Stolen Apples
Paul Kelly · 2007
41 min · 11 tracks · Australian rock
An intimate collection of storytelling woven through folk-inflected melodies and evocative lyrical imagery.
Top tracks — play these first
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Stolen Apples Taste the Sweetest — This title track encapsulates the album's theme of longing and nostalgia, presenting a vivid metaphor for experiences shaped by desire and loss.
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You’re 39, You’re Beautiful and You’re Mine — This song stands out for its tender lyrics and poignant reflection on love and aging, blending personal insight with universal appeal.
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God Told Me To — With its engaging storytelling and playful tone, this track showcases Kelly's knack for crafting narratives that resonate with both humor and gravity.
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 folk-inflected melodies, showcasing Kelly's songwriting strength.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features more upbeat tracks, while the second half shifts to slower, reflective pieces.
- Many songs incorporate storytelling elements, with vivid imagery that draws on personal and historical themes.
- The instrumentation often includes acoustic guitar and piano, creating a warm, intimate sound throughout the record.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- 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 warmth
- melancholic themes for quiet moments
- short tracks for focused listening
- emotional narratives through personal lens
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy party tracks
- prefer instant gratification in music
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time Paul Kelly released Stolen Apples in 2007, he was already a respected figure in Australian music, with a career spanning over two decades. This album came after his critically acclaimed work, such as the 2004 album Ways & Means, marking a continued evolution in his songwriting and musical exploration.
- 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 Feelings of Grief 5:55
- 2 God Told Me To 3:41
- 3 Stolen Apples Taste the Sweetest 4:16
- 4 Sweetest Thing 3:24
- 5 You’re 39, You’re Beautiful and You’re Mine 3:34
- 6 The Lion and the Lamb 3:33
- 7 Right Outta My Head 3:20
- 8 Keep on Driving 2:13
- 9 The Ballad of Queenie and Rover 4:10
- 10 The Foggy Fields of France 4:05
- 11 Please Leave Your Light On 3:18
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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