Considering how disappointed I was the last time JT played in Sydney, buying the (again v. expensive) tickets this time around was a bit of a wrench. But I'm so glad I did go, because this time around he brought the spectacle that I so wanted last time, the consummate showmanship, the real deal. Starting with the stage, a technical marvel in and of itself, which looked so bare and deceptively simple but turned out to be this intricate interlocking series of platforms. It was highly effective and bringing to the fore whatever part of the show was being featured - the back up singers, the musicians, the dancers, and of course, Justin himself. The whole stage show was awesomely done, from the amazing use of stage, lighting, visual effects and choreography, which didn't distract from the music, but helped enhance the concert experience into an all singing all dancing extravaganza.
The concert started with 'FutureSex/LoveSound' which worked really well to build up the atmosphere, from Justin’s voice in the dark with the ominous rhythmic hook backing him up to a brilliant interplay of light and sound. And then it was two solid hours of mostly hits with a few of his ballads thrown in. The instrumentation was great, the arrangements were good if not inventive, and there was lots of great dancing all around the stage – basically, everything you could possibly ask for from a pop concert done really really well.
Justin looked great, but his banter was terrible – apart from some obviously honed monologues about Aussies and drinking and surfing, he spent most of the night yelling “SYDNEY!!” at random intervals, eliciting huge screams for sure, but after the 8th time I was pretty sure everyone was clear on which city there were in, thanks. However, his voice was good and clear; it had its nasal moments, but he'd improved greatly from his NSYNC days. There was an obvious backing track, but excusable in light of how much dancing he had to do as well. Oh my goodness, he is such treat to watch, dancing singing and performing his little heart out.
There were problematic aspects, like the use of stripper-like dancers in 'Damn Girl', where the explicit sexuality just seemed too much and out of place considering the themes – costume and dance wise – for the rest of the night. (Also, rather distractingly, the dancer on our side looked A LOT like Britney in her VMA performance but y'know, not sedated) And as I said, the arrangement stuck really close the CD. The ballads still don’t hold up as well as the brisker songs, though they are few and far between and cushioned well by the dancier numbers, so the energy never flagged.
I also approved heartily of all piano playing moments; the projection screens were great in that they would show close ups of his fingers on the keys, mmmm. The encore was Justin alone on stage, out of his costume and in just a worn grey T-shirt and jeans, playing on the piano. It was a nice way to end the night, slower, but still very pretty (and the song wasn’t bad either. Boom-tish!)
FutureSex/LoveSound
Like I Love You
My Love
Senorita
Sexy Ladies
What Goes Around…Comes Around
Chop Me Up
Rock Your Body
Gone - Take It From Here – Last Night (medley)
Damn Girl
Summer Love
Losing My Way
Cry Me A River
Lovestoned
Sexy Back
(Another Song) All Over Again
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