I titled this article as an opinion article because, though I want to do an unbiased review and talk strictly of the merits of the various performers, there were some things that I really disliked about the concert.
First off, Anderson Paak. Can he not? Sure, give him credit for being the producer for Watsky’s biggest album yet, All You Can Do, but when it comes to his original work, he is a train wreck. Not many artists these days talk about morally strong topics, but Anderson had two songs devoted to getting high and having sex. TWO songs devoted solely on getting high and having sex. Not to mention he sang them back to back. It was almost like he sang the same song twice.
The other troubling song was called “Straight Jacket”. If that wasn’t the title of the song then call me surprised, because that seemed to be the only lyric for three minutes. Not to mention his vocals aren’t that strong. Hearing a raspy, (and not a cool 80’s hairband raspy,) “Straaaaiiiggghhht Jacket” over and over gets old fast. My friend said “No one is as cool as you think you are, Anderson.” to which I added “Not even Kanye.”
The second performer was a very nice upgrade from Anderson. He goes by the stage name Super Duper Kyle, or just Kyle, and he is all about having big drops. If anyone has been to a Utah State dance, that is what the Complex turned into when Kyle came out. The music was crazy loud, the venue started rockin’, mosh pits formed, and everyone was getting hyped.
One drawback to Kyle, and his sidekick, is how many times we were supposed to get “F****** CRAZY” when the beat drops. There are only so many times an audience wants to get “F****** Crazy” when a beat drops, let alone told to do so over an over. It was almost as though he was a one trick pony. Other than that, Kyle is a very fun performer. His closer was insane. They were shooting Super-Soakers into the crowd, and Kyle surfed the crowed standing on a boogie board! Kyle loved getting close with the crowd, and was very well received.
I got into Watsky from with his spoken word poetry. His lyrics are often very deep, and his flow during his spoken word is hard to match. Though he doesn’t do as much poetry as when he first started, that talent can be heard and appreciated through his raps.
When Watsky came out the place exploded, then Watsky built it back together again with his crazy lyrics only to tear it down in an animalistic fashion with his lightning fast rhythm. By far, Watsky made this concert the best, and craziest, concert I have ever been to. He dove into some great classics from previous albums, and ripped open some first time performances from his latest album.
He recited some of his more well known spoken word from the Cardboard Castles album which displayed his full talent. From deep emotion and smooth style, all the way to his crazy lyrics and insane speed, Watsky left no talented stone unturned.
He was trading clothes with member of the crowd. Diving in headfirst to do some crowd surfing, despite security being extremely cautious to keep him at the front of the stage. Doing great mash-ups of multiple songs. Getting close and intimate with the crowd. Saying great jokes. And all in all, being an amazing performer that brought it all.
Then, when everyone thought he was done and with the crowed chanting for an encore, he busted back out on stage to destroy us all with the craziest rendition of his most popular song on the album “Whoa Whoa Whoa”. After that he came out and did a second encore singing the title song “All You Can Do”
Caution: Music video contains profane language and some images that may be NSFW.
Watsky, I thank you for an amazing night.
Overall cons: Anderson Paak. Generic Drops. The sweat, smells, and heat. Whoever was smoking weed.
Overall pros: Great crowd interaction. Fun people. Crazy vibe. Watsky. Crowd boogie board surfing. Super-Soakers. A funny Hype Man. Poetry. Love. And more and more Watsky!
