NZ Listener’s Songs of the Week
Paul Kelly’s Ode to His Granddaughter
Veteran Australian singer-songwriter Paul Kelly presents a tender track from his new album Seventy, celebrating his seven decades of life. The song is dedicated to his two-year-old granddaughter, offering both warmth and melancholy.
Kelly reflects on the passage of time and generational responsibility, pondering whether he will see her 20th birthday while expressing regret for the past.
“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.”
It’s a heartfelt family song — gentle, country-flavored, and emotional — a musical letter filled with love and remorse.
— Russell Baillie
Bic Runga’s Parisian Return
Bic Runga, once known for her acoustic touch, embraces electronic textures in her comeback album. Inspired by Kraftwerk’s Trans-Europe Express, she reimagines the journey toward Paris, a city she once called home.
— Russell Baillie
Harper Finn’s Accomplished Debut
Harper Finn, the fifth musical talent from the notable Finn family, releases his debut album — a confident step into the global music scene that cements the family’s creative legacy.
Author’s Summary: A showcase of sincerity and creativity, these songs from Paul Kelly, Bic Runga, and Harper Finn reflect generational ties, artistic reinvention, and promising musical heritage.