The New Zealand-born superstar Keith Urban’s fifth studio album, Defying Gravity, never really takes flight. It is a collection of 11 respectable songs, only a few of which stand out among a somewhat monotonous album.

 Usually, Urban delivers tight hooks and memorable melodies. This time around, that is not the case. Granted, the first single off the album, “Sweet Thing,” is, for lack of a better word, sweet. The rest of the album lacks any true climax, and he took a rather timid approach to this album, hardly ever drifting away from his pop-country sound.

Defying Gravity does not have the same passion that previous albums, like Be Here and Golden Road, delivered to the listeners. Almost too “feel good” at times; Defying Gravity really lacks any vigor whatsoever. Naming the album “Defying Gravity” because it “really defined the joyous, optimistic and uplifting spirit that seemed to show itself while making the album,” according to the artist, it seems like Urban took an almost lackadaisical approach to this record.

There definitely are upsides to this album, though. The two singles, “Sweet Thing” and “Kiss a Girl” are rather catchy, and show off his engaging vocals.

On the whole, Urban did not live up to expectations. With awards like “Entertainer of the Year” and “Best Male Vocalist,” audiences expect better.