Anna Coddington: Te Whakamiha (2024)
The title alludes to showing appreciation, respect or paying a compliment, so Coddington opens this with Kātuarehe, a tribute to Prince’s sassy funk. It sets the tone on an album which also nods to classic soul (Call Your Mother), a duet with Troy Kingi (Honey Back) and an assertive rap on Gainz with backing vocals from Julia Deans, Anika Moa and Hollie Smith. With Philly soul, 1980s synth-pop and more, this is retro-fitted, contemporary, forward-facing bilingual pop. As she says, “put a smile on.”
Next: Various Artists, Waiata Anthems; Goldsmith and Baynes, E Rere Rā
