VOA常速英语:Keith Urban Sings of Appreciation on 'Get Closer'

Country singer Keith Urban credits his wife, Nicole Kidman, with saving him from a life of alcoholism and drug addiction.  That appreciation is heard throughout Keith's new album, "Get Closer."

"Without You" is a track from Keith Urban's new album describing the love he shares with his wife, actress Nicole Kidman, and their two-year-old daughter, Sunday Rose.  Keith admits, however, "It's the most autobiographical song I never wrote."  Writing credits belong to Dave Pahanish and Joe West, who had no idea their tune would perfectly match Urban's life.

Keith co-wrote five of the album's eight songs, including a collaboration with pop singer-songwriter Richard Marx, "Long Hot Summer."

When asked about the album's title, Keith said, "It's connected to intimacy.  To whatever it is that I'm trying to achieve, I've got to 'get closer,' whether that be to love or any of my goals or dreams.  That's what we all need to do."

Keith recorded "Get Closer" following the May floods in Tennessee, which destroyed dozens of his guitars.  A deluxe version of the album, with three additional studio tracks and four live performances, is available exclusively at Target department stores.

Keith recently announced his "Get Closer 2011 World Tour," which begins next June and visits 60 North American cities.  He says, "Playing live is what it's always been about for me.  It's creating in the moment, it's the joy, the electricity, the unexpected, the passion and the unknown journey that we're all taking together.  I can't wait to throw this party!"

The lead single from "Get Closer" entered the Country chart at Number 29 to become the second highest debut of his career.