March 06, 2015

Publication title: siouxcityjournal.com, vol. -, Iss. -, pg. –
Place: Sioux City
Writer: Bruce Miller

REVIEW: McLachlan not afraid to mix it up at Orpheum concert

SIOUX CITY | A couch. A question-and-answer session. A pack of songs. And a lot of ambitious lighting.

That’s what Sarah McLachlan brought to the Orpheum Theatre Friday night in a concert that was more eclectic than many might have thought.

Although the 47-year-old Canadian Grammy winner had plenty of those oh-so-heartfelt songs, she wasn’t afraid to mix it up with hugs, laughs and an admission – she would love to do “Uptown Funk” in a karaoke session. (She didn’t attempt it, though, much to her fans’ dismay.)

In an effort to get closer to the audience, McLachlan invited folks to sit on her couch, ask questions, take photos and hug. “You guys are great huggers,” she said.

While it was obvious the gimmick was designed to make her seem less aloof, it simply kept those who weren’t chosen from hearing the songs they probably wanted included.

Sampling heavily from her latest CD, “Shine On,” she had her share of introspective songs, but also some fun, upbeat ones. “I don’t have many happy songs,” she said. But “Loving You is Easy” let her enjoy all the pop bells and whistles and do everything but dance. “On the Brink of Destruction” enabled her to talk about her new sweetie. (He’s “yummy.”)

To temper all that happiness, she offered up darker stuff like “Monsters” – “They promise you the stars but they’re really just along for the ride.” Dressed in rock clothing, the song took advantage of her soaring high notes and let her innocent sound get away with an edgier message.

Aided by a strong four-person band, McLachlan played both piano and guitar and got such a mood setter from the lighting designer you wonder if maybe he or she might be able to follow everyone home and recast their moments, too.

The second act was stuffed with the numbers that made her a big seller and a Lilith Fair legend – “I Will Remember You,” “Song for My Father,” “Hold On.”

Dressed in black, McLachlan was more casual than most might have imagined. She had a Colbie Caillat stage design (very boho chic) and a desire to reach where, maybe, some of those songs don’t go.

Starting with “In Your Shoes,” her tribute to Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, she set a tone that suggested Friday’s event wasn’t going to be one sad song after another. “I’m sick of telling that story,” she said of the break-up songs. “It’s easier to write about falling apart.”

Like one of Carole King’s heirs (and Annie Lennox’s descendants), McLachlan glossed exquisite writing with vocals that dared to reach the rafters.

Warm and friendly, McLachlan made a new impression – that of a woman who had moved on in an appreciative but memorable way.