By: Ashley Quintela Valle
His voice sounded from behind the large hanging sheet that separated us.
“Hi, I’m Jesse,” he said as he greeted me with wide smile. After a quick handshake and a photo, I walked away unable to believe that my childhood dreams just came true.
Fog crept from corners of the stage and spilled over the edge while that all-so familiar voice spread throughout gymnasium.
On March 15, the 31-year-old, Jesse McCartney took center stage at the Peru State College during his college tour. With new music and hits such as “She’s No You,” “Leavin,” and, of course, “Beautiful soul,” 11-year-old me (and 23-year-old me) were screaming.
Throughout the hour show, McCartney entertained the audience with beautiful vocals and energized movements. With a smaller tour, McCartney kept it simple by only having an additional guitarist on stage.
Other artists in the pop genre tend to go for a wow-factor with backdrops full of vibrant colors and videos supplementing their performances, but McCartney was wow-factor enough. During slower songs, McCartney sat perched on a stool with a spotlight. The intimate setting and lack of distractions made for the perfect atmosphere.
During the show, McCartney performed “Better With You,” a song he said he wrote to remind people that though the world isn’t always pretty, there’s also that one special person who makes it brighter.
Having recently just reboarded the McCartney train, it was the first I’d heard the lyrics. Maybe it was the passion that rang in his voice or the fact that I’m lucky enough to have a husband I feel the same way about, but the song made my eyes water.
“For every laugh there is a silent cry
For every day there is a darker night
Sometimes this life doesn’t treat us right
And I don’t know what to do
But I know it’s better with you.”
It wasn’t long before the crowd was back to dancing. As the first note of “Beautiful Soul” sounded, the crowd raved.
“I know that you, are something special. And to you, I’d be, always faithful.”
The classic song that once had preteens dancing around their bedrooms was clearly the highlight for most. Young women wailed as their childhood crush reminded them why they loved him in the first place (guilty). McCartney danced from one side of the stage to another as he performed his most famous song.
When “Wasted,” one of McCartney’s newest songs started, even the stiffest of attendees, dragged to the concert by their significant other, danced to the irresistible beat. Having never heard the song performed live, my expectations were not high, but McCartney did not disappoint.
With a voice that sounded as velvety as it does though the speakers of my Alexa and those in my car, “Wasted” is a song that is meant to be sang live.
From thoughtful melodies to up-beat rhythms, McCartney sang each song to perfection. Overall McCartney graced the stage with his presence. It’s no surprise that the singer, who gained popularity in the early 2000s, has returned to music and is killing it yet again. With a smooth voice and enthusiastic energy, I did not want the night to end.
