What makes Close Your Eyes by Bic Runga notable?

The album received critical acclaim upon its release, noted for its rich arrangements and emotive songwriting. It affirmed Runga's place in the pop genre while also earning a nomination for Best Adult Contemporary Album at the 2017 New Zealand Music Awards, highlighting her enduring relevance. By the time Bic Runga released 'Close Your Eyes' in 2016, she was already an established artist in New Zealand's music scene with a career spanning over two decades. This album marked her return after a seven-year hiatus since her last studio album, showcasing her continued evolution as a songwriter and musician.

Who is Close Your Eyes for?

Close Your Eyes works well if you're into steady mid-tempo reflective moments, delicate melodies for quiet introspection and short tracks for focused listening.

How many songs are on Close Your Eyes?

Close Your Eyes has 12 tracks, running approximately 34 minutes.

Released 10 years ago

Close Your Eyes

Bic Runga · 2016

34 min · 12 tracks · pop music

A serene blend of introspective pop melodies and lush instrumentation that evokes a sense of longing and nostalgia.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Close Your Eyes — The title track sets the tone for the album, featuring delicate vocals intertwined with poignant lyrics about vulnerability and reflection.
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Things Behind the Sun — This cover showcases Runga's ability to reinterpret classic songs, delivering an emotional depth that resonates strongly with listeners.
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Only Love Can Break Your Heart — Runga's rendition of this Neil Young classic highlights her unique vocal style and offers a fresh perspective on themes of heartbreak and resilience.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album features strong songwriting and rich arrangements, but its impact is primarily within its genre.

What we noticed

The first three tracks establish a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the fourth track introduces a slower ballad that shifts the album's energy.
Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies and lush instrumental arrangements, creating a rich soundscape that enhances the emotional weight of the lyrics.
The album closes with two tracks that gradually lower the tempo, allowing for a reflective conclusion.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo reflective moments
delicate melodies for quiet introspection
short tracks for focused listening
uplifting themes in gentle tones

Maybe skip if you

seeking high-energy anthems
prefer longer, sprawling albums

Where this album fits

Career context: By the time Bic Runga released 'Close Your Eyes' in 2016, she was already an established artist in New Zealand's music scene with a career spanning over two decades. This album marked her return after a seven-year hiatus since her last studio album, showcasing her continued evolution as a songwriter and musician.
Stylistic neighbors: Natalie Merchant· Lisa Hannigan· Norah Jones