Nature
Paul Kelly · 2018
32 min · 12 tracks · Australian rock
A rich tapestry of storytelling woven through acoustic melodies and poignant reflections on life and nature.
Top tracks — play these first
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With the One I Love — This track distills the essence of longing and connection through its gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics, exemplifying Kelly’s knack for intimate storytelling.
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A Bastard Like Me — The song confronts personal flaws and vulnerabilities with brutal honesty, showcasing Kelly's ability to blend self-reflection with universal themes.
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The River Song — This piece evokes a sense of nostalgia and peace, using vivid imagery to connect the listener with the natural world and its cycles.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's strong thematic focus and acoustic arrangements create a rich listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of acoustic instrumentation, with guitar and piano leading most tracks.
- Several songs incorporate nature-themed imagery in their lyrics, creating a cohesive narrative throughout the record.
- The tempo varies across tracks, with some maintaining a steady pace while others introduce more dynamic shifts, particularly in the choruses.
- 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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8/10
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
- short reflections on nature
- intimate moments of connection
- gentle melodies for contemplation
- for quiet mornings
- thoughtful lyrics to ponder
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy anthems
- prefer lengthy, immersive tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2018, Nature marks Paul Kelly's return to the studio after a series of celebrated live albums. This album follows his 2017 project, Life Is Fine, which showcased his continued relevance in the Australian music scene. At this stage in his career, Kelly is recognized as a venerable figure in Australian rock, blending personal narrative with broader themes.
- 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 And Death Shall Have No Dominion 2:27
- 2 With the One I Love 2:29
- 3 A Bastard Like Me 2:34
- 4 Little Wolf 2:54
- 5 With Animals 2:23
- 6 Bound to Follow (Aisling Song) 4:07
- 7 Seagulls of Seattle 3:00
- 8 Morning Storm 3:00
- 9 Mushrooms 2:57
- 10 The River Song 2:13
- 11 God's Grandeur 2:17
- 12 The Trees 2:26
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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