NZ Listener’s Songs of the Week: Paul Kelly’s ode to his granddaughter, Bic Runga’s to Paris and Harper Finn’s to Silo Park

The Listener’s music department brings thoughtful picks this week, highlighting work from Paul Kelly, Bic Runga, and Harper Finn.

Paul Kelly – Song for His Granddaughter

Veteran Australian singer-songwriter Paul Kelly, now seventy, has released a tender ballad dedicated to his two-year-old granddaughter. The track blends country warmth with a bittersweet tone, as Kelly reflects on time, legacy, and the world his granddaughter will inherit.

“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 reflection rather than a simple lullaby — a song about love, awareness, and responsibility that stands among Kelly’s best family-themed work.

Bic Runga – From Kraftwerk to Paris

Bic Runga’s upcoming album shows her diving further into electronic influences, drawing inspiration from Kraftwerk’s Trans-Europe Express. The project channels her time spent in Paris, infusing the sound with sophistication and a modern edge.

Harper Finn – A Promising Debut

Harper Finn, the latest talented member of the Finn musical family, has quietly released his debut album. It’s a confident and accomplished introduction, continuing the creative tradition his family is known for.

Author’s Summary: This week’s song selections celebrate legacy and reinvention, from Paul Kelly’s familial reflection to Bic Runga’s electro-inspired return and Harper Finn’s strong debut.

NZ Herald — 2025-11-08