Australian legend Paul Kelly is a tireless exponent of the art of the singer-songwriter. His carefully crafted words and exquisite melodies tell many a compelling story. His latest, a concept album of sorts, follows the trajectory of a doomed love affair, from hopeful beginning to bitter end with all its laughter and pain in between.

With mainly acoustic guitar, piano and acoustic bass, the story begins on the cheerily positive ‘New Found Year’, followed by the aching ‘When A Woman Loves A Man’. ‘Gonna Be Good’ and ‘Someone New’ (“it’s sweet and strong, it’s where I belong”) have him wallowing in the honeymoon period. By the time we get to ‘Cold As Canada’ it’s clear that things are taking a turn for the worst. The recriminations are in full flow on ‘None of Your Business Now’ (“You say you regret it and hope we can be friends/You really just don’t get it/None of this business can mend.”). However, a chink of light and hints of new beginnings spill through on the finale ‘Little Aches & Pains’. Bittersweet!

Key Track: ‘Gonna Be Good’