High rotation, radio-friendly music has always been a slight turn-off in contrast to my soul, R&B and jazz-flavoured music taste. However, popular American artist – Charlie Puth– turned this notion upside down on Friday night.
After a brutal work week, my energy levels drained to 0%, my partner dragged me to Brisbane’s Riverstage to see The “Charlie” Live Experience. As we slowly wound up the steep driveway entrance into the venue, all I wanted to do was go the other way.
Flashing lights, a rhythmic kick drum and a familiar voice rose above a screaming crowd of fans; the concert had just started. The last of us entering the venue scrambled to join the fun.
Though we stood at the back of the venue – we had a decent view of the stage, watching him effortlessly working the stage, every bit a seasoned pop star, and having the audience entirely in the palm of his hands.
With perfect pitch (duh.. obviously) and stunning musicianship, Charlie poured his heart and soul into giving us an exciting, adrenaline-pumping performance; he had won me over in the first few bars of the opening song.
Rolling through his impressive catalogue of well-known songs, Mr Puth delighted us with the familiar hits we’d all grown to love. Attention, Dangerously, and See You Again were among a generous setlist that reminded anyone who may have forgotten – this man knows how to write and produce total earworms.
My favourite performance of the evening was Cheating on You. I’ve had it on repeat since the show concluded. I cannot get enough of the instrumentation, beautiful chords in the middle eight and clever vocal treatment – harmonies included!
Thank you, Charlie, for an invigorating and refreshing reminder of live music’s soul-nourishing impact.
If you aren’t already, treat yourself to the delicious, sure-to-be-on-repeat tunes of Charlie Puth.
The casual observer.
