Legendary Australian singer-songwriter Paul Kelly has announced the release of his 30th album, titled Seventy, which will debut on November 7, 2023. This album marks a significant milestone for Kelly, coinciding with his 70th birthday celebrated in January. The first single from the album, a sequel to his iconic song How To Make Gravy titled Rita Wrote A Letter, was released on Thursday, accompanied by a music video directed by Imogen McCluskey.
The sequel arrives almost three decades after the original’s release in 1996. How To Make Gravy has become a beloved Australian classic, certified four times platinum by ARIA, and was voted the ninth best Australian song of all time by listeners of Triple J. In promoting the new single, Kelly teased its content through a funeral notice in a Melbourne newspaper, reigniting interest in the characters introduced in the original song: Dan, Rita, and Joe.
“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 shared. He explained that he first noted the phrase “Rita wrote a letter” about five years ago, which spurred his creative process. Collaboration with his nephew and bandmate, Dan Kelly, proved pivotal; Dan sent a recording that inspired Kelly’s songwriting.
In describing the new single, Kelly noted its unexpected tonal shifts. “You could say the song took a dark turn but to my mind it’s a black comedy. A ghost story,” he elaborated, indicating that Rita’s voice carries through the song, yet Joe’s narrative is even more prominent.
Upcoming Tour and Album Insights
Kelly and his band are set to embark on their largest tour across Australia and New Zealand, starting on August 26, 2023, at Perth’s RAC Arena. The tour will include performances in major cities such as Brisbane, Sydney, Hobart, and Adelaide, culminating in a two-night finale at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena on September 6 and 7.
Reflecting on Seventy, Kelly stated, “Looking back on what we’ve done with these songs, it’s really a band record.” He highlighted the longstanding collaboration with his band members, mentioning that Peter Luscombe has been with him for over 30 years, while Bill McDonald and Dan Kelly have been part of the journey for two decades. The newer additions, Cameron Bruce and Ash Naylor, have also played significant roles since joining in 2007.
7NEWS Verdict on ‘Rita Wrote A Letter’
In a critical review, 7NEWS described Rita Wrote A Letter as featuring a lively arrangement reminiscent of Kelly’s 2014 project, the Merri Soul Sessions. The review noted that the upbeat musicality contrasts sharply with the song’s darker lyrical themes, revealing that Joe did not find his freedom by July, and his struggles continued even after his release.
While Kelly had previously disclosed Joe’s death, the circumstances surrounding it and the events leading to this conclusion may take some listeners by surprise. The connection to another of Kelly’s earlier works, To Her Door, is also explored, suggesting overlapping narratives and character development, heightening the intrigue surrounding the sequel.
The question remains whether Rita Wrote A Letter will achieve the same iconic status as its predecessor. Although it may not immediately resonate as a classic, its emotional depth and storytelling may ultimately resonate with fans, as evidenced by the redemptive themes present in the lyrics.
In the end, this release represents not just a continuation of a beloved narrative, but also a testament to Kelly’s enduring creativity and the evolving landscape of Australian music. As fans anticipate the new album and upcoming tour, Paul Kelly continues to solidify his legacy as one of Australia’s most cherished musical figures.
