What makes Smoke by Paul Kelly notable?

'Smoke' received widespread acclaim, with several tracks charting on Australian music charts, contributing to Paul Kelly's reputation as one of Australia's finest songwriters. It is also notable for its exploration of themes related to relationships and self-reflection, resonating strongly with listeners and influencing many contemporary Australian artists. By the time 'Smoke' was released in 1999, Paul Kelly had established himself as a prominent figure in the Australian music scene following his critically acclaimed album 'Wanted Man' in 1994. This album marked his continued evolution as a songwriter, showcasing a more personal and reflective side of his artistry while maintaining his signature narrative style.

How many songs are on Smoke?

Smoke has 13 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

Smoke

Paul Kelly · 1999

41 min · 13 tracks · soul

A soulful blend of introspective lyrics and melodic storytelling, woven through acoustic instrumentation and rich vocal delivery.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Our Sunshine — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its reflective lyrics that capture a sense of nostalgia, highlighting Kelly's storytelling prowess.
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I Can't Believe We Were Married — This track stands out for its poignant exploration of disillusionment in relationships, showcasing Kelly’s ability to convey complex emotions through simple yet effective melodies.
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Sydney From a 747 — Through vivid imagery, this song evokes feelings of distance and longing, making it a powerful representation of urban life and personal connections.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

I Can't Believe We Were Married

The narrative shifts from reminiscing about love to a stark realization of its end.

This structural choice emphasizes the emotional contrast between fond memories and harsh truths, deepening the impact of the song's message.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Our Sunshine 4:22
2 You Cant Take It With You 2:51
3 Until Death Do Them Part 3:14
4 I Can't Believe We Were Married 3:28
5 I Don't Remember a Thing 3:11
6 Teach Me Tonight 2:43
7 Sydney From a 747 2:48
8 Night After Night 2:59
9 Whistling Bird 3:24
10 Stories of Me 2:14
11 Taught by Experts 3:09
12 Gathering Storm 2:37
13 Shy Before You Lord 4:00

What to play next

Full Paul Kelly discography Artists like Paul Kelly

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata