Reyna ♔ Posted August 27, 2011 Share Posted August 27, 2011 Janet gets back to the basics to deliver the hits, relying on her still-impressive voice and moves Janet Jackson When: Friday night Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre BY AMANDA ASH When you've got 34 No. 1 hit songs to your name, you can celebrate any way you want. As the title of Janet Jackson's Number Ones: Up Close & Personal tour suggested, the 45-year-old R&B pop star chose to look back at her fertile career with a wine-and-sweatpants type of affair rather than an elaborate princess party. The iconic artist, born Janet Damita Jo Jackson, revelled in retrospective glory simply by kicking back and hanging out with her closest fans in Vancouver. All that was missing was a tub of Ben & Jerry's ice cream. Jackson, often known simply as Janet, brought her hits and her swagger to Queen Elizabeth Theatre Friday night, but it was an experience different than any of her standard live show spectacles. Jackson could have easily swept her fans away with flying dancers and blazing fireworks, exotic stage setups and sexy costumes. Instead the Gary, Ind.-born songstress opted to put herself in the spotlight. Jackson's intention for the tour was to unplug. She wanted to perform in intimate settings for every stop on her largest international jaunt ever and stoke the embers of nostalgia. And overall, it was probably a smart move. Jackson sang exclusively from 2009's Number Ones, a double-disc album that features 34 singles that topped charts everywhere from North America and Europe to Japan and South Africa. Not only was it Jackson's way of looking back on her illustrious reign atop the charts as the hip-swivelling Queen of Pop, but it was also a means of re-connecting with a fan base that hasn't heard anything new from her since 2008's Discipline. The audience Friday night consisted of both young and old, although the 20-somethings seemed to be the most enthused of the bunch. As an appetizer for the show, the video for Miss You Much, from the album Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814, played on a big screen. Jackson dedicated it to the city of Vancouver (she dedicated one song on each tour stop) and stilettoed fans screamed their thanks, pointing their fingers in the air as they danced along. Jackson, looking casual but lovely in a black tank and black jeans, was welcomed to the stage by a wall of cheers. The sound was deafening. The fans were unconditionally devoted to their Janet, so they weren't fazed when there was no opener for the show. It was all Jackson for 90 minutes. Heaven. As would be expected, the hits proved they had lives of their own. The Pleasure Principle, Control, What Have You Done For Me Lately, Feedback, Alright, Escapade - Janet lobbed them out one-by-one. It wasn't clear whether she was lip syncing or not, but she sounded good. Not that it mattered to the fans. After becoming so entangled with the audience's memories and emotions over the past 20-odd years, the songs practically sung themselves. All Jackson had to do was smile and let her tight dance moves handle the rest. One big let down, however, was the rushed feeling of the show. Songs weren't always performed in their entirety. Instead, snippets of each were pasted together in an extended medley that never paused, save for a few short interludes. At some points, it felt as if Jackson tried to shove too many eggs in her basket, often mangling them and creating one giant goopy pile. However, listening to Jackson punch out each song was incredible. You forget how many hits Janet has had, and how many lyrics you know by heart. As a woman who championed her sexuality, pioneered pop music and figured prominently in popular culture, it's no wonder Michael Jackson's little sister is one of the top 10 best-selling artists in contemporary music. Although the show was humble by pop standards, there was no shortage of dancing. Let's see you dance like Jackson in 15 years, Britney Spears. Jackson, accompanied by six backup dancers, popped and locked her way around the stage almost the entire night, save for when she sat and performed Nothing, Come Back To Me and Again. She has a delicate wisp of a voice, but it carried a world of emotion. The height of Jackson's saintly status was evident in the little bunny-hops fans did out of pure excitement throughout the night. Their idol had paid them a visit, and they were more than happy to reminisce about the good ol' days. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reyna ♔ Posted August 27, 2011 Author Share Posted August 27, 2011 Now THIS is a good review. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kim Posted August 27, 2011 Share Posted August 27, 2011 Oh, I didn't realize she was back in Canada. Wish she had come back to Toronto. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Utopia Posted August 27, 2011 Share Posted August 27, 2011 Canada :wub: :wub: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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