Album Review: Red Sunset

Bic Runga is back with her much-anticipated album Red Sunset, recorded in Paris during the winter of 2025 – and it’s a stunning return. A true powerhouse of Aotearoa music, Runga’s songs are woven into the fabric of households across the country.

The record opens with Glass Atrium, a vibey, moody piano-led intro that immediately lures you in. Atmospheric and melancholic, it feels reflective and restrained. At just a minute and a half, it perfectly sets the tone for what is truly a beautiful album. It then bursts into Red Sunset, a more upbeat track driven by a deep groove. As soon as Runga’s iconic vocals hit, you’re transported. The song flirts with a techno edge, showing Bic’s willingness to push herself creatively and try something new. It’s beautifully balanced, full of energy, and an exciting statement early in the record.

Ghost In Your Bed keeps that momentum going. Fast-paced and vibrant, Bic’s vocals ride the energy of the song with confidence. With a stronger guitar and drum presence, the track captures the feeling of a bustling yet bright Paris – a city alive even in winter. Paris In The Rain is another standout. While still high-tempo and energetic, it carries a sadder, more melancholic undercurrent. Runga’s vocals are, as always, flawless, and once again the Parisian influence feels deeply embedded in the sound.

It’s Like Summertime is utterly beautiful. Slower and more delicate, Bic’s vocals sit front and centre, feeling both fresh and deeply nostalgic at the same time. The lyrics read like poetry, and the song is exquisitely arranged – a quiet highlight. This is followed by Escape From Planet Earth, a more acoustic offering with beautifully written lyrics that tell a real story. Lines like “space is a place for epiphanies” linger long after the song ends. You’re Never Really Here (Are You Baby) feels timeless – a track that could comfortably sit anywhere across Bic Runga’s decorated career. It showcases her vocal range and emotional depth and stands out as one of the album’s strongest moments. Won’t You Come Home flows gently into Hey Little One, a song filled with pure, meaningful lyrics. Lines like “under the sun, the sky’s the limit to the dreams in your head” feel deeply personal. The track reminds me of my own children, and I can confidently say it will be played often in my whānau this summer.

Red Sunset is a fantastic album – one that rewards listening from start to finish. The tracklist is carefully arranged to build atmosphere: the first half leaning into upbeat, almost techno-influenced territory, while the second half becomes more delicate and acoustic. Throughout, it stands as a strong and cohesive record. Bic Runga appears to step outside her comfort zone here – although she does so with such smoothness and ease it’s almost hard to tell. A true icon and powerhouse in Aotearoa music, what’s most impressive about this album is its diversity. She moves effortlessly between styles while continuing to tell rich, emotional stories through her lyrics. This is a wonderful addition to Bic Runga’s already accomplished catalogue. Red Sunset proves she’s still willing to take risks and experiment, while delivering the timeless, unmistakable sound her fans love.