Emeli Sandé released her debut album, Our Version Of Events, in 2012. The album launched her onto the global stage, reaching number one in the UK. Heaven, the album's first single, reached number 2 on the UK charts and charted in the top 10 in several European countries. Much of her work, which blends pop, RnB and soul, is about peace, personal power and political issues. She has said that the key to writing a successful song is having a simple melody with effective lyrics that reflect honesty and raw emotion. It's that formula, together with her exceptional vocal talent that has been compared to that of Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin, that has won over fans around the world, myself included.
So I was extremely excited to hear that she would be performing at Music Hall of Williamsburg this past weekend, 8 years since she last performed here. One of the many things I love about NYC is the opportunity to see so many of my favorite artists in intimate settings and hear so many of the songs that have impacted me from just a few feet away. I will also give kudos to the audience at this particular show: so mindful and present and respectful of the artist on stage - no obnoxious assholes talking loudly through poignant moments or obstructing everyone's views with their phones. Dare I say it was because there were very few Gen Zs in the audience?
Emeli, wearing a simple and elegant black shift dress and ankle boots, took to the stage (on time!) to a roar of applause. She pointed out that she might look a little different, having ditched the platinum blonde quiff that defined the start of her career in favor of a natural afro. She spoke about her life being more authentic after embracing the parts of herself that make her unique instead of trying to change or hide them.
But one thing that has not changed is her voice. She performed stripped down versions of some of her biggest hits as well as new songs from her latest album, How Were We To Know, with only a pianist/keyboardist and percussionist to accompany her, showcasing the purity and power of her voice. Throughout the set she transitioned from moving ballads to anthemic numbers that took us to church and back, preaching optimism for the future and the need to lift one another up in these turbulent times by calling on us to remember what it is to be human.
The complete setlist was as follows:
Selah
Heaven
Nothing We Can't Handle
My Kind Of Love
Extraordinary Being
Love Hurts
Oxygen
Clown
Beneath Your Beautiful
Brighter Days
Next To Me
Encore
Acapella excerpt of Sweet Architect (audience request)
Acapella excerpt of You Are Not Alone (audience request)
Acapella excerpt of River (audience request)
World Go Round
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