So Much Water So Close to Home
Paul Kelly · 1989
40 min · 12 tracks · Australian rock
Melodic storytelling intertwines with heartfelt reflections, creating a rich tapestry of Australian rock infused with folk elements.
Top tracks — play these first
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You Can't Take It With You — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its contemplative lyrics about mortality and the transience of life, showcasing Kelly's knack for poignant storytelling.
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Most Wanted Man in the World — This song combines catchy melodies with sharp social commentary, highlighting Kelly's ability to weave personal narratives into broader societal themes.
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Everything's Turning to White — A standout track that captures a sense of melancholy and reflection, it's an exemplary display of Kelly's lyrical prowess and emotional depth.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features strong storytelling and solid craftsmanship, though it doesn't fully stand out in its genre.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks establish a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the fourth track introduces a more reflective tone with softer instrumentation.
- Several songs feature layered vocal harmonies that enhance the storytelling aspect, particularly in 'Moon in the Bed' and 'Pigeon / Jundamurra'.
- The album closes with 'Cities of Texas', which shifts to a more upbeat tempo, creating a sense of resolution after the preceding introspective tracks.
- 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 with emotional depth
- short tracks for focused listening
- intimate moments of personal connection
- evocative imagery in lyrical themes
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of high-energy tracks
- prefer standalone singles over cohesion
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1989, So Much Water So Close to Home was Paul Kelly's fifth studio album, following the acclaimed album Under the Sun. At this point in his career, Kelly was solidifying his reputation as a prominent voice in Australian music, blending narrative-driven lyrics with diverse musical influences.
- 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 You Can't Take It With You 2:42
- 2 Sweet Guy 3:37
- 3 Most Wanted Man in the World 3:37
- 4 I Had Forgotten You 2:58
- 5 She's a Melody (Stupid Song) 4:30
- 6 South of Germany 3:15
- 7 Careless 2:56
- 8 Moon in the Bed 3:03
- 9 No You 4:18
- 10 Everything's Turning to White 4:11
- 11 Pigeon / Jundamurra 2:03
- 12 Cities of Texas 3:40
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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