NZ Listener’s Songs of the Week
Paul Kelly’s Ode to His Granddaughter
Veteran Australian singer-songwriter Paul Kelly, now celebrating seven decades with his new album Seventy, offers a tender ballad dedicated to his two-year-old granddaughter. In contrast to the usual sentimental tracks from “country grandmas,” Kelly reflects on time, legacy, and generational responsibility.
“Oh I do fear my generation has been sleeping / Deep inside a fever dream / We’ve sewn the whirlwind you’ll be reaping / And eaten all the cream.”
This bittersweet song combines warmth and regret, reminding listeners of both family connection and moral reckoning. It’s not exactly nostalgic fun, but a moving addition to Kelly’s long catalogue of family-inspired songs.
Bic Runga’s Electro Return to Paris
New Zealand musician Bic Runga reveals her evolving sound with an electronic edge on her upcoming comeback album. Her latest track nods to Kraftwerk’s Trans-Europe Express, reimagined through her experiences in Paris, where she once lived. The result feels like a stylish and atmospheric trip through the City of Light.
Harper Finn’s Promising Debut
Harper Finn, continuing the Finn family’s legacy, unveils a polished debut album that has quietly arrived on the scene. His work showcases a fresh voice from a lineage of exceptional New Zealand musicians.
Author Summary
Three distinct artists—Paul Kelly, Bic Runga, and Harper Finn—highlight lyrical introspection, stylistic reinvention, and a proud continuation of musical heritage.