Wanted Man
Paul Kelly · 1994
49 min · 13 tracks · Australian rock
A blend of introspective storytelling and melodic Australian rock, marked by vivid imagery and emotional depth.
Top tracks — play these first
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Summer Rain — This opening track sets the tone with its reflective lyrics and catchy melody, encapsulating the album's themes of longing and nostalgia.
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God's Hotel — With its poignant storytelling, this song explores themes of loss and redemption, showcasing Kelly's ability to weave narratives into his music.
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Love Never Runs on Time — This track stands out for its raw emotion and relatable lyrics about love's complexities, making it a memorable highlight of the album.
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Ball and Chain — This song features a compelling narrative about struggles and resilience, exemplifying Kelly's knack for storytelling through music.
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Everyone Wants to Touch Me — With an upbeat tempo and clever lyrics, this track contrasts with the more somber moments on the album, adding dynamic range to the listening experience.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong storytelling and varied instrumentation but lacks a fully cohesive flow.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
- Several tracks employ vivid storytelling through lyrics, with recurring themes of longing and reflection.
- 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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5/10
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
- steady, consistent energy levels
- gradual builds and payoffs
- immersive storytelling experiences
- reflective afternoon listening sessions
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1994, Wanted Man was Paul Kelly's sixth studio album, following the critically acclaimed album So Much Water So Close to Home. At this point, Kelly was establishing himself as a significant voice in Australian music, known for his lyrical prowess and narrative style. This album further solidified his reputation, showcasing a maturation in both songwriting and sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Crowded House· Midnight Oil· Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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God's Hotel
The verse shifts from personal introspection to broader reflections on community and faith without losing its intimate feel.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Summer Rain 2:40
- 2 God's Hotel 5:09
- 3 She's Rare 4:20
- 4 Just Like Animals 4:40
- 5 Love Never Runs on Time 2:59
- 6 Song From the Sixteenth Floor 3:58
- 7 Maybe This Time for Sure 2:53
- 8 Ball and Chain 3:52
- 9 You're Still Picking the Same Sore 3:35
- 10 Everyone Wants to Touch Me 3:06
- 11 We've Started a Fire 5:13
- 12 Lately 3:36
- 13 Nukkanya 3:16
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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