"Love on the Run" is a song by New Zealand band Sons of Zion, performed in collaboration with singer Jackson Owens, released as a single in June 2021. In September 2021 for Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, the band re-recorded the song as "He Aroha Hinemoa / Love on the Run". Both the English and Māori language versions of the song were hits in New Zealand.
Singer Jackson Owens joined Sons of Zion as a touring musician in 2019. Sons of Zion member Matthew Sadgrove wrote "Love on the Run" with Owens in mind, as the song suited his vocal range and style.[1] The song was the first time Jackson Owens performed as a lead vocalist.[2] "Love on the Run" was written to have a summer-feel, with elements of both pop and soul music,[3] and incorporates a horn section, performed by Christian Mausia and Thabani Gapara.[4]
"Love on the Run" was released as a single on 4 June 2021, through Sony Music Entertainment New Zealand.[4][5] The band translated the song into Māori with help from Tawaroa Kawana of the band Maimoa,[6] and released this version under the name "He Aroha Hinemoa" during Te Wiki o te Reo Māori in September 2021.[7] The Māori language version references the story of Hinemoa and Tūtānekai.[citation needed]
"Love on the Run" was a commercial success in New Zealand. The song's music video was the most watched in New Zealand by a New Zealand artist for 2021,[8] and was awarded the radio airplay song of the year at the 2021 Waiata Māori Music Awards.[9] "He Aroha Hinemoa" was also a commercial success,[10] becoming one of the most successful songs sung in Māori for 2021 and 2022.[11][12]
The song was featured on the band's 2022 compilation album First XV.[13]
Credits adapted from Tidal.[14]
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.