When I see you smile
First thing in the morning
It raises curtains on your lazy eyes
Could it be that you and I have the greatest love to ever be
How could this have ever been before?
It’s not for anybody else to know
For anybody else to know
Those lyrics are taken from the Bic Runga song, “When I see You Smile,” off of her smash hit album, “Beautiful Collision.” Bic Runga is one of the biggest selling artists in New Zealand. I made a promise to all our fans that I would constantly try to showcase those artists that are making great music and Bic Runga is one of those artists. For that she is our Artist of the Week. Although she hasn’t released an album of new material in over two years, she is still one of my all-time favorite singers.
Runga was born to a Chinese mother and a Vietnamese father, but moved to New Zealand; who knew? In an interview with Nick Harcourt on KCRW’s “Morning Becomes Eclectic,” Bic Runga said that she grew up with a mother who sang Chinese opera. At an early age she discovered music and fell in love. She loved music so much, that she learned to play the drums, guitar and keyboards, all by the age of 11.
She released her debut album, “Drive,” in 1997. The album went seven times platinum in New Zealand. It was recorded over several years and it’s apparent when you listen to it because if you listen closely, you can hear the variations in her voice from track to track. Having said that, it was a collection of ballads and Top 40 hits. Several of her songs from “Drive” were featured on the movie soundtracks for “American Pie” and “Cruel Intentions.” During this time period she met Neil & Tim Finn (of Crowded House fame) and after touring together, formed a great musical friendship. Songs from that album you should check out: Drive, Bursting Through, Sway, and Hey.
After the success of “Drive,” Bic moved to New York to record her sophomore album, “Beautiful Collision.” This is by far her best and most successful selling album. It is so good, that I don’t have to press the skip button on my iPod or CD Player when I listen to it. The production was considerably better while her writing and voice were at its peak. This album entered the New Zealand charts at number one and went 11 times platinum. Currently, it is the highest selling album of any New Zealand artist. What makes this album great is that it has a cohesiveness to it. The collection of songs sound like they belong together. With the success of her first album, she had some great contributors, which makes the album incredible. Other stand-out hits off this album were: When I see You Smile, Honest Goodbyes, Something Good, Election Night, Precious Things and Get Some Sleep.
Shortly after the release of “Beautiful Collision,” Bic continued to put out quality albums. She recorded a live album with the Christchurch Symphony. Although it is a live recording, the sound quality is excellent and just goes to show what a great and powerful voice she has. She does several covers, including Bob Dylan’s “One More Cup of Coffee” and Rose Royce’s “Wishing On A Star.” The Orchestra sounds excellent with Bic’s voice! It is a hard CD to find in record stores, but you can find it on Amazon.com.
Bic took several years off to record her last studio album, “Birds.” “Birds” wasn’t as good as her previous album, but it was still really really good. She had some stand out hits on the album and her writing became deeper and more personal. The album went three times platinum and the title track is one of my favorite tracks.
In2007 she had a child and has since dropped off the map. Since she is primarily a New Zealand artist, she really doesn’t get much play here in the United States. Because of this, there is not too much information on her on the internet. She has recently been in the news, teaming up with Phil Selway and Ed O’Brien (Radiohead), the Finn Brothers and KT Tunstall as well as several others to form the super group, 7 Worlds Collide. Bic Runga also released a collection of B-Sides and rare live tracks in 2008. She truly has one of the best voices I’ve heard in a long time. I truly hope that you follow the links below and discover one of New Zealand’s best kept secrets! BIC RUNGA!
Top 5 Songs
Useful Links