It’s been four years since Keith Urban last released an album, but the country star is revving back up with his just-released track “Straight Line,” the first single of his upcoming new LP.

“‘Straight Line’ is the perfect first track off my album because it’s a song born of wanting to break out of routine and feeling like somewhere along the line, life lost some color and excitement – ‘You and me used to be like a year-round summer…,’” Urban said of the single in a statement. 

“This song is about getting it back again – a message of taking back your life and driving out from under the dark cloud. If you’ve seen us in concert, I hope this track gives you that same liberated feeling.”

Urban hasn’t released a full-length album since 2020’s The Speed of Now Part 1, which — four years later — hasn’t been followed by a Part 2. However, he’s been hinting at a new studio album for nearly three years, putting out a string of one-off singles like “Wild Hearts,” “Nightfalls,” Brown Eyes Baby,” and “Street Called Main” since The Speed of Now’s arrival.

The singer added, “While ‘Straight Line’s’ lyrics are about being stuck and trying to break out of the monotony, the melody and energy are a boulevard of nothing but green lights. Every song on this album – even the ballads – carries an energy and a life force that became a very strong through line. I hope you feel it. I’m so excited for everyone to hear the whole thing.”

Prior to releasing his next album, Urban has promised to issue another new single in March.