Keith Urban reveals rare inspiration behind latest work: 'Unexpected Evolution'

Keith Urban is embracing a creative shift with his upcoming album Flow State.

Speaking with PEOPLE Magazine ahead of his induction into the Musicians Hall of Fame in Nashville on April 28, the country star described the project as an “unexpected evolution.”

“This record Flow State was just an unexpected evolution of music really,” Urban said.

Urban's latest record will feature mostly covers of classic yacht rock tracks, along with one original collaboration with Michael McDonald.

Spilling the beans on the matter, Urban revealed the idea came about organically after purchasing a new studio in Nashville.

“I bought a studio in Nashville and all I wanted to do was break it in by doing a song or two,” he explained.

“And we thought just for fun, we would do a couple of yacht rock songs. I had no intention of releasing it."

"It was just something to do that we really loved playing that kind of music,” he concluded.