Deeper Water
Paul Kelly · 1995
47 min · 12 tracks · Australian rock
A rich blend of introspective lyrics and melodic rock, harmoniously weaving personal narratives with a distinctly Australian sound.
Top tracks — play these first
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Blush — The opening track captures the essence of the album with its infectious melody and relatable lyrics about vulnerability in love.
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I'll Forgive but I Won't Forget — This song stands out for its poignant reflection on forgiveness, blending storytelling with a catchy chorus that showcases Kelly's lyrical craftsmanship.
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Difficult Woman — With its clever wordplay and engaging narrative, this track presents a complex portrait of relationships, underscoring Kelly's ability to balance humor with depth.
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California — This song features lush instrumentation and vivid imagery, transporting listeners to the West Coast while exploring themes of longing and connection.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends personal narratives with strong melodies, showcasing Kelly's lyrical depth and musical craftsmanship.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features more upbeat tracks, while the second half shifts to slower tempos and introspective themes.
- Several songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies, enhancing the emotional weight of the lyrics.
- The title track 'Deeper Water' uses a recurring melodic motif that ties together its verses and chorus.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- reflective storytelling for introspection
- melodic acoustic warmth
- late-night contemplative listening
- emotional depth in every track
- subtle narratives that unfold
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat party anthems
- prefer instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- In 1995, Paul Kelly was in a phase of artistic maturation, following his acclaimed album 'Gossip' from 1993. 'Deeper Water' marked his return to the studio after a series of successful live performances and established him as a prominent figure in Australian rock music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Crowded House· Midnight Oil· Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Blush 3:25
- 2 Extra Mile 3:37
- 3 I'll Forgive but I Won't Forget 3:35
- 4 Queen Stone 3:41
- 5 Deeper Water 4:33
- 6 Madeleine's Song 3:43
- 7 Difficult Woman 4:03
- 8 Give in to My Love 4:07
- 9 I've Been a Fool 4:11
- 10 Anastasia Changes Her Mind 3:15
- 11 California 5:03
- 12 Gathering Storm 4:06
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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