Wanted Man (Paul Kelly album)

Wanted Man is the fifth studio album by Australian rock musician Paul Kelly. It was originally released in July 1990 on Mushroom Records in Australia and A&M Records internationally. The album reached number 11 on the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) album charts.

Wanted Man saw Kelly move further away from the overtly country sound of some of his earlier work, embracing a more diverse range of influences, including rock, folk, and pop. It features a mix of narrative-driven songs and more introspective pieces.

Notable tracks on the album include the title track "Wanted Man," a driving rock song, and "Everything's Turning to White," a melancholic ballad. Other songs, like "When I First Met Your Ma," showcase Kelly's storytelling abilities and his knack for capturing everyday Australian life.

The album was produced by Alan Thorne, who had previously worked with artists such as The Cure and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. His production style lent a more polished and textured sound to Kelly's music compared to some of his earlier recordings.

Wanted Man generally received positive reviews upon its release, with critics praising Kelly's songwriting, vocal performances, and the album's diverse musical styles. It remains a significant work in Kelly's discography, showcasing his evolution as an artist and solidifying his reputation as one of Australia's leading songwriters.