After examining the human condition from every conceivable angle in his music for the last 45 years, it would be understandable if Paul Kelly had nothing left in the tank. Thankfully, his 29th album proves one of Australia’s greatest living singer-songwriters still has plenty of gold left to mine.
Across 12 tracks, several classic Kelly personas appear: the lustful horndog (the rocking “Houndstooth Dress”); the country crooner (“Double Business Bound”); and pop-rock powerhouse (the classic chiming guitars of “Taught by Experts”).
Capturing nostalgia is perhaps Kelly’s finest gift, and here there’s two heartstring-tuggers up there with his best. “All Those Smiling Faces” has him looking through old photo albums, urging us to “get on the floor and dance, we don’t have forever.” “Going to the River with Dad” closes the album on a tender, moving note, proof his well of genius won’t be drying up any time soon.
Stream: Paul Kelly, Fever Longing Still
This article features in the December-February 2024 issue of Rolling Stone AU/NZ. If you’re eager to get your hands on it, then now is the time to sign up for a subscription.
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