I know where they all know me, I gotta get back now to the ones who love me.

You can buy ‘Coming Home’ on iTunes here.