Australia’s renowned storyteller Paul Kelly marks a remarkable milestone with his album “Seventy”, a work that reinforces his enduring influence and artistry. The album arrives only a year after “Fever Longing Still” (2024), despite a previous six-year gap following “Nature” (2018), showing his remarkable creative momentum.
This release holds special significance, celebrating Kelly’s thirtieth studio album, his fiftieth year in the music industry, and coinciding with his seventieth birthday. The title “Seventy” encapsulates these layered milestones, serving as both reflection and celebration of a lifetime devoted to music.
Through five decades, Kelly’s songs have become part of the Australian cultural fabric. His storytelling has captured the nation’s heart, earning him seventeen ARIA awards for recording and five APRA awards for songwriting. His influence stretches well beyond his recordings, shaping the identity of modern Australian songwriting.
In recognition of his profound cultural impact, Kelly was honored with the
“2025 AACTA Award for Outstanding Contribution”, which was presented by actor Russell Crowe, a lifelong admirer of Kelly’s work.
While “Fever Longing Still” showcased the undimmed strength of his artistic flame, “Seventy” stands as the culmination of a long and extraordinary career. It honors both his past and his continuing evolution as an artist who remains vital and deeply relevant.
Author’s Summary: A reflective celebration of Paul Kelly’s five-decade journey, “Seventy” reaffirms his creative spirit and lasting imprint on Australian music.