🎵 The Kelly Family – La Patata (2002): A Bold Turn in Their Musical Journey
Released in April 2002, La Patata is the thirteenth studio album by The Kelly Family, arriving four years after their previous studio release. This record marks a fresh phase for the beloved European‑American pop‑folk group, as it was their first major album after significant lineup changes — including the departure of longtime members Kathy and John Kelly.
La Patata blends pop, rock and folk influences, showing that the band could evolve its sound while maintaining the heartfelt harmonies and family connection fans cherish.
📀 Album Overview
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Artist: The Kelly Family
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Album Title: La Patata
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Release Date: April 8, 2002 (Europe)
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Type: Studio Album
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Label: Kel‑Life, Universal
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Genre: Pop, Pop‑Rock, Folk
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Length: ~63 min
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Producers: Kelbros (The Kelly Family collective)
This album saw the band working across studios in France, Germany and Belgium and showcased a blend of musical styles that reflected both their roots and their willingness to experiment.
📋 Official Tracklist
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What's a Matter You People
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Love Music ’n’ Sun
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New Morals (Human Race)
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Brother, Brother
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Spinning Around
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Special Girl
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I Wanna Be Loved
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Oh God
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True Love
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So Many Troubles
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So Many Things
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No One But You
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Lord Can You Hear My Prayer
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Life Can Be So Beautiful
Some editions of the album (including CD+CD‑ROM releases) feature bonus content and multimedia extras.
📈 Chart Performance & Reception
La Patata marked a strong commercial return for the Kelly Family:
📊 Chart Highlights:
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Peaked at #3 on the German Albums Chart soon after release.
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Appeared in the Top 10 in several European markets, including the Netherlands and Austria.
While sales figures weren’t as high as the band’s peak 90s albums, La Patata confirmed that The Kelly Family maintained a loyal fan base and strong chart presence into the early 2000s.
🏆 Credits & Creative Team
Performers & Vocals:
The Kelly Family core lineup in 2002 included:
✔ Patricia Kelly
✔ Jimmy Kelly
✔ Joey Kelly
✔ Barby Kelly
✔ Paddy Kelly
✔ Maite Kelly
✔ Angelo Kelly
and special guest Gabriel on select tracks.
Production:
• Produced by Kelbros (The Kelly Family)
• Paddy Kelly & Angelo Kelly were especially involved in writing and arrangement for many songs.
Studios:
Recording took place at several European studios, including Studio Miraval in France and Galaxy Studios in Belgium.
🎶 Most Popular Songs From La Patata
While singles weren’t huge international hits, several tracks resonated strongly with fans and received radio play or single releases:
⭐ What’s a Matter You People
An energetic opener with engaging vocal interplay and socially reflective lyrics — also released as a single.
🌞 Love Music ’n’ Sun
A sunny, feel‑good pop number with breezy melodies.
❤️ I Wanna Be Loved
A standout lyric‑driven ballad written by Maite Kelly, which was performed in promotional shows and competitions.
👼 True Love
A tender and emotional track balancing melody and heartfelt harmonies.
These songs showcase the album’s range — from upbeat pop to introspective ballads — and highlight the evolving sound of the band at the time.
💡 Fun Facts & Trivia
🥔 Unique Title Meaning
The album title La Patata is said to be inspired by one of the Kelly family’s favorite restaurants, giving it a personal connection beyond just a musical label.
🎤 Band Lineup Changes
La Patata was the first studio album recorded without original members Kathy and John Kelly, marking the end of an era and the start of a new chapter for the band.
🎶 Extensive Touring
Following the release, The Kelly Family toured across Europe in 2002–2003, performing over 80 concerts to support the album.
📀 Bonus CD‑ROM
Later CD releases included a bonus disc with video and multimedia content — an early 2000s trend enhancing fan experience.
❓ Did You Know?
✔ The album came during a significant personal time for the family — shortly after the passing of their father, Daniel Kelly, in August 2002.
✔ Despite lineup changes and evolving musical trends, the Kelly Family retained strong chart success with La Patata, proving their enduring appeal.
✔ Some fans consider La Patata one of the band’s most underrated albums, blending pop sensibilities with heartfelt lyrics.
The Kelly Family Full Discography
Download The Kelly Familly Albums from Amazon Music
More Albums:
The Kelly Family - Over The Hump (1994)
The Kelly Family - Christmas For All (1994)
The Kelly Family - Almost Heaven (1996)
The Kelly Family - Growin' Up (1997)
The Kelly Family - From Their Hearts (1998)
