Grand Rapids Show review

[Bailey]

http://www.mlive.com/entertainment/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2015/09/concert_review_janet_jackson_r.html

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Janet Jackson had her game face on.

Upon taking the Van Andel Arena stage Friday evening, the veteran pop star scowled and whipped her thick mane of curls dramatically, showing she meant business, that her return to the concert circuit – her first tour in several years and first local date since 2002 – shouldn't be taken lightly.

She opened with "Burnitup!," a brand-new track featuring a guest spot by Missy Elliott, whose likeness appeared projected on video screens. The number then segued into "Nasty," Janet seamlessly and confidently leaping back nearly three decades, moving with purpose and power, in tight sync with a group of nine female dancers. Now, as then, she has attitude and energy to burn.

When Janet finally paused to acknowledge the audience, she kept that game face on. She slowly scanned the arena from right to left as fans roared – then broke into a smile so big, the cheap seats could feel the warmth. She's back, and the love is mutual.

She then kicked into "Control," an appropriate selection, for at that point, the crowd was hers.

Of course, her "Unbreakable" tour, named after her upcoming 11th studio album, is also a reinvention of sorts. Once a poster child for sexual provocation, Janet now commands the stage wearing pure white from neck to toe. (She'd switch to all-black for the show's second half.) She wears big white sneakers on stage not because she's 49 and needs sensible shoes, but because she needs to move. A lot. And not necessarily in a suggestive manner meant to incite midnight impulses. The show is kinetic for its own sake.

In that sense, it's also a throwback, its production heavy on dance, the likes of which we remember well from numerous music videos, from the height of the MTV era. It was primarily a visual experience, the concert's dramatic crescendos rooted more in choreography than music. (A pair of pee-wee dance prodigies, probably about 10 or 12 years old, garnered big cheers when they took the stage.)

Although that's a refreshing change from the over-the-top extravaganza-ism of modern pop stars – Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift – it's also somewhat frustrating for those hoping to appreciate what Janet does musically. She touched on 32 songs during a 95-minute show, leaning heavily on medleys that tended to sap some of the power and impact of big hits such as "Miss You Much," "Pleasure Principle," "What Have You Done for Me Lately" and "Rhythm Nation." Janet led a DJ, drummer, bassist, guitarist, keyboardist and a trio of backup singers, shifting smoothly through lengthy mash-ups of hits. Momentum is key in keeping an audience involved, but too much of it can wreck the dynamic of a great song.

Cast in point, Janet's highly touted rendition of "Scream," her raucous duet with late brother Michael. She sang along with his pre-recorded voice, running through a couple verses and choruses before moving on, leaving no time to pause and reflect on the once-monumental collaboration of two pop giants.

As for Janet's vocals, well, she appeared to lip-sync parts of the show, or sang minimally, padded by backup singers or tracks. Sometimes, her voice distinguished itself in the mix only when she yelped or shouted. A short ballad medley – including "Come Back to Me" and "Let's Wait Awhile" – finally showcased her vocals, although she prompted the crowd to sing the opening verse of "Again" without her, and the united voices made for a beautiful moment.

Beyond the occasional exclamatory urging to sing along or dance, Janet rarely addressed the crowd, maintaining the persona that's about three-quarters egotist diva and one-quarter sweetheart. The latter emerged during the final number, "Unbreakable," about her bond with her fans. She used the moment to introduce the band and dancers, giggling and smiling often, happy to be entertaining live audiences once again.

[Bailey]

if you click the link there are some AMAZING photos from that night

[Fanka]

Video's do not do this concert. Everyone must see this live. 

[Bailey]

Video's do not do this concert. Everyone must see this live. 

thats the thing, folks have no idea how much more is going on in person, the sound, the lighting, the energy, video doesn't give you that