NZ Girl- Collision

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NZ Girl- Collision

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Review of Beautiful Collision

Original article is at: http://www.nzgirl.co.nz/review/albums

Date: August 2002

By: Fraser

Bic Runga
Beautiful Collision
Columbia Records 2002

With her debut album, Drive, nestled in amongst almost every New Zealander's collection it would be no easy task to follow. Bic Runga has however followed up very nicely indeed with Beautiful Collision.

As personal and passionate as ever, Runga opens up her life to listeners, with her beautiful voice relating each track to a piece of her own life, all the while sounding as though it was the listeners own life.

Opening with When I see you smile we are greeted by Bic Runga's captivating voice and a solo guitar effort so familiar sounding you might think you are still listening to Drive. But it's a tease. The further you sink into the album the more and more Bic Runga leaves Drive behind and more and more she emphasises just how good she is and how far New Zealand music keeps pushing the brilliance barrier.

Supporting Bic Runga in her travels on this album are some of New Zealands most famous musicians of young and old. Among them are Dave Dobbyn, Neil Finn and Milan Borich (Pluto) who all contribute in producing a sound that is always refreshing and inviting and which works so well in placing Bic Rungas voice as the standout performance. Family also plays an important role with support throughout a number of the tracks by Boh, Pearl and Sophia Runga.

Several tracks stand out as just plain lovely including the first released single Get Some Sleep and Something Good. But it is the beat behind Precious Things and the accompanying Wurlitzer that really does it. Lying on the couch in your own world this is what you want to hear. With a clear move away from Drive, Bic Runga has delivered a beautiful album, with a track or two here for everyone.

Prepare to sit down on a quiet weekend with Beautiful Collision. As you sink into this album, shut out all your problems and let nothing disturb you for its entire length. As outside a brilliant winter sun lights up the blue sky you will fall ever so gently into Rungas' melodic charm as she takes all your problems onboard and so gently takes you to that place you want to be.prepare to escape again and again.

Fraser