Paul Kelly marks a significant milestone with his new album Seventy, released today. The record reflects on a richly lived life while continuing Kelly’s fearless exploration of human experience.
The album includes the memorable single “Rita Wrote a Letter”, a sequel to Kelly’s 1996 classic “How to Make Gravy”. It presents Rita's perspective, with Joe still speaking from beyond the grave.
“I’ve been mulling over the idea of a sequel to ‘How to Make Gravy’ from Rita’s point of view for quite some time,” Kelly said. “About five years ago I wrote down the words, ‘Rita wrote a letter,’ and thought, ‘There’s my title.’”
The lyrics capture Kelly’s signature blend of wit and depth:
“Happy Birthday, Ada Mae” is another featured single, accompanied by a heartfelt music video directed by Kelly’s daughter, Maddy Kelly. The clip stars his two-year-old granddaughter, Ada Mae, and beautifully explores themes of love and legacy.
“In the end, love is all of us that remains,” Kelly reflects on the song’s message. “It’s a joy working with my daughter and granddaughter. Three generations in one little song.”
This release offers a poignant meditation on family, memory, and the passage of time.
Author's summary: Paul Kelly’s album Seventy blends reflection and storytelling, uniting three generations through poignant songs about love, life, and legacy.