10 iconic NZ songs to listen to

NZ was a pretty cool place to grow up as a kid and experience NZ's unique culture, music and love of sports. Kiwi music has a distinct and unique sound that is earthy and grounding. It is an authentic expression of what NZ is like - it isn't too over the top; it is usually mellow, light-hearted and laid back just like the people. Kiwi music may be just what you need for that long Sunday cruise with your top down. Sweet as!

1) Sway by Bic Runga

When I heard this song in the movie American Pie I was so excited and proud of the kiwi artist. It was years after NZ heard of it, nonetheless, when Kiwis have their artistry acknowledged (as the country is so small) it is a big moment for us, we all feel it.

The lyrics of this song are endearing; read it on its own and it is the perfect poem for the From Across The Room challenge.

Sometimes

When you and I collide

I fall into an ocean of you

Pull me out in time

Don't let me drown

Let me down

2) Four Seasons in One Day by Crowded House

Four seasons in one day

Lying in the depths of your imagination

Worlds above and worlds below

The sun shines on the black clouds hanging over the domain

Although the band was formed in Australia, I consider them to be half Kiwi, as the lead singer is Neil Finn and brother Tim Finn are considered Kiwis.

The song's title is a typical thing Kiwis tend to say as one minute it can rain and the next minute it can be windy or sunny. It is best to leave the house with a t-shirt, take a hoodie just in case, put your sunglasses on your head and pack an umbrella - This should prepare you for typical NZ weather.

3) Slice of Heaven by Dave Dobbyn

This is probably the most iconic song on the list; I would say every Kiwi knows this song. It was the theme song for an iconic Kiwi animated movie called Footrot Flats: The Dog's Tale. Even after 30+ years after this song came out, it is as classic as ever, still playing on mainstream radio stations and in shopping malls.

Her love shines over my horizon, she's a slice of heaven

Warm moonlight over my horizon, she's a slice of heaven

4) How Bizarre by OMC

Elephants and acrobats, lions snakes monkey

Pele speaks "righteous, " Sister Zina says "funky"

OMC stands for Otara Millionaire's Club. This is typical Kiwi humor I would say as Otara was nearby where I grew up in Onehunga. These areas were not well off by any means back in 1995 but they did have a great market my parents loved going to, they were always keen to find a good bargain.

5) Always On My Mind by Tiki Taane

I remember when this song came out and I never got tired of listening to it. Even the simple video of him just playing the guitar was magnetic. It speaks a lot when the music is enough and the clip doesn't have a story to go with it.

6) Can't Get Enough by Supergroove

Hopefully this song will make you smile and laugh, well it did for me, especially if you watch the clip. There is lots of musical variety within this one piece and the loudness really suits what they are trying to create. I'm going to call this creatively ingenious.

The lead singer also sang songs individually under the name Che-Fu which also is under the 'iconic' umbrella.

7) Wandering Eye by Fat Freddy's Drop

With a sound of reggae, soul and blues, this song is a hit with Kiwis and their laid back attitude. This band is popular with NZ music festivals as they can get the audience in a mood to chill and appreciate the music for what it is.

8) White Trash by Steriogram

This song by itself could probably be its own article. In short, this song is what Kiwis is all about - well most of them - in Commonwealth lingo it is called "taking the piss." It means to mock or ridicule - we tend to do this a lot.

They are portraying themselves as "Westies" in the clip, a culture within NZ found in West Auckland. There is a TV show all about Westies called Outrageous Fortune if you are curious.

9) Pokarekare Ana by Hayley Westernra

This song arose in the beginning of WWI, so it has stood the test of time for sure. Some people call this our second national anthem. The song is in Maori, the native language of Maoris - The people of the land.

10) Venus by The Feelers

Like the light, we see you soon give up yourself

And dive into the moon

I remember being in school and my brother singing this song all the time. He was a great influence in music as he always sang them out loud if he liked them, and soon I began to like them too.

This is a lovely melody that is sweet and the singer's voice has a nice tone, you may also be able to detect the unique Kiwi accent.