Category: Concert Reviews

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Concert Reviews

Eric Church, Brantley Gilbert “Raise Some Hell” In New York City

For three hours Wednesday night (March 14), Brantley Gilbert and Eric Church brought their blend of rock infused country to New York. The sold-out show at Hammerstein Ballroom included a slew of each artist’s most recent radio hits and older fan favorites.

Georgia-based Gilbert kicked off the night with the energetic “My Kinda Party.” A hit made famous by Jason Aldean‘s rendition, Gilbert wrote the track for his 2009 album, Modern Day Prodigal Son.

Gilbert screamed, “Let’s raise some hell!” — a sentiment Church later shared with the crowd. With a heart-pounding drum beat, the familiar “Country Must Be Country Wide” soon followed.

“I wrote this next song with a good friend of mine, Colt Ford,” Gilbert said as he introduced “Dirt Road Anthem.” With spot-on vocals and perfected rap interludes, Gilbert had the room singing along word for word.

“New York hell, you all know how to throw it down over here. I’m impressed,” he added.

While current single “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do” and “My Kind of Crazy” slowed down the night, things picked right back up with the intensity of “Kick It In the Sticks.” “Are there any rednecks in New York?” Gilbert asked. With impressive guitar riffs and Gilbert’s rugged vocals, the track was an unforgettable end to his set.

Minutes before 9pm, Eric Church took the stage. With a red Solo cup attached to his mic stand, he immediately let the room know it would be a rowdy night with plenty of Jack Daniels. Church began his set with the fitting “Country Music Jesus,” and with onstage bursts of flames and canon fire, he captivated.

Hit singles “Guys Like Me” and “Hell On the Heart” followed suit and needed no introduction.

“Welcome to the Blood, Sweat and Beers sold-out show in New York City!” Church said as he greeted the room for the first time. “We’ll drink, we’ll sing and we’ll see how the show goes.”

And he wasn’t lying. Throughout his set, Church ran across the stage, saluted the crowd with the tip of his hat and even autographed two fans’ boots.

With twangy banjo accompaniment “How ‘Bout You” had fans clapping along and chanting “U.S.A.” Poignant ballad “Carolina” showcased Church’s more sensitive side, while the Americana-fused “Creepin’” satisfied with a heavy bass beat and deep vocals.

“This whole thing started for us six or seven years ago with Sinners Like Me. I’m going to take you back to where it all started,” Church said. Taking the stage solo with his acoustic guitar, Church performed “Two Pink Lines,” “Sinners Like Me” and “Love Your Love the Most.”

While the stripped-down performance continued to showcase his ability to switch gears effortlessly, he livened things right back up with bar rocker “Drink In My Hand” and the soulful “Homeboy.” Minutes later the room was engulfed in smoke for the feel-good “Smoke A Little Smoke.”

“Thank you for having us here,” Church said as the night came to an end and he introduced his last song, “Springsteen.”

“I’ve never been more excited to sing a song every night. When I sing this song I’m 17-years-old again. That’s why I love music. You’re right back in that car and right back with that girl again.”

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Concert Reviews

Mary Bragg, Adam Levy Impress at the Living Room

I first met Mary Bragg in December at Galuminum Foil Studios while she was recording on the A Holiday Benefit, vol 5 album. As she sang her part on “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” the whole studio went silent in awe of her beautiful vocals.

The Georgia native moved to New York eight years ago to pursue music and in an interview with her I learned about her songwriting start with famous friend Dave Haywood of Lady Antebellum and her recording process. This year, Bragg has a monthly residency at the Living Room where for two hours she showcases her own material and invites a collaborator to share the stage.

Last Tuesday her guest was Adam Levy. Known for his collaborations with Norah Jones, Amber Rubarth and Amos Lee among others, Levy admitted that his first show as a singer was at the Living Room.

Shortly after 7 p.m., Bragg took the stage. Having just spent the weekend in Georgia, she began the evening with a song about where she is from. Alone onstage with acoustic guitar her beautiful vocals stood out. “Orange” followed suit as her whispered singing style captivated.

Soon after, her guitarist and bassist joined the stage for the soulful and bluesy “Leave Tonight” before Levy joined her for the darker “Circle the Night.” With a distinct twang and bluesy guitar interludes from Levy, the track stood out. Bragg left the stage while Levy remained performing five songs of his own. The comical “You’re Not My Baby” had the room laughing along with deep vocals and lighthearted lyrics.

“I love singing here at the Living Room because it’s the first place I ever sang,” Levy admitted. “I used to stand in the shadows and play guitar.” Levy then performed a “love song to my home state” of California before Bragg rejoined him onstage and sang the song they first wrote together. With reverberating vocals and a wavering electric guitar interlude by Levy, the track was memorable. Slower ballad “Wildflower” followed while the poignant “Tattoos and Bruises” struck a chord.

Afterward, Bragg confessed she never intended to be a country singer. “For a long time I didn’t think I was going to be a country singer and that was a mistake,” she admitted. “I didn’t start writing until I was 22. My second record got more folky and poppy. Having that fore into folk and pop music allowed me to be honest with who I am and where I’m from and I stopped being afraid to write country songs.”

Next track, “When Your Heart Belongs To Another,” was “a shore-fire example of me embracing my country roots,” Bragg said as the twangy number impressed and hushed the crowd.

The remainder of her two hour set had the entire room entranced with her soaring vocals and quirky anecdotes. For more on Mary Bragg, visit her Website and catch her live at the Living Room March 20.

Related Links:
• Mary Bragg Credits Lady Antebellum’s Dave Haywood For Songwriting Chops
• Mary Bragg Performs at Rockwood Music Hall
• Night in the Studio at Brooklyn’s Galuminum Foil Studios
• Lady Antebellum Talk Dating, Drunk Dialing and Dylan
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Artist of the Week Band of the Week Concert Reviews

Artist of the Week: Nic Cowan

His first time playing in New York Tuesday, you’d never be able to tell as the Atlanta-based artist captivated everyone in the room as if it was his hometown crowd.

Nic Cowan kicked off the night with the energetic first track on his recent release, Hardheaded. His raspy vocals and smooth instrumentals on “Get Me Going” was a welcomed introduction to his set. The edgy “Wrong Side” followed suit with soaring keyboard features and a R&B meets jam band vibe.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weDElRW-O6w&feature=player_embedded#!

“Thank you for making it feel like home to some Southern boys,” Cowan told the packed venue.

While “I Won’t Let Go” showcased Cowan’s more sensitive side with slowed vocals and acoustic guitar, the bluesy “Sun Dress” picked up the pace with soulful vocals. Seductive rhythms embodied the track with a slow rap feature and solid instrumental interludes throughout.

After debuting a new track on ukulele, Cowan got personal with the room while he introduced “Reno.” Inspired by an artist he met on the beach pursuing his dream of painting, Cowan advised, “Whatever’s inside of you, in your gut, do that.”

The poignant song silenced the room with delicate string features and acoustic guitar as Cowan’s wavering singing style had everyone in a trance.

Having toured with Zac Brown Band, Cowan said “Illumination” was inspired by their bus breaking down during the tour. Giving Cowan time to slow down and simply look at the stars he confessed, “I realized I never stop and look up at the sky and appreciate it all.”

A song about searching and questioning, a heart-pounding drum beat and atmospheric music accompaniment kept the audience intrigued throughout the remainder of the set. Last song, aptly titled “The Island Song” transported the venue to a warmer place. With Bob Marley-esque rhythms and a tie into Marley’s “One Love” to which the audience sang along word for word, Cowan and his band ended their set unplugged.

“This is such a small, intimate space I feel like I’m in my living room,” Cowan admitted. “It’s cold as hell up here. We’re from Atlanta so we’re going to try and warm it up a bit,” he said before he introduced “The Island Song.”

So, what better way to close the night with a sing along? The stripped down performance had concertgoers dancing and singing with the help of banjo, ukulele and maracas. With such a warm welcome at his first NYC performance, Cowan will no doubt be back soon.

For more on Nic Cowan, visit his Website and listen to his tracks below.

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Concert Reviews

Dierks Bentley Electrifies in NYC

The day after his record release, Dierks Bentley celebrated in New York with three back-to-back performances Wednesday night. It’s not every day your favorite country artist comes to New York so some diehard country fans were lucky enough to catch all three sets.

Shortly after 8 p.m., Bentley took the stage with his band and performed “Tip It On Back,” a song off his latest release Home. Throughout his nearly hour set, he played a slew of his high energy hits and got the party started early. While his new material impressed, it was the older fan favorites that had everyone screaming along. “Feel That Fire” struck a chord with Bentley’s deep and familiar vocals with captivating instrumental interludes while “Am I’m the Only One” kicked up the festivities.

“Am I the only one that thinks this is pretty cool getting a chance to play Ed Sullivan Theater with you guys in New York City?” he asked the audience before he began his hit song. “We’re definitely gonna be raising a little bit of hell tonight so I’m glad you’re all here with us. I thought I’d write a special third verse just for all you crazy New York country fans.”

Before he began “5-1-5-0,” Bentley introduced the track as “a song about being crazy about a girl.” The popular “Lot of Leavin’ Left to Do” followed suit with standout banjo and heart pounding drums while Bentley asserted, “This is so much fun!”

Beautiful ballad “When You Gonna Come Around” showcased his more sensitive side with acoustic guitar and dobro. A song he recorded with Karen Fairchild of Little Big Town, he said they’re one of his favorite bands.

What’s a country show without fiddle, dobro and mandolin? Clearly not a Dierks Bentley concert. “Heart of a Lonely Girl” kicked things off with appropriate fiddle accompaniment while next track, “Up On the Ridge” is a “banjo song that talks about moonshine.”  Bentley closed his set with the poignant “Home” and upbeat “What Was I Thinkin'” while shaking hands and throwing guitar picks into the crowd.

“Thank you for making this a night we will never forget.”

After a fun, high energy set, there is no doubt that New York country fans felt the same way. Watch the full performance below.

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Concert Reviews

Griffin House, Matthew Perryman Jones Impress at Sold-Out NYC Show

Nashville came to City Winery last night when singer-songwriters Griffin House and Matthew Perryman Jones performed to a sold-out crowd. Weaving poignant tales of heartbreak, love and loss alongside solid covers by Patty Griffin, Tom Waits, Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash, the duo captivated.

Matthew Perryman Jones kicked off the night onstage alone with acoustic guitar for the haunting “Hole In My Heart.” The emotional number saw his whispered vocals rise and fall impeccably with a striking crescendo mid-track, further exhibiting his prowess.

“While I’m here in New York City I’d like to invite New York’s own Rosie Golan to the stage,” Jones said before the duo performed the beautiful fast-paced “Rain or Shine” with spot-on harmonies.

“That song was pretty much the only uptempo song I have for the whole night so drink up,” Jones quipped.

He wasn’t lying. The remainder of the set included powerful ballads like the slowed “O, Virginia,” positive love song “Until the Last Falling Star” previously featured in “Grey’s Anatomy,” and a striking performance of “Save You” by Jones and New York-based singer Katie Costello.

Jones prefaced his cover of Patty Griffin’s “Top of the World,” by explaining how he got involved with The Voice Project, a non-profit created to raise awareness for children forced to serve as soldiers in Central Africa. After he found out Costello covered his song, “Save You,” he decided to lend his voice to the cause.

Matthew Perryman Jones » Patty Griffin from The Voice Project on Vimeo.

Jones ended his set with an impressive cover of Tom Waits’ “Take It With Me.” Confessing that it took years before he appreciated Waits as a musician, he comically compared Waits’ music to drinking a really good scotch for the first time.

Friend and fellow Nashville musician Griffin House took the stage next with guitar and harmonica in hand. With delicate strumming on acoustic guitar and smooth vocals, House captivated the audience with his first song of the night, “Native.” He segued quickly into the more upbeat “River City Lights” before garnering screams from the audience for fan favorite “Waiting for the Rain to Come.”

Before the poignant “I Remember (It’s Happening Again),” House told City Winery that this past summer was the end of an era for him when his grandfather died. Reminiscing about the stories his grandpa used to tell him and how they flew to New York to make a music video for the song, House told a moving tale with wailing harmonica accompaniment and striking lyrics.

“Better Than Love,” a song that means more to him now than when first written, followed suit as the audience sang along word for word. Having just had a daughter 12 weeks ago, House said the track has taken on new meaning.

“I sing that to her sometimes. She also likes “Polk Salad Annie” by Elvis and all Johnny Cash so she’s definitely mine,” he joked.

The rest of his set included standout covers by Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash as well as older fan favorites that had the entire room singing and laughing along to the stories behind each track. House told the room that the comical “Colleen” was written for his sister’s roommate that “I thought was really hot.” The best kiss of death song because it embarrassed everyone involved, he had the venue laughing along at his quirky, yet relatable lyrics.

The beautiful “The Guy Who Says Goodbye to You Is Out of His Mind” continued to mesmerize as the room fell silent before House exited the stage. Not for too long, though as he ended his set with a solid five-song encore.

For more on each artist, visit their Websites. Matthew Perryman Jones performs tonight at Rockwood Music Hall at 8:30 p.m. Catch Griffin House Wednesday at The Living Room at 10 p.m.

Related Links:
• Artist of the Week: Matthew Perryman Jones
• Q&A with Griffin House
• Q&A with Matthew Perryman Jones
• Matthew Perryman Jones’ Intimate Performance at New York’s Living Room
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Artist of the Week Band of the Week Concert Reviews

Artist of the Week: James Morrison

Last week, James Morrison performed an intimate NYC showcase for fans at Dominion NY. For just under an hour, the UK singer-songwriter played material from his latest release, The Awakening, as well as older fan favorites. All the while, he told the stories behind many of his songs alongside quirky banter of him trying to talk in an American accent.

The soulful singer kicked off the night with the emotional “6 Weeks.” Powerful backup vocalists, soaring keyboard interludes and a driving percussion beat flushed out the track. The poignant “In My Dreams” followed suit. A song he wrote for his father who passed away a few years ago, he dedicated the track to “anyone out there who has lost someone.” With heartfelt vocals and a slowed beat, the song struck a chord.

Aptly titled, “Say Something Now,” Morrison told the audience that the track was written when his girlfriend wasn’t talking to him. “I wrote her a song to persuade her . . . she still doesn’t talk to me,” he joked. Bluesy electric guitar parts blended impeccably with Morrison’s raspy singing style.

Easily able to switch gears from serious subjects like death and heartbreak to more lighthearted, upbeat numbers, Morrison proved himself as a standout performer. The powerful “Up” was written from firsthand experience.

“This song started out as a personal song for my dad and it became a single,” he said. “Every time I play it, it reminds me of the feeling I felt when I wrote it.”

A massive Michael Jackson fan, Morrison said “Slave to the Music” was inspired by the King of Pop. The danceable number had the crowd clapping along throughout the song’s entirety.  Fan favorites included older numbers like “You Give Me Something,” Morrison’s first big hit. Written years ago, he said he’s still in love with the girl he wrote the song for. With sexy vocals and captivating keyboard features throughout, he had fans singing along word for word.

“This is just a little taste of what’s to come in April and May, so I hope to see you again then,” Morrison said before he closed his set with “Wonderful World.” As he neared the edge of the stage signing autographs for fans, there was no doubt that they’d be back in a few months time.

Watch Morrison’s interview and live performance on “Today” below.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

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Concert Reviews

Black Taxi, Lights Resolve, The Bright Light Social Hour Bring Energetic Sets to NYC

For over four hours last night, live music fans at Bowery Ballroom got just what they needed: three solid performances from three phenomenal acts. Impressive guitar licks, heart-pounding drum rhythms and surprising collaborations were infused throughout each band’s set.

Whether it was Southern rockers The Bright Light Social Hour enticing the crowd with foot-stomping and 70s-esque rock & roll, Long Island trio Lights Resolve captivating with soaring guitar landscapes and catchy choruses or New York’s Black Taxi invigorating all with their energetic stage antics during their CD release show, each showcased what live music is all about.

Shortly after 9 p.m., The Bright Light Social Hour took the stage and transported the room into a Southern honky tonk where guitar riffs were aplenty and minute long instrumental interludes were expected and enjoyed. The Austin, Texas, based act impressed with alternating vocalists, spot-on harmonies and soulful growls. The energy skyrocketed on tracks like “Detroit” and “Bare Hands Bare Feet” off their debut self-titled full-length, released last year. With the crowd jumping and singing along word for word, striking keytar accompaniment, and all the rock & roll elements strongly showcased, The Bright Light Social Hour is one band to watch in 2012.

No doubt a hard act to follow, Lights Resolve continued the high energy performing many tracks off their debut full-length, Feel You’re Different, as well as older fan favorites. The seductive “Sew It Up” kicked off the set with a dark bass part and frontman Matt Reich’s mesmerizing vocals while “Happens Every Day” continued the intrigue with killer guitar riffs peaking and falling at the most opportune moments. The aggressive “Misfire” demonstrated the trio’s eventual arena status while epic set closer “Another Five Days” continued to showcase Lights Resolve’s staying power with sing-along choruses, perfected musical buildup and sweeping guitar parts.

Headliners Black Taxi rocked Bowery Ballroom until well after 1 a.m. Their album release show, the band played many tracks off of We Don’t Know Any Better. Whether it was Ezra Huleatt, dressed in feathers and hand paint, running into the crowd and jumping off the venue’s balcony, an enticing horn section mid-set or alternating vocals between each band member, the Brooklyn-based act had the entire venue captivated, never knowing exactly what would happen next. Electronic beats mixed in with intriguing singing styles, handclapped rhythms and gritty guitar kept concertgoers screaming for more. Tracks like the sexy “Friend” and “Tightrope” had Bowery Ballroom dancing up until the last song was played.

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CD Reviews Concert Reviews Features

You Sing I Write's Top 11 of 2011

2011 was quite a year. Country music definitely took over America and I couldn’t be happier! I was lucky to spend a lot of time on the road traveling to music festivals like CMA Fest in Nashville and the Emerging Music Festival in Canada as well as CMJ here in New York where I discovered many new bands that I have quickly become a fan of.

Here’s You Sing I Write’s end of year list of my favorite concerts and albums released in 2011. Did I miss your favorite? Let me know! Happy New Year!

YSIW’s favorite albums of 2011

5. Amos Lee’s Mission Bell

Last year I chatted with Amos Lee before  his performance at City Winery with Lady Antebellum where he filled me in on his writing process and his upcoming release, Mission Bell. With collaborations from Lucinda Williams and Willie Nelson, Lee’s soulful album has been played continuously on my iPod since it’s January release. When asked about Mission Bell, Lee told me that he is often inspired by situations.

“Songwriting isn’t always something that’s directly proportionate to the experience. I hope that they’re [the songs] open enough that people can understand and feel whatever it is that they want to feel. That’s the beauty of music, that it’s abstract in that way. It’s not always super literal.”

4. Lights Resolve’s Feel You’re Different

Every now and then a band comes along that you just know are going to be the next big thing. That’s how I felt about Lights Resolve when I first met them on tour in 2008. The Long Island-based trio are the hardest working act I’ve come across and their debut full-length adequately proves their talent. With soaring guitar riffs that make it easy to picture them in an arena setting, Lights Resolve is one act to watch in 2012.

3. We Are Augustines’ Rise Ye Sunken Ships 

Their debut album, Brooklyn-based band We Are Augustines impress with solid rock & roll and poignant storytelling. I interviewed frontman and songwriter Billy McCarthy during CMJ and he likened writing candidly about his life to running down the street screaming your journal to rooms full of people.

“Honestly, it’s not always easy to talk about stuff in the literal sense and have to keep redoing it every night but I think it depends what kind of art you’re doing,” he says. “It is personal and I guess that’s just my commitment to the music that we’re making. I just want to be honest. It’s not always easy, but that’s what it is.”

2. Adele’s 21

There is no doubt that this was Adele’s year. She topped practically every year end list and three of her singles are in constant rotation on every radio station. Her ability as a songwriter is indisputable and she describes heartbreak so vividly that makes her immensely relatable. While her love life might have suffered this year, her record sales certainly didn’t.

1. Matthew Mayfield’s Now You’re Free

Matthew Mayfield’s album has been played in it’s entirety, more than any other album I’ve listened to this year. His deep, raspy vocals hit you right in the heart. Likewise, his descriptive and emotional tales captivate the listener wholeheartedly. He admitted to me during an interview that a song comes out better when it’s actually happened to him.

“I’m never scared because it’s like therapy for me. I need to do it, to get it out,” he said. “I feel like there’s a release that you get from putting it on paper and singing it in a song that’s healthy. It’s always been an outlet for me.”

YSIW’s favorite concerts of 2011

6. The Barr Brothers

I met half of the Barr Brothers on my flight to Canada for the Emerging Music Festival. Brad and Andrew Barr were playing in another band at the time, Muse Hill, who I caught at the festival and thoroughly enjoyed. While wandering to and from shows throughout the weekend Brad mentioned his other band, The Barr Brothers, who would be playing at Mercury Lounge the next month. Rather serendipitously, the next day his publicist reached out to me about covering the show.

I attended their first New York performance and was truly blown away and went on to see the band perform at Rockwood Music Hall and Arlene’s Grocery during CMJ and a few months later at Joe’s Pub. Each set continued to showcase the band’s talent between moving harp features, impressive percussion interludes and Brad Barr’s soulful and intriguing singing style.

5. Matt Cranstoun

I interviewed Matt Cranstoun right before his appearance at The Rock Shop during CMJ where he told me there would be gospel singers. I couldn’t remember the last show I had been to with gospel singers so of course I went and boy am I glad I did. The energy jumped off the stage into the crowd and every mouth dropped in amazement as Cranstoun captivated the room.

4. Coldplay

I’ve been so lucky to have seen Coldplay close up twice in my life, once during All Points West where I stood near the photo pit as the band performed to thousands behind me. This year, I witnessed Coldplay in a more intimate space with 100 other fans as they debuted some of the tracks off their upcoming release. Between humorous anecdotes and a stripped down performance with Chris Martin alone onstage, it was one of those reaffirming moments that I’m grateful to be a music journalist.

3. Foo Fighters

While many claim rock & roll is dead, the Foo Fighters prove it just ain’t so. Taking the stage at Ed Sullivan Theater dressed like the Beatles’ first US television performance, the band played a remarkable two-hour set. Complete with fan favorites and new hits, it was an experience I’ll never forget.

2. Kenny Chesney and Zac Brown Band

This was my first live review for Rolling Stone and a night I will remember forever. After eating lunch with Zac Brown and meeting Kenny Chesney, I headed to the New Meadowlands for an unforgettable night of music. Brown’s soulful singing combined with Chesney’s heartfelt passion and energy throughout the set is just one reason country has quickly become my favorite genre.

1. Taylor Swift

Was there really any question this wouldn’t be my No. 1 show of 2011? Seated three rows from the stage, I was in awe song after song as Taylor Swift’s elaborate set and storytelling unraveled for two glorious hours. Notebook in one hand, camera in the other my excitement never wavered. Fireworks, wedding gowns, acrobats and a balcony flying in the air were just some of the surprises I captured in my review for Billboard.

 

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Concert Reviews Videos

Ryan Adams Performs Intimate Set 'Live On Letterman'

Not a man of many words, Ryan Adams performed with little more than a thank you for the majority of his 70-minute set last night. But, when he did address the audience halfway through the performance, he proved just how funny he truly is.

Shortly after 8 p.m., what appeared to be Adams dressed in a dog costume, walked down the aisle of Ed Sullivan Theater. Minutes later, the real Adams walked onstage and picked up his guitar and harmonica. No doubt comedic effect, the moment was soon forgotten as Adams took his place center stage.

Holding the audience in the palm of his hand, the room went silent as his whispered vocals, wavering harmonica parts and delicately strummed guitar reverberated throughout the room. Guitar centric tracks like opening number “Oh My Sweet Carolina” and “Lucky Now” from recent release, Ashes and Fire impressed. All the while, Adams continued to showcase his talent on a number of piano-centric tracks including fan favorite “New York, New York.”

Watch Adams’ complete performance below.

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Concert Reviews Features News

Taylor Swift Welcomes NYC Crowd to Dream World For 'Speak Now' Tour

Recently crowned Artist of the Year at the AMAs, Entertainer of the Year at the CMAs and Billboard‘s Woman of the Year, Taylor Swift proved just how deserving she is of these accolades last night. With two sold-out performances at NYC’s Madison Square Garden — the last two dates of her “Speak Now” Tour — Swift is a fitting example of how dreams come true with a little luck and a lot of hard work.

Swift showcased her catalogue of hits, and even brought out Goo Goo Dolls frontman Johnny Rzeznik for a duet on the band’s “Iris,” a track Swift explained as “one of the greatest songs ever written.” Before she took the stage for “Sparks Fly,” complete with fireworks, Adam Brand and NEEDTOBREATHE opened the night.

For more than two hours, Swift took the audience on a journey. Each song performed had an elaborate story acted out by Swift, her band and dancers. Throughout the numerous scenes within her set, it is evident she dreamed up the entire sequence, down to the tiniest details.

“I was hoping it would be cool with you if I stood here and told you a few of my stories,” Swift said. The audience screamed in approval.

For my complete review, visit Billboard.