24 Nov 2024
Ed Waaka - Single Review: Revolution
29 Nov 2019 // A review by malexa
Ed Waaka might ruffle a few redneck feathers with the powerful video and tribute “to early generations of Maori who fought in the name of indigenous rights
amid times of social and political conflict” that accompany his latest single Revolution. Old wounds can still fester and the inherited guilt and shame of guiltless generations still has an ugly underbelly in New Zealand. Waaka, though, isn't
picking the scab or playing the blame game. The revolution he’s talking about is more of an internal one, the kind that Bob Marley always alluded too. He’s one of the most powerful voices on the local songwriting landscape.
An acoustic guitar introduces the questioning lyric “What if we could be everything we were meant to be? Could we change the world? Doesn’t matter what you got to do. Just as long as your heart is true You could do no harm”. A beautiful organ sound, the soulful sort that makes you think of Booker T. and the M.G.s infuses its way into the song and then a poignant piano melody accentuates the chorus.
Before it hits, Waaka delivers a line that is stunning in its simplicity: “But imagine what the world could do If lies were replaced with truth. Dreams to be pursued”. Fifty years ago, a songwriting genius and revolutionary shared a similar sentiment: “Imagine there are no countries. It isn’t hard to do. Nothing to kill or die for. And no religion too”. Sometimes changing external circumstances is a necessary part of the process of transformation that brings about unity where there was conflict but ultimately, and, this is just my bias and take on Revolution, without renewing our hearts and minds fear will always find a place where love could be. No Ed, you’re not crazy. We need more visionaries like you.
Ed Waaka might ruffle a few redneck feathers with the powerful video and tribute “to early generations of Maori who fought in the name of indigenous rights
amid times of social and political conflict” that accompany his latest single Revolution. Old wounds can still fester and the inherited guilt and shame of guiltless generations still has an ugly underbelly in New Zealand. Waaka, though, isn't
picking the scab or playing the blame game. The revolution he’s talking about is more of an internal one, the kind that Bob Marley always alluded too. He’s one of the most powerful voices on the local songwriting landscape.
An acoustic guitar introduces the questioning lyric “What if we could be everything we were meant to be? Could we change the world? Doesn’t matter what you got to do. Just as long as your heart is true You could do no harm”. A beautiful organ sound, the soulful sort that makes you think of Booker T. and the M.G.s infuses its way into the song and then a poignant piano melody accentuates the chorus.
Before it hits, Waaka delivers a line that is stunning in its simplicity: “But imagine what the world could do If lies were replaced with truth. Dreams to be pursued”. Fifty years ago, a songwriting genius and revolutionary shared a similar sentiment: “Imagine there are no countries. It isn’t hard to do. Nothing to kill or die for. And no religion too”. Sometimes changing external circumstances is a necessary part of the process of transformation that brings about unity where there was conflict but ultimately, and, this is just my bias and take on Revolution, without renewing our hearts and minds fear will always find a place where love could be. No Ed, you’re not crazy. We need more visionaries like you.
Rating:
( 5 / 5 )
About Ed Waaka
Within his songs we find messages that are classically universal in nature, he takes pride in writing songs that are consciously direct and spiritually uplifting.
Drawing inspiration from the beauty of everyday life, his music pays homage to the power of the human condition. With stirring vocals and intimate conveyance, he helps create an atmosphere of warmth, love, and hope to those who listen.
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Ed Waaka
Releases
There are no releases to display for Ed Waaka.
Other Reviews By malexa
DateMonthYear - EP Review: The Exodus Suite
22 May 2021 // by malexa
The metamorphosis of the genesis of Exodus into The Exodus Suite while not quite of Biblical proportions is nevertheless on a grand scale. These five degrees of separation, with accompanying videos (the final installment – which is on its way) might share the same source material but, as always, DateMonthYear founder Trevor Faville twists and shape-shifts with an informed sense of musical invention.
Read More...
Album Review: Blood & Wires Volume One
13 May 2021 // by malexa
It’s still very much a brave new world when it comes to releasing music with its ever diminishing returns for physical product and the pecuniary stranglehold the major streaming services have on the industry. That’s why Tauranga-based boutique label Blood & Wires deserves a huge thumbs-up for its innovative and down-to-earth but wildly musically ambitious launch.
Read More...
13 May 2021 // by malexa
It’s still very much a brave new world when it comes to releasing music with its ever diminishing returns for physical product and the pecuniary stranglehold the major streaming services have on the industry. That’s why Tauranga-based boutique label Blood & Wires deserves a huge thumbs-up for its innovative and down-to-earth but wildly musically ambitious launch.
Read More...
Metanoia - Single Review: Sonder
13 May 2021 // by malexa
It’s always handy for a reviewer to have a bit of background information about an artist to get a creative context of where they have come from and where they might be heading. Metanoia is a bit of a mystery in this respect.
Read More...
Mark de Clive-Lowe - EP Review: Midnight Snacks Vol.1
16 Apr 2021 // by malexa
Mark de Clive-Lowe’s musical palette has always been so refreshing engaging and diverse that each new release is like receiving a care package – you don’t know what’s inside but you know you’ll find comfort in it. The Los Angeles-based Kiwi musician, DJ and night club and record label owner has been particularly busy in the last few years with albums and EPs ranging from the chillingly melodious jazz quartet outing Live At The Blue Whale, the steamingly funky club party Church Sessions with various cohorts and the conceptual Heritage I and II, which celebrated his bi-cultural heritage (he is half-Japanese).
Read More...
Serpent Dream - EP Review: Nova
11 Apr 2021 // by malexa
Serpent Dream's Nova is the debut release on Blood & Wires. The Tauranga-based boutique label was founded by Scott Brown last year with the express aim of raising the “profile of New Zealand based electronic and experimental artists.
Read More...
Mecuzine - Single Review: Blue Skies
15 Mar 2021 // by malexa
The slim-line edition of Mecuzine - brothers Joseph and Tony Johns – seems to have gained more than it might have seemingly lost. Blues Skies is the second single released since five became two and it’s another brooding, sonic masterpiece with an but almost tragically self-effacing punch line: “She wanted him to stay/Instead she got me/What an unlucky break”.
Read More...
Ant Tarrant - Single Review: Candle Lights
09 Mar 2021 // by malexa
Ant Tarrant has served his apprenticeship and it shows. Now back in New Zealand after following his muse to Central America and the US, where he was mentored in the art of song-writing and production, he’s settled in Kare Kare and opened up a music studio.
Read More...
Naircol - Single Review: Turbo Outrun
04 Feb 2021 // by malexa
In an interview with Naircol, following the release of his debut album Isolate late last year, he put collaborative ventures at the top of his wish list. It seems Santa Claus came calling in the form of Canadian producer Tokyo Rat, the result of which is the dynamic driving anthem Turbo Outrun.
Read More...
Most Viewed Artists
Latest Galleries
NZ Top 10 Singles
- APT.
ROSÉ And Bruno Mars - DIE WITH A SMILE
Lady Gaga And Bruno Mars - BIRDS OF A FEATHER
Billie Eilish - TASTE
Sabrina Carpenter - I LOVE YOU, I'M SORRY
Gracie Abrams - ESPRESSO
Sabrina Carpenter - SAILOR SONG
Gigi Perez - LOSE CONTROL
Teddy Swims - A BAR SONG (TIPSY)
Shaboozey - GOOD LUCK, BABE!
Chappell Roan
More Content on muzic.net.nz
Google Site Search
Custom Search
100% New Zealand Music
All content on this website is copyright to muzic.net.nz and other respective rights holders. Redistribution of any material presented here without permission is prohibited.
Report A Problem
