I first heard this album in America, and wanted it immediatly as the music is unusual, and intriguing. Bic Runga is from New Zealand, and I hadn't heard of her before, which further prompted me to buy the album as I like to find out about new things.
The record is both serene and vivid. ... Read review
Advantages: Cool calm and beautiful Disadvantages: Almost too catchy in parts
...type track, but with some beautiful melancholy, and again lyrics that make you see the world differently.
*beautiful collision
The title track was inicially my favourite, with a haunting melody, though with extended listening was very catchy and I have spent quite a long time trying to get it out of my head!
*listening for the weather
This one has harmonica on it, and is a bit more upbeat and catchy. ...song with the Dobro... starts of quite quiet, but gains momentum, and is really very pleasing.
*gravity
Back to pretty vocals and philosophising, but this time with a bit of 'grit' in the chorus, lending this track a bit of weight. Again, I love the lyrics. ('dancing like a landslide...')
*(bonus track) sway
This is a more electric sounding song, and ends the album on the more upbeat note we have seen in ... more
I first heard this album in America, and wanted it immediatly as the music is unusual, and intriguing. Bic Runga is from New Zealand, and I hadn't heard of her before, which further prompted me to buy the album as I like to find out about new things.
The record is both serene and vivid. The music is not abrasive, but neither is it insipid. I see this as a triumph for the more 'relaxed' album. Lyrics are used sparingly to allow plenty of space of the inovative instrumentation.
There are some interesting instruments included. The names in the inlay card mean little to me, (what is a Dobro?!) and the resultant ambiance is of innovation.
That said, there are some good solid 'chillout' tracks on this, that although very good are not overtly unusual.
This is a good value for money album, as the 13 tracks do not include any 'fillers' and the combination of them makes a very pleasant listening experience.
Track listing: *When I see you smile The introductory track is short (1.46 mins) and offers a taste of things to come.
*get some sleep Slightly more upbeat, this song makes me think about drinving around a strange city late and night and feeling really excited about the air of anticipation.
*something good This is a song about hoping for something better to come, and is almost painful, as it seems that this 'good thing' is not actually about to be realised.
*precious things I really like this song. It is quieter and more thoughtful than the previous two tracks, and the vocal line is, in my opinion, beautiful.
*the be all and end all Starting quietly and rising towards the chorus, this song is varied and multi-textured, offering some lovely harmonies.
*election night Initially I liked this track less, as it is pitched quite high, but it has grown on me, and the lyrics are great.
*honest goodbyes This is another favourite, you feel like you can relate to the difficulties in the relationship - wanting to be together, and apart all at once...
*she left on a monday Another quiet vocal type track, but with some beautiful melancholy, and again lyrics that make you see the world differently.
*beautiful collision The title track was inicially my favourite, with a haunting melody, though with extended listening was very catchy and I have spent quite a long time trying to get it out of my head!
*listening for the weather This one has harmonica on it, and is a bit more upbeat and catchy.
*counting the days This is the song with the Dobro... starts of quite quiet, but gains momentum, and is really very pleasing.
*gravity Back to pretty vocals and philosophising, but this time with a bit of 'grit' in the chorus, lending this track a bit of weight. Again, I love the lyrics. ('dancing like a landslide...')
*(bonus track) sway This is a more electric sounding song, and ends the album on the more upbeat note we have seen in a couple of previous tracks.
Product Information for "Beautiful Collision - Bic Runga" »
Product details
Title
Beautiful Collision
Performer
Bic Runga
Genre
Rock & Pop
Release Date
22/03/2004, 15/09/2003
Recomended Retail Price
15.99 GBP
Label / Distributor
Epic / Sony Music/Arvato Services
Engineer
Luke Tomes;Danny Blume;Chris Kelly;
Producer
Bic Runga
Pieces in Set
1
Studio / Live
Studio
Format
Performer
EAN
5099751272793, 5099751272724
Catalogue Number
5127279, 5127272
Additional notes
Album Notes
Bic Runga's sophomore release follows on from her debut album 'Drive' which won her critical acclaim in her home country of New Zealand. 'Beautiful Collision' sees Runga expand her ethereal melodic sound which has seen comparisons drawn with such artists as Travis, David Gray and Dido. With this album being written in New York (as opposed to her home with 'Drive') Runga has a bigger sound on this album, confessing to being influenced by the sounds and weather of America.
Titles on disc 1
1.
When I See You Smile
2.
Get Some Sleep
3.
Something Good
4.
Precious Things
5.
Be All And End All
6.
Election Night
7.
Honest Goodbyes
8.
She Left On A Monday
9.
Beautiful Collision
10.
Listening For The Weather
11.
Counting The Days
12.
Gravity
13.
Sway (bonus track), Good Morning Baby - Runga, Bic & Dan Wilson
14.
Day Like Today
Ciao
Listed on Ciao since
15/05/2005
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