What is louder and 100 times shriller than a 747 on take-off? Answer: About 1,000 tweens and 1,000 twenty-something girls at a Backstreet Boys Concert. WNCI’s 2007 Jingle Ball(s) was a sold out event. The first night featured Emcee Blake Lewis, One Republic, Colby Caillat, and the Backstreet Boys. The second night featured locals Lovesick Radio, Three Days Grace, and Hinder. Since this reviewer has seen Hinder twice in one year I opted for night one.

Blake Lewis was more of an opening act than an Emcee. While he did chat with the crowd he performed a few songs off his new album and did a little improve with his band mate and high-school buddy. Lewis is charismatic and his pop-n-lock dance moves are enjoyable. I can’t comment much on the music because he was having technical problems and was barely audible. The most amusing part of the set was when he battled an errant mic stand.

The second act was quite possibly the most talented group of young men to come to Columbus in a while. One Republic has a modern emo-dance-trance infused sound. Each member of the band plays four or five instruments and switch out on almost every song. Lead singer Ryan Tedder has a voice reminiscent of Sting or Bowie. With almost symphonic tracks their set is complex but still developing in style. The hit of the set was their new single Stop and Stare. While they look like high school band geeks and come across as naïve and sincere their fame may be coming too fast. Hopefully their stage show will quickly catch up in quality with their musical talent.

Colby Caillat was the third performer. A MySpace success story she is new to performing for larger audiences. Stiff onstage, Caillat does have a beautiful voice. Her songs translate well for live performance, but she seemed more comfortable behind her guitar than alone with the mic. With her long legs, a purple mini-dress, and cascading blonde locks she definitely looked the part of pop-starlet. Her song styles range from bubble-gum pop to reggae infused dance. Again, her stage show is a little immature but her fans are devout.

The headliners danced their way into the hearts of young girls 10 years ago and danced their way onstage. Honestly, the dancing was pitiful. After the first major dance number Brian and Nick were audibly winded and Howie appeared ready to break a hip. The set featured mostly songs off their most recent albums, but BSB did not disappoint their loyal fans pulling out favorites like Shape of My Heart and All I Have to Give and closing with the cheesily appropriate BackStreets Back. The drums drowned out most of the vocals, but the “Boys” are consummate performers who know how to work a stage. They thrilled the audience with a well developed stage show.



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Review by Linsey Griffith
Photos by David Heasley