Live Review: Jessica Mauboy – Yours Forever Tour 2024 in Perth
Jessica Mauboy – Yours Forever Tour 2024 – 18 April 2024 at Crown Theatre Perth in Western Australia
Review by Sheldon Ang
Photography by Sheldon Ang Photography
“I love it so much, and I have to come back and back and do more shows here – if you’re happy to have me.” Shouts of ‘Yes’ echoed, complementing the applause that clattered for twenty seconds. “I had the best few days. It has been a long time since I’ve hit the road. I think the last time I toured the country was six… or seven years ago?” – Jessica Mauboy at the Yours Forever Tour in Perth.
Maybe not that long ago if we consider the Boss Lady Tour of 2022, although it wasn’t as widespread as the Yours Forever Tour – covering 23 cities and towns. Nevertheless, Jessica Mauboy needs to tour every year, considering the showcase of last night’s performance. The tour to promote Mauboy’s latest album Yours Forever is almost sold out, and from the length of the queue for merchandise, we wouldn’t be surprised if apparels and souveniers shared the same fate in Perth.
The singer songwriter and runner up of Australian idol in 2006 graced the stage under the cover of darkness, as her silhouette stood on the raised platform before the crowd of 2000 who were as excited as The Wiggles army during Fruit Salad. It was also the night of nostalgia for the mums and dads who were young adults when Mauboy was discovered on national TV, now taking their kids to their idol and passing the fanship baton onto the next generation. This may seem true as the 5 year old sitting next to this photographer/writer was singing to the lyrics of the opening track Yours Forever.
The near sold out show in this spectacular venue at Crown Theatre Perth oozed a colosseum vibe, thanks to the air space above while instilling an intimate setting to channel the personal touch by Jess, reflecting the themes of the New Orleans inspired soul Give You Love and dance pop The Loneliest I Ever Was as introductions to her latest album.
The Australian singer charmingly connected with the crowd. We heard screams of “I Love You Jess”, from 8 year olds to the not so young – “We love you sis”. Her love was requited from the charismatic replies. She spoke with sincerity, such as narrating the story of her riding through Kings Park and asking someone for directions to her hotel. Why not use your phone for directions? Well, that was the charm, as she brought the old school demeanour, projecting suttle innocence as she struggled with the names of some of Perth’s landmark. She smiled throughout, as if she was shy about standing before her fans. Endearing indeed.
Mauboy continued the night through the likes of Saturday and Sunday before heading into the ballad set. Sitting on a stool under the limelight propagated from a mile away (or seemed like it) she sang Quite Like You with the emotional sentiment though her honeyed vocals in tender personification. Little Things and I’m Sorry revealed her incredible range of highs and lows with perfect control.
There was also a part of the night when she asked the crowd to choose a song.
“Time After Time!” yelled a fan.
“But I haven’t sung that song since I was 16.” She hesitated, only to reignite the passion of the 80’s ballads, singing as if she’s the vocal twin of Cindy Lauper. Her voice floated with Butterfly, followed by Neon Moon. The last of the ballad series was Goodbye of her latest album, oozing the visceral sincerity of a heartbroken soul, as tears in her vocals flowed, diving into another heartache. For The Voice coach, the ballad set showcased the vocal gymnastic of one of Australia’s best vocalists. What sets apart with Jessica from the rest of the playing field is her storytelling ability and fluidity, projecting narrative based emotion, whether it may be the highs of a club banger or the melancholy of grief through the sincerity of her voice.
Silence brewed during a change in outfit, before an explosive flash of neons and thundering bass reverberated across the venue, sparking the dance act with the club banger and old friend Burn which was nominated for ARIA’s most played single in 2009. Donned in an oversized T shirt with a “JM 4” at the front and “YF” at the back, she soared through the stage with the R&B groove and rock-esque vocals, as the canopy of heads raised by several feet. The atmosphere lit as the lounge area became a dance floor. Then came the sexy, edgy and catchy performances of Inescapable, Pop a Bottle (Fill Me Up), Running Back, Tell Them and Right Here Right Now where she handed the mic to a fan who blasted through the chorus as she lay on her sides, as if she was serenaded by the gentleman. This was the decade when Jessica Mauboy was discovered for her punchy and savvy RnB vocals over the catchy hooks. The performance in this act was sultry, with the guitarists added the rock into the sensibilities of the fast paced repertoire. Autographs were signed during this dance set, and hugs were given to a special fan. The atmosphere of this set was explosive, reflecting the conviviality of Jessica Mauboy that we knew.
The Yours Forever Tour of 2024 celebrates the journey of Jessica Mauboy’s life, from the twilight to the sun filled moments – just like the 2024 album. The sorrow was permeated, the constant smiles was genuine, and the elation was explosively rejoiced. We were smitten, heartbroken, and partying at the end through an emotional roller coaster ride, leaving Crown Theatre Perth with a glowing afterthought.
Jessica Mauboy is touring across Australia. Final tickets and links to the Yours Forever album are available from her website.
Sheldon Ang Media would like to thank Artizan X and Jessica Mauboy for the Press Accreditation.
About the Writer/Photographer: Perth based Sheldon Ang Media (est. May 2022) have been accredited to over 80 of the hottest acts including Taylor Swift (ERAS Tour in Sydney), KNOTFEST (Melbourne), Coldplay (Perth), KISS, P!NK, Tom Jones, Robbie Williams and Rod Stewart with reviews shared by the likes of UB40, Delta Goodrem, The Wiggles and Toni Childs on social media. He has interviewed rockers Suzi Quatro, Ace Frehley (KISS), John Steel (The Animals), Frank Ferrer (Guns N Roses), Phil X (Bon Jovi), Andrew Farris (INXS) plus over 40 artists.
