Billy Gibbons and Keith Urban Join Forces on “Brown Paper Bag”

Young N’ Loud Magazine article by Katie Sears

For more than five decades, Billy Gibbons has remained one of rock’s most recognizable guitarists. Now, the ZZ Top frontman has teamed up with Keith Urban for “Brown Paper Bag,” a track that brings together two distinctive guitar styles in a unique collaboration.

Though it has not been officially announced whether the track is part of an upcoming album, Gibbons brings his trademark guitar tone and signature raspy vocals to the song, blending raw Texas blues influences with a smooth rock ‘n’ roll rhythm.

This track marks the latest addition to Gibbons’ solo catalogue and follows an active run of standalone releases, including “Livin’ It Up Down in Texas.” It also serves as his newest solo material since the release of his last three studio albums: 2015’s Perfectamundo, 2018’s The Big Bad Blues, and 2021’s Hardware.

While Keith Urban is often associated with country music, his guitar playing has long been rooted in rock and blues influences. That shared appreciation for guitar-driven music makes him a natural fit alongside Gibbons, with both musicians bringing their own style and personality to the track.

While “Brown Paper Bag” may be a surprise pairing, the collaboration feels natural once the guitars kick in. Gibbons and Urban complement one another well, with the track balancing Gibbons’ trademark blues-infused style against Urban’s polished guitar work. The result is a song that feels both familiar and fresh, highlighting the strengths of two veteran musicians.

Billy Gibbons performing at the Iceberg Alley Performance Tent in St. John’s, NL (June 29, 2025). Photo by Katie Sears