Bic Runga - Beautiful Collision (12 tracks) +Album Reviews

A very unique and wonderful talent

J. Lund | 11/13/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Bic has a lot of gumption putting a spare, acoustic ballad as the opening track of this album (usually these songs go at the end of an album), but it really works in this instance. Why? Because the song simply shows off her incredible singing and songwriting talent. 'When I See You Smile'--the tune in question--is a gorgeous love song and serves notice that Bic is a musician to be reckoned with. From that point on, the album moves through several decades worth of pop--some 70's inspired songs, an elecontric-tinged up-tempo tune, a country waltz, and a few more ballads. She does it all with style and aplomb.Ignore this woman at your peril. She is amazing!"

I'm Proud Of Her

Chris | Christchurch, New Zealand | 05/19/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Bic Rungas 2nd album "Beautiful Collison", one of the highest selling albums in New Zealands music history, over 9 X platinum, is a very beautiful album. It definitley is a Norah Jones-ey album, but not hard out JAZZ, she is a very good songwriter, and the music makes me feel happy-ish. But the songs you really have to look out for on this 9 X platinum album...
When I See You Smile
Get Some Sleep
Something Good
Honest Goodbyes
She Left On A Monday
AND MY FAVOURITE
LISTENING FOR THE WEATHER
So I reccomend this album to anyone who wants to find a different spin on Norah Jones who has been out W A Y longer.
Try It Out!"

Beauty has submerged this beholder!

tashlou81 | 11/29/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The latest album by Bic Runga a New Zealand born Maori is a classic example of good music that penetrates the ear with facility, quitting the memory with difficulty. The album is entitled 'Beautiful Collision', which sums up its eloquence and grace in bringing catchy tunes together with tranquil rhythms. The first single from the album 'Get some sleep' encapsulates this format.In the same league as artists such as Dido and Norah Jones, Bic offers a refreshingly eclectic type of music. Songs such as 'Precious things' and 'The be all and end all' illuminate her origionality. One cannot doubt the talents of an artist who can sing, play the harmonica, piano and guitar. Bic also collabrated on this album with Crowded House singer Neil Finn.For a night of relxation or morning of inspiration, this album could allure even the most unfavourable ear. We've seen a surge in instrument playing, melody singing female artists lately. Although this might not be a die hard Iron Maiden fans cup of tea, it offers a twist to a growing type of artist.Not in trend with traditional Maori music, Bic has stamped her mark on the term good music, and justified her name in that bracket. A great follow up to 'Drive' her previous album, a romantic and creative advance can be heard. If you plan on taking a rain check on a clubbing night this week, purchase this CD for a chilled session. For summer evenings or winter nights, you won't be disappointed!"

Best CD of 2002

superball9 | Arlington, VA, USA | 11/29/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Four years ago Bic Runga broke into her home scene of New Zealand in the biggest way with her debut album, Drive. After garnering a plethora of awards praising her recording, singing, songwriting, production, and album in addition to becoming the highest selling local disc in her country's history, what was left for Bic but to conquer the international shores with her winning brand of singer-songwriter pop. The American release of Drive was perfectly timed with the late-nineties Lilith Fair tour and she wasn't lacking for media attention with features in Billboard, Interview, Vogue, and Musician, not to mention countless stories in other international magazines and local papers. But something wasn't to be for Runga. Despite winning unanimous rave reviews from critics the world over, Bic lacked a gimmick. She doesn't have the vengeful spit of Morrissette, Phair, and Harvey, the ethereal kookiness of Amos and Merchant, or the melancholic depression of McLachlan and Apple. Refusing to make a big deal out of her half-Chinese, half-Maori heritage and arthouse film star looks, all Bic carried with her was a good tune, a down-to-earth sensibility and a voice as pure as a Tiffany diamond. How could a performer as revered in her home country as international stars Neil Finn and Dave Dobbyn not achieve the same success as a former Australian soap star with a Clairol contract and a song from a mediocre-at-best Swedish band?Beautiful Collision is Bic Runga's sophomore album and shows evidence of her musical maturity over the past four years. Again Runga, a self-professed control freak and perfectionist, handles the production duties on this disc just as she did on her debut, Drive, but this time in a more consistent manner allowing each song to fill its appropriate space and tone despite working with twelve engineers in five cities. Rather than suffocating under its own weight like many self-productions, Beautiful Collision is both intimate and lush, simple and complex, confident and fragile. The diminutive and quaint album opener, "When I See You Smile," picks up right where Drive left off with Runga leading the way with just her voice and her guitar. "Get Some Sleep," the first single, is next and is as pop and catchy as the genre can get as she sings, "This is going out to everyone." Fellow Kiwi Neil Finn contributes background vocals on "The Be All And End All," and when Bic isn't playing her own guitar, piano, or percussion, she lets former Soul Coughing bassist Sebastian Steinberg and REM/Beck drummer Joey Waronker handle the supporting slots. "Honest Goodbyes" is a graceful piano and brushed snare waltz above a string section. The harmonica on "Listening For The Weather" sounds straight from Dylan's mouth while "Counting The Days" features a perfect blend of a clarinet and a banjo combining to create a mood that is both despondent and hopeful. Beautiful Collision is one of the most stunning and haunting albums I have come across in awhile with simple and memorable songs sung prettily over a glossy backdrop that manages to collide the organic and the lush into one pristine package; and what makes it all the better is that Bic Runga pulls it off without sign of any effort or gimmick."

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	Bic Runga Beautiful Collision Genres: Alternative Rock, Folk, Pop, Rock Track Listings (12) - Disc #1 When I See You Smile Get Some Sleep Something Good Precious Things The Be All And End All Election Night Honest Goodbyes She Left On a Monday Beautiful Collision Listening For The Weather Counting The Days Gravity
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