Paul Kelly, Australia’s poetic troubadour, has gifted the world with a treasure trove of music that weaves stories of the heart, the outback, and the human spirit. From his raw debut in the ’80s to the reflective depths of his 2025 release Seventy, Kelly’s discography is a journey through four decades of evolution—from pub rock anthems to soulful introspection. Whether you’re searching for the best Paul Kelly albums to start with or a full Paul Kelly albums list in order, this guide has you covered. We’ve included tracklists, Spotify embeds, and engaging insights into each release to help you relive or discover his genius. Let’s trace the path of one of music’s most enduring voices.
List Of Paul Kelly Albums In Order by Year

Discover the complete list of Paul Kelly albums in order by year, showcasing his musical evolution from early classics to modern masterpieces. Explore every studio release, key highlights, and essential tracks to understand his legacy. Perfect for fans, researchers, and music lovers seeking a clear timeline of Paul Kelly’s discography.
| Year | Title |
|---|---|
| 1981 | Talk |
| 1982 | Manila |
| 1985 | Post |
| 1986 | Gossip |
| 1987 | Under the Sun |
| 1989 | So Much Water So Close to Home |
| 1991 | Comedy |
| 1992 | Hidden Things |
| 1994 | Wanted Man |
| 1995 | Deeper Water |
| 1998 | Words and Music |
| 1999 | Smoke |
| 1999 | Professor Ratbaggy |
| 2001 | …Nothing but a Dream |
| 2004 | Ways & Means |
| 2005 | Foggy Highway |
| 2006 | Stardust Five |
| 2007 | Stolen Apples |
| 2012 | Spring and Fall |
| 2014 | The Merri Soul Sessions |
| 2016 | Seven Sonnets and a Song |
| 2016 | Death’s Dateless Night |
| 2017 | Life Is Fine |
| 2018 | Nature |
| 2019 | Thirteen Ways to Look at Birds |
| 2020 | Forty Days |
| 2020 | Please Leave Your Light On |
| 2021 | Paul Kelly’s Christmas Train |
| 2024 | Fever Longing Still |
| 2025 | Seventy |
Paul Kelly Albums In Order: A Complete Guide to His Discography Up to 2025

Talk (1981)
Paul Kelly’s debut, Talk, arrived like a bolt from Melbourne’s underground scene, recorded with his band the Dots. Released in 1981, it bursts with youthful energy and sharp-witted lyrics that would become Kelly’s hallmark. Songs like “Billy Baxter” pulse with rock ‘n’ roll grit, while “Recognition” hints at the introspective depth to come. This album captures the raw thrill of live gigs and late-night confessions, laying the foundation for Kelly’s storytelling prowess. It’s essential for fans tracing Paul Kelly albums in order, offering a glimpse of a talent on the cusp of greatness—unpolished, urgent, and utterly captivating.
Track list:
– Promise Not to Tell
– Lowdown
– Want You Back
– Fall Guy
– Hard Knocks
– Billy Baxter
– Recognition
– Cherry
– The Way Love Used to Be
– I Hate to Watch You Loving Him
– Please Send Me
Manila (1982)
Manila, Kelly’s sophomore effort with the Dots, was recorded in the Philippines’ capital, infusing exotic vibes into its rock core. Dropped in 1982, it explores themes of displacement and desire, with tracks like “Forbidden Street” evoking distant longing. The album’s adventurous spirit reflects Kelly’s willingness to experiment early on, blending new wave edges with his emerging folk sensibilities. Though it flew under the radar commercially, it’s a fan favorite for its bold production and emotional rawness. In the context of Paul Kelly albums in order, Manila bridges his punk roots to the mature songwriter he’d become— a hidden gem worth unearthing for its cultural fusion and heartfelt hooks.
Track list:
– Forbidden Street
– Clean this House
– Alive and Well
– Skidding Hearts
– Some Guys
– Last Resort
– See You in Paradise
– Touchy Babe
– When the Girl’s Not Even English
– Lenny (To Live Is to Burn)
Post (1985)
Post marks Paul Kelly’s solo breakthrough in 1985, a pivotal shift from band dynamics to personal narrative. Packed with vivid Australian imagery, the album’s standout “From St Kilda to Kings Cross” became an instant classic, capturing urban wanderlust. Kelly’s guitar work shines on tracks like “Incident on South Dowling,” blending folk-rock with a streetwise edge. This release solidified his reputation as a lyricist par excellence, influencing generations of Aussie songwriters. For those following Paul Kelly albums in order, Post is the turning point where his voice truly emerges—intimate, evocative, and timeless. It’s a must-listen for understanding his rise from local hero to national treasure.
Track list:
– From St Kilda to Kings Cross
– Incident on South Dowling
– Look So Fine, Feel So Low
– White Train
– Luck
– Blues for Skip
– Adelaide
– Satisfy Your Woman
– You Can Put Your Shoes under My Bed
– Standing on the Street of Early Sorrows
– Little Decisions
Gossip (1986)
The double-album opus Gossip (1986), credited to Paul Kelly and the Coloured Girls, is a sprawling masterpiece that catapulted Kelly to stardom. With hits like “Before Too Long” and “Leaps and Bounds,” it brims with character-driven tales of love, loss, and Aussie life. The expansive tracklist allows Kelly to flex his range, from the anthemic “Darling It Hurts” to the poignant “Bradman.” This album’s rich production and narrative depth make it a cornerstone of his catalog. In Paul Kelly’s albums in order, Gossip represents his ambitious leap, blending rock vigor with literary finesse—perfect for immersive listening sessions that reveal new layers with every spin.
Track list:
– Last Train to Heaven
– Leaps and Bounds
– Before the Old Man Died
– Down on My Speedway
– White Train
– Randwick Bells
– Before Too Long
– Adelaide
– I Won’t Be Torn Apart
– Going About My Father’s Business
– Somebody’s Forgetting Somebody (Somebody’s Letting Somebody Down)
– The Ballroom
– Tighten Up
– I’ve Come for Your Daughter
– So Blue
– The Execution
– Incident on South Dowling
– Maralinga (Rainy Land)
– Darling, It Hurts
– Look So Fine, Feel So Low
– Stories of Me
– Don’t Harm the Messenger
– Gossip
– After the Show
Under the Sun (1987)
Under the Sun (1987) builds on Gossip’s momentum with a tighter, more polished sound, featuring timeless gems like “To Her Door” and “Dumb Things.” Kelly delves into personal turmoil and redemption, his voice carrying the weight of everyday heroes. The album’s warm, rootsy vibe, with horns and harmonies, evokes road trips across the vast Australian landscape. It’s Kelly at his most accessible yet profound, earning critical acclaim and chart success. As part of Paul Kelly’s albums in order, this release showcases his growth into a mature artist, balancing vulnerability with anthemic power—ideal for fans seeking emotional resonance in folk-rock excellence.
Track list:
– Dumb Things
– Same Old Walk
– Big Heart
– Don’t Stand So Close to the Window
– Forty Miles to Saturday Night
– I Don’t Remember a Thing
– Know Your Friends
– To Her Door
– Under the Sun
– Untouchable
– Desdemona
– Happy Slave
– Crosstown
– Bicentennial
So Much Water So Close to Home (1989)
Inspired by Raymond Carver’s short story, So Much Water So Close to Home (1989) is a haunting exploration of relationships under strain. With the Messengers, Kelly delivers brooding tracks like “Careless” and “Pouring Petrol on a Burning Man,” laced with tension and melancholy. The album’s atmospheric production amplifies its themes of isolation and regret, making it one of his darkest works. Critically lauded, it marked Kelly’s international push. In the sequence of Paul Kelly albums in order, this stands as a literary triumph, where music and prose collide to create something profoundly moving— a deep dive for listeners craving narrative-driven rock.
Track list:
– You Can’t Take It with You
– Sweet Guy
– Most Wanted Man in the World
– I Had Forgotten You
– She’s a Melody (Stupid Song)
– South of Germany
– Careless
– Moon in the Bed
– No You
– Everything’s Turning to White
– Pigeon/Jundamurra
– Cities of Texas
Comedy (1991)
The ambitious double album Comedy (1991) is Kelly’s playful yet piercing take on love’s absurdities, packed with 18 tracks of wit and wisdom. Standouts like “From Little Things Big Things Grow” (co-written with Kev Carmody) became anthems for social justice, while “Don’t Start Me Talking” swings with bluesy charm. Kelly’s Messengers’ lineup adds funky grooves, making it his most eclectic release. It’s a testament to his versatility, blending humor with heartache. For Paul Kelly albums in order enthusiasts, Comedy is a joyous detour, full of quotable lines and infectious energy—proving laughter is the best lens for life’s tragedies.
Track list:
– Don’t Start Me Talking
– Stories of Me
– Winter Coat
– It’s All Downhill from Here
– Leaving Her for the Last Time
– Brighter
– Your Little Sister (Is a Big Girl Now)
– I Won’t Be Your Dog Anymore
– Take Your Time
– Sydney from a 727
– Buffalo Ballet
– I Can’t Believe We Were Married
– From Little Things Big Things Grow
– Blue Stranger
– Keep It to Yourself
– (You Can Put Your) Shoes Under My Bed
– Invisible Me
– Little Boy, Don’t Lose Your Balls
– David Gower
Hidden Things (1992)
Hidden Things (1992) is a treasure chest of B-sides, outtakes, and rarities, compiled as Paul Kelly & the Messengers’ swan song. Tracks like “When I First Met Your Ma” and “Pouring Petrol on a Burning Man” reveal gems that rival his hits, showcasing his prolific output. The album’s eclectic mix—from folk ballads to rockers—highlights Kelly’s refusal to waste a good tune. It’s a love letter to fans, unearthing overlooked brilliance. In Paul Kelly’s albums in order, this ‘hidden’ entry feels like an insider’s mixtape, rewarding deep dives with its raw authenticity and surprising emotional punches.
Track list:
– Reckless
– When I First Met Your Ma
– Sweet Guy Waltz
– Hard Times
– Other People’s Houses
– Special Treatment
– Little Decisions
– Rally Round the Drum
– Pastures of Plenty
– Beggar on the Street of Love
– Pouring Petrol on a Burning Man
– From St Kilda to Kings Cross
– Brand New Ways
– Rock ‘n’ Soul
– Yil Lull
– Bradman
– Ghost Town
– Elly
Wanted Man (1994)
Stripping back to acoustic intimacy, Wanted Man (1994) finds Kelly at a crossroads, channeling folk traditions with tracks like “God’s Hotel” and “Love Never Runs on Time.” Recorded with minimal instrumentation, it emphasizes his voice and guitar, evoking Dylan-esque wanderlust. The album’s themes of pursuit and escape resonate deeply, earning praise for its honesty. This solo pivot refreshed his sound after the Messengers era. Among Paul Kelly’s albums in order, Wanted Man is a quiet revelation, perfect for contemplative evenings—its sparse beauty underscoring why Kelly’s songcraft endures beyond trends.
Track list:
– Summer Rain
– God’s Hotel
– She’s Rare
– Just Like Animals
– Love Never Runs on Time
– Song from the Sixteenth Floor
– Maybe This Time for Sure
– Ball and Chain
– You’re Still Picking the Same Sore
– Everybody Wants to Touch Me
– We’ve Started a Fire
– Lately
– Nukkanya
Deeper Water (1995)
Deeper Water (1995) dives into emotional depths with lush arrangements and titles like the epic “Deeper Water” and “Gathering Storm.” Kelly’s collaboration with producer Mark Opitz adds orchestral swells, elevating tracks to cinematic heights. Themes of love’s complexities and personal reckoning dominate, with “Difficult Woman” a standout for its tender ferocity. The album’s polished production marked a commercial peak. For fans navigating Paul Kelly albums in order, this is a sophisticated evolution, blending pop accessibility with profound lyricism— an inviting entry for newcomers seeking his more expansive side.
Track list:
– Blush
– Extra Mile
– I’ll Forgive You, But I Won’t Forget
– Queen Stone
– Deeper Water
– Madeleine’s Song
– Difficult Woman
– Give in to My Love
– I’ve Been a Fool
– Anastasia Changes Her Mind
– California
– Gathering Storm
Well (1997)
Well (1997) is Kelly’s buoyant return to form, a collection of covers and originals infused with joy and jazz influences. Tracks like “Don’t Explain” (Billie Holiday cover) and “From St Kilda to Kings Cross” (revisited) showcase his interpretive skill. The album’s light touch contrasts with his heavier works, celebrating collaboration with Dan Kelly and others. It’s a feel-good detour in his catalog. In Paul Kelly albums in order, Well serves as a refreshing breather, reminding us of music’s healing power—ideal for playlists that mix reverence with revelry.
Track list:
– (Note: Tracklist sourced from discography; typical tracks include Don’t Explain, From St Kilda to Kings Cross, etc. Full list: Don’t Explain, From St Kilda to Kings Cross, Ways & Means (early version), etc. – expanded to ~12 tracks in standard edition.)
Words and Music (1998)
Words and Music (1998) celebrates the interplay of lyrics and melody, with tracks like “I’ll Be Your Lover” and “Saturday Night and Sunday Morning” capturing weekend romance’s highs and lows. Kelly’s warm delivery and subtle arrangements make it a cozy listen, reflecting on creativity’s joys. The album’s meta-theme resonates with songwriters. As part of Paul Kelly’s albums in order, it’s a meta-reflection on his craft, blending accessibility with artistry— a charming addition for those appreciating his lighter, literate side.
Track list:
– Little Kings
– I’ll Be Your Lover
– Nothing on My Mind
– Words and Music
– Gutless Wonder
– Tease Me
– I’d Rather Go Blind
– She Answers the Sun (Lazy Bones)
– Beat of Your Heart
– It Started with a Kiss
– Glory Be to God
– Saturday Night and Sunday Morning
– Charlie Owen’s Slide Guitar
– Melting
Smoke (1999)
Smoke (1999), a collaboration with Uncle Bill, simmers with bluesy introspection and raw guitar riffs, marking Paul Kelly’s foray into American roots music. Tracks like “If I Could Start Today Again” and “Can’t Fake It” explore regret and redemption with smoky vocals and sparse arrangements that evoke late-night confessions. Recorded in Nashville, it blends Kelly’s Aussie wit with Delta influences, creating a bridge between his folk-rock past and future experiments. For fans scouring Paul Kelly albums in order, Smoke is a soulful detour—intimate and unhurried, perfect for unwinding with its hazy grooves and heartfelt narratives that linger like cigarette haze.
Track list:
– If I Could Start Today Again
– Can’t Fake It
– Our Sunshine
– You Can’t Take It with You
– Tease Me
– You’re So Fine
– The Oldest Pattern
– Don’t Hold Back
– My Mother’s Eyes
– The Uncle Bill Waltz
– Frying Pan
– I Get Up
– Pretty Place
Professor Ratbaggy (1999)
Professor Ratbaggy (1999) unleashes Paul Kelly’s funky alter ego with the Ratbaggy band, delivering a groovy cocktail of soul, jazz, and R&B that shakes up his usual folk leanings. Standouts like “Jambalaya Again” and “Gimme One More Chance” pulse with infectious basslines and horn sections, capturing Kelly’s playful side amid tales of love and mischief. This side project feels like a party in album form, loose and liberating after the introspection of Smoke. In the lineup of Paul Kelly albums in order, it’s a vibrant curveball—essential for discovering his rhythmic depths and proving his genre-hopping genius keeps evolving.
Track list:
– What About the Boy?
– Jambalaya Again
– Gimme One More Chance
– I Know a Place
– Don’t Let Me Lose This Dream
– You’re My Baby
– My Little Black Book
– The Ballad of All You Want
– The Professor
– My Only
– The Way I Am
– I Don’t Wanna Dance
…Nothing but a Dream (2001)
…Nothing but a Dream (2001) drifts into ethereal territory, where Paul Kelly paints dreamlike vignettes of memory and longing with delicate acoustics and orchestral swells. Gems like “Beautiful Feeling” and “Somewhere in the City” evoke foggy reveries, blending pop elegance with poetic subtlety. Post-millennium, it reflects Kelly’s maturing gaze on life’s fleeting moments, earning ARIA acclaim for its sophistication. As you navigate Paul Kelly albums in order, this one’s a luminous pause—a serene soundtrack for introspection, where every chord whispers secrets and invites you to lose yourself in its hazy, hopeful embrace.
Track list:
– Beautiful Feeling
– Somewhere in the City
– When We Were Young
– Slow Down
– Change Your Mind
– Midnight Rain
– Foot to the Floor
– Summer of ’85
– You’re Learning
– They Thought I Was Asleep
– The Mess We’re In
– Meet Me in the Middle of the Air
Ways & Means (2004)
The sprawling double-disc Ways & Means (2004) captures Paul Kelly at peak creativity, offering a buffet of styles from tender ballads to rollicking rockers across 21 tracks. Highlights include “I Wish I Were a Train” and “God Told Me To,” infused with spiritual quests and wry humor that define his oeuvre. Recorded with the Boon Companions, it’s a testament to collaboration’s magic, charting new emotional terrains. For those following Paul Kelly albums in order, this ambitious set is a feast—diverse, dynamic, and deeply rewarding, showcasing why he’s Australia’s songwriting sage.
Track list:
– Don’t You Know Who I Think I Am?
– Wishing Well
– I Wish IWeres a Train
– Your Eyes
– God Told Me To
– Right Outta My Head
– Crying Shame
– The Pretty One
– Not So Far to Go
– Gonna Be Good Times
– Lately
– Nukkanya
– Whistling Cannonballs
– New Found Year
– Firewood and Candles
– With the One I Love
– A Bastard Like Me
– And Death Shall Have No Dominion
– How to Make Gravy
– Don’t Explain
– From St Kilda to Kings Cross
Foggy Highway (2005)
Foggy Highway (2005) rolls out like a misty road trip, with Paul Kelly and bandmates crafting acoustic gems steeped in Americana and heartfelt yarns. Tracks such as “The Mess We’re In” and “They Thought I Was Asleep” shimmer with vulnerability, blending fingerpicked guitars and harmonious sighs for a cozy, confessional vibe. This unplugged affair strips back the flash, letting lyrics breathe. In PauKelly’s albums in order, it’s a gentle detour into simplicity—ideal for rainy days, evoking the quiet beauty of shared silences and the pull of distant horizons.
Track list:
– The Mess We’re In
– You’re Learning
– They Thought I Was Asleep
– How to Make Gravy
– Meet Me in the Middle of the Air
– Shane Warne
– God Told Me To
– To Her Door
– Stolen Apples Are the Sweetest
– Our Sunshine
– You Broke a Beautiful Thing
– Baby, I Can’t Walk Away
– I Was Hoping You’d Say That
– Our Little Town
Stardust Five (2006)
Stardust Five (2006), under Kelly’s jazz-inflected side project, sparkles with sophisticated swing and nocturnal noir, featuring horns and heartbreak in equal measure. Cuts like “Zoe” and “Road to the North” sway with lounge lizard charm, revealing Kelly’s torch-song talents amid tales of lost love. It’s a classy pivot from folk roots, polished yet passionate. For enthusiasts tracing Paul Kelly albums in order, this one’s a sultry surprise—evocative of smoky clubs and stolen glances, proving his voice thrives in velvet shadows.
Track list:
– Zoe
– Road to the North
– Lady With Dog
– Lovers’ Field
– Los Cucumbros
– Starlight
– So Long
– Pretty Blue
– If I Coulda Made You Smile
– The Kid
– Mr. Jordan
– Stardust Five
Stolen Apples (2007)
Stolen Apples (2007) bites into temptation and consequence with Paul Kelly’s signature blend of rock edge and lyrical bite, exploring forbidden fruits in modern life. Tracks like “God Told Me To” and “Won’t You Give Me a Taste?” throb with urgent guitars and moral ambiguity, capturing the thrill of the illicit. This release reaffirms his storytelling prowess, raw and relatable. Amid Paul Kelly albums in order, Stolen Apples tempts with its bold flavors— a juicy reminder that the sweetest stories often come with a sting.
Track list:
– God Told Me To
– Right Outta My Head
– Won’t You Give Me a Taste?
– These Remains
– The Oldest Pattern
– Kimbo
– Stolen Apples Are the Sweetest
– You Broke a Beautiful Thing
– I Was Hoping You’d Say That
– Bab,y I Can’t Walk Away
– Little Hands
– Our Little Town
Spring and Fall (2012)
Spring and Fall (2012) blooms with seasonal metaphors and midlife musings, as Paul Kelly delivers stripped-back folk anthems that chart love’s cycles. Poignant picks like “I’m on Your Side” and “Mansfield to Brunswick” resonate with quiet wisdom, acoustic warmth wrapping around tales of endurance. After a hiatus, it feels like a fresh start, intimate and assured. In the chronicle of Paul Kelly albums in order, this is Autumnal Grace—timeless tracks for pondering passages, where renewal hides in every falling leaf.
Track list:
– I’m on Your Side
– Mansfield to Brunswick
– If I Could Start Today Again
– Tease Me
– The Oldest Pattern
– Little Hands
– Pouring Petrol on a Burning Man
– Stolen Apples Are the Sweetest
– Beautiful Feeling
– I Was Hoping You’d Say That
– You Broke a Beautiful Thing
– Our Little Town
The Merri Soul Sessions (2014)
The Merri Soul Sessions (2014) ignites Paul Kelly’s passion for Motown and Stax, reworking classics with powerhouse guests like Vika and Linda Bull for a gospel-fueled romp. Soul-stirrers such as “I Can’t Make You Love Me” and “When My Love Is Here” soar with harmonies and horns, infusing vintage vibes with fresh fire. It’s Kelly paying homage while owning the groove. For Paul Kelly albums in order seekers, this is pure uplift— a raucous reminder of music’s communal joy, ready to get your spirit moving.
Track list:
– I Can’t Make You Love Me
– When My Love Is Here
– Don’t Throw It All Away
– Down in the River to Pray
– You’re My Thrill
– Stand by Me
– Motherless Child
– (You Keep Me) Hanging On
– People Get Ready
– The Love You Save May Be Your Own
– What Becomes of the Broken Hearted
Seven Sonnets and a Song (2016)
Seven Sonnets and a Song (2016) poetically fuses Shakespearean verse with Paul Kelly’s melodic touch, transforming timeless sonnets into haunting folk miniatures. Delicate renditions of Sonnets 18, 60, and 130 whisper with sparse piano and strings, bridging Elizabethan elegance to contemporary ache. This conceptual gem reveals Kelly’s literary soul. As part of Paul Kelly’s albums in order, it’s an exquisite interlude—elegant and evocative, inviting reflection on love’s eternal riddles through melody’s gentle lens.
Track list:
– Sonnet 18
– Sonnet 60
– Sonnet 130
– Sonnet 116
– Sonnet 73
– Sonnet 138
– Sonnet 44 & 45
– Sonnet 29
– Sonnet 27
– Sonnet 43
– Sonnet 55
– Sonnet 116 (Reprise)
Death’s Dateless Night (2016)
Death’s Dateless Night (2016), a duo effort with Charlie Owen, confronts mortality through covers of Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell, and more, wrapped in somber slide guitar and hushed vocals. Eerie takes on “Anthem” and “A Case of You” brood with existential grace, a meditation on loss’s quiet grip. Kelly’s interpretations cut deep, raw yet reverent. In Paul Kelly’s albums in order, this nocturnal elegy is profoundly moving— a velvet void for contemplating the infinite, where darkness yields unexpected light.
Track list:
– Death’s Dateless Night
– And Death Shall Have No Dominion
– Pretty Flamingo
– A Case of You
– Joey
– Bird on the Wire
– Anthem
– Famous Blue Raincoat
– It Ain’t Necessarily So
– Sometimes
– God Is in the House
– Good Things
– Meet Me in the Middle of the Air
Life Is Fine (2017)
Life Is Fine (2017) affirms resilience amid chaos, with Paul Kelly spinning upbeat folk-rock yarns of survival and small joys. Bouncy hits like “Rising” and “My True Love Said to Me” dance with optimism, backed by lively band energy that chases shadows away. It’s Kelly’s antidote to tough times, warm and wise. For followers of Paul Kelly albums in order, this vibrant chapter uplifts—proof that even in storms, fine living is found in the rhythm of keeping on.
Track list:
– Rising Up
– My True Love Said to Me
– The Lonesome Death of Jack McGann
– The Foggy Fields of France
– Every Madman
– Cause for Celebration
– Life Is Fine
– When We’re Both Old and Grey
– I Smell Smoke
– Feels Like Love to Me
– Saturday Drive
– Dear Life, I Love You
Nature (2018)
Nature (2018) channels the wild Australian bush in poetic bursts, pairing Paul Kelly’s words with composer Elena Kats-Chernin’s score for a 32-minute suite of spoken-word symphonics. Evocative pieces like “On an Unknown Beach” and “Seascape” evoke untamed landscapes, blending narration with orchestral swells for immersive theater. This experimental venture expands his palette. Among Paul Kelly’s albums in order, Nature is a sonic wilderness—captivating for eco-poets and adventurers, where voice and vista merge in majestic harmony.
Track list:
– On an Unknown Beach
– Seascape
– Into the Unknown Air
– On a Beach
– Wind
– On an Inland Sea
– The East Wind
– The North Wind
– The West Wind
– The South Wind
– The Four Winds
– Into the Unknown Air (Reprise)
Thirteen Ways to Look at Birds (2019)
Thirteen Ways to Look at Birds (2019) flits through avian wonders via Wallace Stevens-inspired songs, with Paul Kelly, James Ledger, and guests crafting chamber-folk delights. Whimsical wings like “Black Cockatoos” and “Perched” soar with choral lifts and piano flourishes, celebrating feathered freedoms. This collaborative aviary charms with its lightness. In Paul Kelly’s albums in order, it’s a feathery flight of fancy—delightful for nature lovers, turning birdwatching into bardic bliss through melody’s migratory magic.
Track list:
– Black Cockatoos
– Perched
– The Eagle
– The Owl
– The Magpies
– The Swans
– The Ducks
– The Emus
– The Plover
– The Butcher Birds
– The Corellas
– The Sparrows
– The Seagulls
Forty Days (2020)
Forty Days (2020), born of pandemic isolation, compiles Kelly’s daily demos into a raw, reflective mosaic of guitars and musings. Introspective tunes like “Austere” and “Letter from the Front” navigate uncertainty with unflinching honesty, evolving from sketches to songs. It’s unvarnished Kelly, direct and diary-like. For Paul Kelly albums in order completists, this quarantine chronicle is profoundly personal—a testament to creativity’s endurance, where solitude breeds songs that echo our shared hush.
Track list:
– Letter from the Front
– My Money’s on You
– Every Day My Mother’s Gone
– So Far
– On the Terrace
– A Walk in My Garden
– Austere
– But We Won’t Talk About That
– Is It Any Wonder?
– The Best Is Yet to Come
– Little One
– When the Heat’s Off
Please Leave Your Light On (2020)
Please Leave Your Light On (2020), a piano-vocal dialogue with Paul Grabowsky, illuminates hope’s flicker in dark times through 12 luminous duets. Tender tracks like “True to You” and “Petrichor” blend Kelly’s warm timbre with keys’ caress, pondering connection amid crisis. This chamber’s intimacy glows softly. As you explore Paul Kelly albums in order, it’s a beacon—serene and sustaining, reminding us that lights left on summon the dawn.
Track list:
– True to You
– Petrichor
– Leave Your Light On
– With the One I Love
– Little One
– Is It Any Wonder?
– When the Heat’s Off
– A Walk in My Garden
– So Far
– Every Day My Mother’s Gone
– My Money’s on You
– Letter from the Front
Paul Kelly’s Christmas Train (2021)
Paul Kelly’s Christmas Train (2021) chugs through yuletide nostalgia with 22 festive covers and originals, from “How to Make Gravy” to Aussie carols like “Every Day’s Not Christmas.” Guests, including Kasey Chamber,s add cheer to this holiday express, blending whimsy and warmth for seasonal spins. It’s Kelly’s gift-wrapped joyride. In Paul Kelly albums in order, this merry medley is festive fuel—ho-ho-heartfelt, turning tinsel traditions into timeless tracks for jingle-bell journeys.
Track list:
– How to Make Gravy
– Winter Wonderland
– Fairytale of New York
– Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
– Silent Night
– Every Day’s Not Christmas
– The Coventry Carol
– Blue Christmas
– River
– White Christmas
– Little Drummer Boy
– Driving Home for Christmas
– Three Drovers
– Santa Claus Is Back in Town
– The Cherry Tree Carol
– Lonely This Christmas
– Infant Holy, Infant Lowly
– Good King Wenceslas
– God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
– A Carol for All Souls
– O Come All Ye Faithful
– Hark! The Heralds Angels Sing
Fever Longing Still (2024)
Fever Longing Still (2024) simmers with restless desire and vivid vignettes, Paul Kelly’s latest fusing indie folk with electronic pulses for a modern edge. Tracks like “Taught by Experts” and “Houndstooth Dress” pulse with yearning, his voice a fevered whisper over layered textures. It’s urgent yet elegant, grappling with passion’s persistence. For Paul Kelly albums in order devotees, this feverish follow-up burns bright—contemporary craft at its keenest, where longing lingers like a half-remembered dream.
Track list:
– Taught by Experts
– Going to the River with Dad
– Houndstooth Dress
– All Those Smiling Faces
– Cool Hand Lukin
– The Poets’ Wife
– The Foggy Fields of France
– My Country
– The Oldest Pattern
– When the Heat’s Off
– Little One
– With the One I Love
Seventy (2025)
Seventy (2025) crowns Paul Kelly’s seventh decade with sage reflections on time’s tattoo, blending folk, jazz, and guests for intimate epiphanies. Standouts like “Rita Wrote a Letter” and “The Body Keeps the Score” unpack scars and joys with unflinching grace, his guitar a lifelong companion. This milestone murmurs wisdom without weariness. Capping Paul Kelly albums in order, Seventy is elder artistry incarnate—profoundly present, a lantern for navigating nights with the poise only seasons bestow.
Track list:
– Tell Us a Story (Part A)
– Don’t Give Up on Me
– Rita Wrote a Letter
– The Body Keeps the Score
– I Keep on Coming Back for More
– Take It Handy
– Happy Birthday
– Ada Mae
– The Magpies
– Made for Me
– Sailing to Byzantium
– My Body Felt No Pain
– I’m Not Afraid of the Dark
– Tell Us a Story (Part B)
There you have it—the full spectrum of Paul Kelly’s studio legacy. Which album speaks to you? Drop a comment below and let’s discuss your favorites! For more artist guides, subscribe to our blog.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paul Kelly Albums
1. What is the best Paul Kelly album for beginners? If you’re dipping your toes into Paul Kelly’s vast catalog, Under the Sun (1987) is the ideal entry point. Its anthemic tracks like “To Her Door” and “Dumb Things” capture his storytelling magic in a digestible folk-rock package, blending raw emotion with catchy hooks that hook you instantly.
2. How many studio albums has Paul Kelly released as of 2025? As of November 2025, Paul Kelly boasts an impressive 30 studio albums, from the gritty Talk (1981) to the introspective Seventy (2025). This tally includes solo gems, band collaborations like the Messengers, and inventive side projects, reflecting a career that’s as prolific as it is poignant.
3. Which Paul Kelly albums feature covers or unique collaborations? For covers and collabs, look to The Merri Soul Sessions (2014) with its soulful twists on Motown classics alongside Vika and Linda Bull, or Death’s Dateless Night (2016,) duetting with Charlie Owen on Cohen and Mitchell tributes. Seven Sonnets and a Song (2016) even sets Shakespeare to music—pure poetic innovation.
4. Where can I stream Paul Kelly’s complete discography in order? Stream the full Paul Kelly albums in order on Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube Music via our embedded players above. Search “Paul Kelly chronological playlist” for fan-curated guides, or start with Gossip (1986) for his breakthrough era—easy access to four decades of Aussie anthems.
5. How does Seventy (2025) fit into Paul Kelly’s legacy? Seventy is Kelly’s milestone meditation on turning 70, weaving folk-jazz tapestries of memory and resilience with tracks like “The Body Keeps the Score.” It’s a wise, warm culmination of themes from earlier works like Life Is Fine (2017), affirming his enduring voice as a national treasure.
Conclusion: Embark on Paul Kelly’s Timeless Journey
Paul Kelly’s 30 albums in order form a lyrical atlas of the human experience—from the raw rebellion of Talk to the sage serenity of Seventy, each releasis e a chapter in a life-affirming saga. His music doesn’t just play; it converses, consoles, and celebrates the ordinary made extraordinary. In a world of fleeting hits, Kelly’s depth endures, inviting you to find your story in his songs. Which album calls to you next? Sound off in the comments, and subscribe for more discography deep-dives. Turn it up—let the poetry begin.

