Keith Urban has a lot to celebrate: His newest studio record, Ripcord, has debuted at No. 1 in the U.S., Canada and Australia — and it’s set a record, too.
Ripcord is Urban’s second album to top the charts in those three countries during its debut week — and that’s something that no other male country artist has ever done. The country star celebrated the accomplishment with Universal Music Group Nashville staff (in the above photo), including UMG Nashville Chairman and CEO Mike Dungan and President Cindy Mabe.
With Ripcord, Urban has earned his fifth No. 1 album; so far, he’s also celebrated two No. 1 songs — the 19th and 20th of his career, respectively — with his first two singles from the project, “John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16” and “Break on Me.” Urban’s newest single, “Wasted Time,” meanwhile, has given him his 36th consecutive Top 10 song. The singer holds the record for the most consecutive Top 10 songs on the Billboard Country Airplay chart; his streak began in August of 2000.
“The 15 months that I spent recording Ripcord was one of the most incredible musical journeys I’ve ever had,” Urban says in a press release. “Working with some of the most creative and inspiring musicians to explore and expand my music in the studio was exhilarating. To now see this music connecting with my audience in this way is an extraordinary feeling — it means everything to me.”
Ripcord includes some incredible collaborators, including Carrie Underwood on the beat-driven “The Fighter” and rapper Pitbull on “Sun Don’t Let Me Down.” Other noteworthy collaborators are Dann Huff, Greg Wells, Jeff Bhasker and busbee.
