Search - Paul Kelly :: Wanted Man

A fun and more musically adventurous album

S. D. Fourmy | London, United Kingdom | 05/27/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"After the sprawling tapestry that was 1991's Comedy (in ambition at least, a sequel to 1986's breakthrough album Gossip) Kelly has jettisoned his band The Messengers for this album. And the freedom shows, as musically the album careers through a diverse range of styles. This is clearly the start of a new stage in Kelly's career and the album is full of energy, vigour and fun. Thematically it is concerned with love, in all its many forms. Overall it is more uplifting than some of his other work, for it largely lacks the politics and failed relationships that so often form the subject of his songs, and the music grooves with an understated but insistent soul/funk (a clear departure from the standard pub rock guise of The Messengers).



After the albums gentle and slightly insubstantial opener, we are briefly held up by a half-backed collaboration with Nick Cave (God's Hotel) before things really get moving with a great double in She's Rare and Just Like Animals. These songs deal with the animalistic side of love, and both the lyrics and the music create a real sense of raw desire.



Next up we have the two singles, and indeed two of the best pop melodies you are ever likely to hear. Love Never Runs On Time is a brief, brilliant piece of bad timing. Song From The Sixteenth Floor is in Kelly's top ten best ever compositions, and possibly in pop's best ever as well! It really is wonderful, with its infectious tune, perfectly executed musicianship, and wonderful lyrical juxtapositions. Perhaps not as profound or powerful as Kelly can be, this is nevertheless close to perfection.



The latter half of the album is reserved for showing off the versatility of the musicians involved. We are taken on an exquisitely enjoyable journey through country inflections, good old-fashioned bluesy rock, reggae, and the slow jazz shuffle of Lately. And amongst all this we get the wonderful musings on fame that is Everybody Wants to Touch Me. Irresistible!



The album finishes as it started, with a track of subtle and beguiling beauty. Nukkanya is one of those understated songs that contain moments of real brilliance that go unnoticed until the third or fourth listen. The verses in particular are beautifully composed, full of sad beauty and wisdom (and the music is also suitably pulled back, indeed almost sparse at times). Perhaps the only criticism of this track is that you wish it were longer; but then, what a way for an album to finish - bring on the next one!



Overall this is not one of Paul Kelly's most thought provoking albums, but it is certainly one of his most enjoyable. And the quality of both lyric and music is exemplary. Certainly it is more consistent than most of his earlier albums with the Messengers (which generally contained one or two really forgettable tracks). I highly recommended this album."

Storytellers and tales......

Kiwi | The Land of Enchantment | 04/08/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I hope that Paul's CDs will start to shake up the US market.... His music is so unpredictable and so interesting. He gives us such wonderful rhythm and blues....I cannot imagine a world without his music. I would call him the "Bob Dylan" of Australia because his voice does resemble Bob on many ballads and he is also an incredible storyteller. Maybe there is a little Harry Chapin in there too. Every song on every CD he has given us has redeeming qualities...he is always allowing us something to think about and doing it with such wit and tenderness. The instrumentals are terrific and grab you away from whatever you happen to be doing at that moment...sitting still and listening is out of the question. The tunes hit the soul too hard to be ignored... If you haven't heard of this Australian delight, it's time to drink from Downunder. You'll never regret this Cd......Thanks, Paul...don't ever stop....."

Superior talent

Bt | Parts unknown | 09/08/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A year ago I would have given this 4 stars, but this disc by the Aussie artist just seemed to get better with age. I realized how good this really is with time. Paul Kelly is one of the best artist out there, yet he remains criminally underappreciated when it comes to American exposure. This disc has it all; smart pop/ rock, great melodies,great lyrics, blues, and some downright rockin foot stompin' rock & roll. A top notch effort."