What makes South by Shona Laing notable?

South received critical acclaim and solidified Laing's reputation as a significant voice in New Zealand music. It featured the hit single '(Glad I’m Not) A Kennedy', which critiqued political figures and resonated with listeners during a period of social upheaval. By the time Shona Laing released South in 1987, she was already an established artist in New Zealand, following her earlier hits such as 'Soviet Snow'. This album marked her transition from a local sensation to gaining international attention, showcasing her ability to weave political themes into accessible pop music.

How many songs are on South?

South has 10 tracks, running approximately 43 minutes.

South

Shona Laing · 1987

43 min · 10 tracks · pop music

A vibrant blend of pop melodies and poignant storytelling reflecting on social issues and personal experiences.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Drive Baby Drive — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its infectious rhythm and lyrics that encapsulate a sense of urgency and freedom.
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(Glad I’m Not) A Kennedy — The track's sharp critique of political elitism, combined with catchy hooks, makes it not only memorable but also a standout commentary on leadership.
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The Migrant and the Refugee — This song poignantly addresses themes of displacement and identity, showcasing Laing's skill in blending personal narrative with broader societal issues.
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Soviet Snow — Returning from her earlier success, this track continues to explore political themes while maintaining Laing's signature melodic style, making it an essential piece of her discography.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album combines engaging melodies with pointed lyrics, though its cohesion and craft vary across tracks.

What we noticed

The album opens with a driving beat in 'Drive Baby Drive', establishing an energetic tone that persists through the first half.
The final track, 'South', slows down the tempo significantly, providing a reflective conclusion to the album's themes.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Drive Baby Drive 4:35
2 Caught 4:51
3 Neat and Tidy 4:00
4 The Migrant and the Refugee 3:55
5 Soviet Snow 6:00
6 (Glad I’m Not) A Kennedy 3:26
7 Your Reputation 3:52
8 Dockyard on a River 4:57
9 Highway Warriors 4:32
10 South 3:22

What to play next

Listen next

New on Earth

1992

Go back to

Genre

1985

Full Shona Laing discography Artists like Shona Laing

pop music

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata