Just a stone’s throw away from the iconic Times Square in New York City, Chris Young successfully sold out his “I’m Comin’ Over” Tour stop in the Big Apple. Young kicked off the tour last month, already selling out 19 of the shows. Extremely grateful to the fans who have supported his career for so many years, Young was determined to pack his 75 minute set with number one hits, throw back hidden gems and covers of a few of his favorite songs.
Special guest Republic Nashville recording artist Cassadee Pope opened the show, strutting on stage rocking a black leather skirt and a New York City crop top. Pope is no stranger to the big city, telling the fans about her days as the frontwoman for the band Hey Monday and how New York has always been a favorite place of hers. Commanding the sold out crowd, Pope lists some of the reasons why she loves New York City, “I am thankful for your pizza, Sex and the City, 30 Rock, and of course Billy Joel,” she says. The crowd erupted into screams from the first familiar notes from “Movin Out (Anthony’s Song).” Pope also played her Platinum certified breakout single “Wasting All These Tears” along with a new song titled “Alien.” Her set was short but she managed to show off her powerful vocal ability and sass and the fans were extremely receptive.
Clad in black from head to toe, Young confidently took the stage with his unmistakeable swagger. As always, his vocal – classic meets contemporary country twang –resonated with an eager audience. Opening with a song from his latest album I’m Comin’ Over, “Underdogs,” and immediately switching back to vintage Chris Young singles like “Gettin’ You Home” and “Voices,” Young quickly established the night as one to remember. Young thanked one of his best friends Johnny Bulford for co-writing the next song, “Lonely Eyes.” Flowing effortlessly from love ballads to heart wrenching breakup songs, Young’s conviction and true storyteller finesse brought the sold out Playstation Theater on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Young shouted out all of the couples in the back of the venue who slow danced through “Who I Am With You,” a no brainer for any country fans getting married in the recent years, then called out those drinking tequila on “Aw Naw.”
A highlight of the night was when Pope joined Young on stage to perform their current duet “Think Of You.” Only released to radio a few short weeks ago, the audience sang along to every word of the song. It would not be surprising if the second single off the album went straight to the top of the charts as well. From older songs like “Dashboard,” “Tomorrow,” and “Neon,” to cuts off the new album, “Sober Saturday Night” and his 7th number one hit, “I’m Comin Over,” Thursday night left fans secure in their decision that being tired/hungover for work on Friday was 100% worth it.
Reminiscing about his journey to a sold out venue in NYC, Young explained, “My standing gig for a very long time was El Chico Mexican restaurant back in Murfreesboro, TN. I made a hundred bucks a night and had all the free quesadillas I wanted, but walking up to the theatre and seeing the words sold out tonight is absolutely incredible. I have to thank all of you for that.”
Check out the rest of the tour dates on Chris Young’s website here.