The pop princess started the countdown a few minutes before 8 p.m. When the clock appeared on the gigantic screen, hysteria struck the crowd and never left it.
For more than three hours, Taylor Swift held this concert at arm’s length by performing 45 titles in ten scenes, thus covering an 18-year career spread over 11 albums.
The show was launched in force with a very aerial choreography. As soon as the star appeared on stage, we felt all the fervor of her fans.
As soon as the star appeared on stage, we felt the fervor of her fans. (Patrick Woodbury/Le Droit)
She played three tracks from the album Lovereither Miss Americana & the Heartbreak Prince, Cruel Summer et The Man.
After forays into Fearless, Red et Speak Now, it was the turn of his efforts on 1989 to receive the applause of his admirers.
For the reviewer, this is the table corresponding to the album Reputation which was the most interesting. His interpretation of Look What You Made Me Do was exceptional, letting the electric guitars and percussions scream.
On the other hand, we must mention its “Canadian” wink in its album chart folklore et evermore which was particularly successful.
The scenography of this concert is very effective while the immense stage which extends far into the crowd allows Taylor Swift and her dancers to express themselves. And what about the huge screen at the back of the stage which offers a breathtaking view of the entire show.
Some excerpts from the show presented Thursday evening at the Rogers Center in Toronto. (Patrick Woodbury, The Law)
Musically, the singer is well surrounded by six musicians. On stage, we appreciate the work of guitarists Max Bernstein, the son of famous journalist Carl Bernstein, Paul Sidoti and Mike Meadows, bassist Amos Heller, drummer Matthew Billingslea and keyboardist Karina DePiano.
Four backing singers support her vocal performances, while 15 dancers constantly surround her.
Personally, I didn’t feel too much lipsync nor excessive use of electronic aid (autotune).
We must not deceive ourselves, the star cannot maintain optimal vocal quality throughout the concert. She certainly benefits from technological support, although on Thursday evening, she was particularly in good shape and her voice did not seem to suffer from the end of the tour.
On several occasions, TS grabs his guitar. Which doesn’t stop him from burning the boards with energetic dance steps.
Despite the complexity of the choreographies, we clearly feel all the experience acquired during the approximately 150 concerts offered during The Eras tour.
Everything goes without a hitch.
Taylor Swift also doesn’t shy away from interacting with the public. (Patrick Woodbury/Le Droit)
Taylor Swift also doesn’t shy away from interacting with the public. She often takes the microphone to chat, express her pleasure of being on stage and thank all her “old and new friends”.
At one point during the show, she asks how many of them have ever seen him on stage. The reaction was quite surprising, with about a third of the room reacting. On the other hand, to the question concerning those who are at their first experience, we almost doubled the decibels released by our “new friends”.
On her late passage to Canada, the star wanted to set some records straight.
“I am happy to end this tour in Canada,” she said to the acclaim of her fans. Regardless of what some may have said, I have never neglected Canada. We finish our Eras tour with nine shows at home. You deserve it and besides, since I have been here, you have shown me all your affection very well.”
Gracie Abrams opened for Taylor Swift’s show. (Patrick Woodbury/Le Droit)
A Nice surprise
Before Taylor Swift arrived on stage, the audience at the Rogers Center warmly welcomed Gracie Abrams. The 25-year-old American seemed impressed by this reception, despite her obvious ease on stage.
The singer-songwriter served us half a dozen songs mainly taken from her album released last year.
Taylor Swift will perform five more shows in Toronto on November 15, 16, 21, 22 and 23 before ending her world tour at BC Place in Vancouver from December 5 to 7.
What we heard:
Miss Americana & the Heartbreak Prince
Cruel Summer
The Man
You Need to Calm Down
Lover
Fearless
You Belong With Me
Love Story
22
We are Never Ever Getting Back Together
I Knew You Were Trouble
All Too Well (10 minute version)
Enchanted
Ready for It?
Delicate
Don’t Blame Me
Look What You Made Me Do
Cardigan
Betty
Champagne problems
August
Illicit Affairs
My Tears Ricochet
Marjorie
Willow
Style
Blank Space
Shake It Off
Wildest Dreams
Bad Blood
But Daddy I Love Him / So High School
Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?
Down Bad
Fortnight
The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived
I Can Do It With a Broken Heart
My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys / This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things
False God / ‘tis The Dawn Season
Lavender Haze
Anti-Hero
Midnight Rain
Vigilante Shit
Bejeweled
Mastermind
Karma
