In a crowd riddled with cowboy hats and flannels, there was not a person who wasn't enjoying the sensation that is Lee Brice. On the cusp of making it big in the world of country music, the concert was not entirely sold-out, but it didn't seem to bother Lee Brice as he drank, had a good time and sang the best songs off of his latest album — bringing out a couple of old favorites and introducing two songs that have yet to be released.
Before the concert even began there were crowd members in the pit gearing up for the show by two-stepping. Their spirit truly embodied the atmosphere of the show, as everyone was there to listen to good music and have a good time.
Lee Brice began by singing a few songs from his latest album "Hard 2 Love." He sang "That's When You Know It's Over," "Beer" and "Don't Believe Everything You Think," which are all lesser known songs on the album, but equally lovable.
One of the best moments of the night was when he sang "A Woman Like You," which he said "really started all of this." During that particular song, most audience members were singing and swaying along as Brice really got into it by dancing and moving all around the stage. Just before the last chorus of the song, he decided to take a break to dish out advice to his fellow guys saying, "Guys, you can get a girl to do just about anything when you ask her by whispering in her ear." He went on to take the melody of "A Woman Like You" and whispered to the crowd, "Baby, baby, baby. Can you bring me a nice cold beer?" This resulted in laughter, applause and cheers from the crowd.
Another highlight was his dedication of his ballad, the 2013 Country Music Award's "Song of the Year," "I Drive Your Truck." In it he thanked the veterans in the crowd and dedicated this emotional tune to our military heroes, as well as firefighters and police officers for their service and sacrifice. It was an emotional moment, and even though he choked up in the last minute of the song he still managed to finish while still sounding incredible.
He also introduced two songs that he said "may or may not" be released on his upcoming album, which is still in its recording process.
He started with "Drinking Class," which upon its release will likely become a radio hit. Afterwards he introduced "I Don't Dance," the song that he and his newlywed wife shared their first dance to. When he began to sing this song, he got about two lines in before he said, "Stop the music."
Lee Brice had forgotten the words.
"This has only happened to me, like, three times," he said as he filled time by talking to the audience and trying to recall the words that he wrote for his wife. His keyboardist ended up saving the performance by reminding him of the lyrics. Brice continued, "Oh yeah! Thanks Richie!" and picked up right where he had left off. This song will likely be a number one hit if he does release it, because by the end of it the entire crowd was singing along.
The concert was an overall success because of Brice's incredible talent. His range, from rough and raspy to soft and sweet, as well as his ability to hold notes for an incredible amount of time really wowed the crowd.
He ended the concert with “Parking Lot Party” as Comerica Theatre transformed into one big party.
Lee Brice's performance was expected to be well-received with country music fans, and it was. The evening was made unforgettable for everyone in attendance as he entertained, dished out poignant words of wisdom and radiated his charisma throughout the entire venue.
Reach the reporter at alexa.dangelo@asu.edu or follow her on Twitter @alexa_dangelo
