Josh Keating puts te reo Māori at the heart of country pop on ‘Again’

‘Again’, is a country-pop single built for open-road drives and easy singalongs. With a renewed sense of purpose, the release marks Josh Keatings return to music.

At first, it seems ‘Again’ fits the mould of a classic country pop song. Clean blues driver guitars, steady rhythm, and a strong melodic vocal lines give the track its foundation. The chorus comes in with a familiar lift, personifying a polished feel to the production, with each element sitting neatly in place.

What sets the track apart is its use of bilingual lyricism. Te reo Māori weaves through the song alongside English. It feels considered and natural, extending the storytelling rather than reframing it, and striking a sense of balance that gives ‘Again’ a distinct identity within a genre that often sticks to tradition.

Lyrically, the track centres on a relationship caught in a loop. Returning to the same point, time after time, tracing the pull that keeps two people circling back despite knowing better. The repetition sits at the heart of the hook, giving the song its title.

The release also carries added meaning. Following a difficult period away from music, Keating returns with a track that reconnects him to his craft and his whakapapa. Written during a Te Reo Māori songwriting camp, ‘Again’ brings more of that language into his music, while staying true to the country sound he’s built his name on.

With its refined production, strong hook, and clear sense of direction, ‘Again’ positions Josh Keating in a new phase. One that holds onto the roots of country music while opening the door to something more personal.