Hollywood Reporter - Music Reviews

Sara Bareilles, Modern-Day Troubadour, Dazzles in Los Angeles: Concert Review

Chris Willman — Thu, 16 May 2013 18:18:39 +0000

Though it hasn't always come through on record, a solo tour is revealing a powerhouse vocalist and a worthy heir to the '70s singer-songwriter tradition.

Phoenix Returns to New York for Majestic Apollo Show: Concert Review

Mischa Pearlman — Tue, 14 May 2013 18:15:00 +0000

The beloved French band gets up close and personal at the legendary Harlem venue with an intimate crowd.

Miguel, Fall Out Boy, Demi Lovato Among Wango Tango 2013 Standouts: Concert Review

Emily Zemler — Sun, 12 May 2013 23:32:40 +0000

A cameo by Britney Spears along with mini-sets by such hitmakers as will.i.am, Maroon 5, Bruno Mars and Avril Lavigne rile up the SoCal crowd despite record high temperatures.

Jim James at the Fonda Theatre: Concert Review

Erik Hayden — Sun, 12 May 2013 15:54:07 +0000

The My Morning Jacket frontman jams through his solo effort and invites a caped cameo by Bright Eyes' Conor Oberst.

Prince, the Ultimate Guitar Hero, Indulges his Rock Side: Concert Review

Chris Willman — Thu, 09 May 2013 22:15:00 +0000

With all-female band 3rd Eye Girl backing him, the Purple One proves -- yet again -- why he might be music's most dynamic live entertainer.

Johnny Marr at Music Hall of Williamsburg: Concert Review

Tom Brennan — Sat, 04 May 2013 22:11:31 +0000

A partial Smiths reunion with bassist Andy Rourke energizes a Brooklyn crowd along with the guitarist-turned-frontman.

The Crosby, Stills & Nash Songbook: Concert Review

Frank Scheck — Sat, 04 May 2013 15:21:49 +0000

The venerable rock trio performs their greatest hits with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.

Paramore Urges Fans to 'Follow Us Through the Fire': Concert Review

Emily Zemler — Thu, 02 May 2013 20:15:41 +0000

With a lineup change in the rear-view mirror, the pop-rock group brings a compelling sense of welcome to Los Angeles' Wiltern Theatre.

Cheap Trick Bring Budokan To L.A.: Concert Review

Steve Baltin — Wed, 01 May 2013 17:43:01 +0000

The band celebrates the 35th anniversary of its seminal live album in an intimate show.

Vampire Weekend, Steve Buscemi Team Up for Hometown Show: Concert Review

Mischa Pearlman — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 17:30:00 +0000

The "Boardwalk Empire" star directs a live webcast from New York's Roseland Ballroom to close out the Tribeca Film Festival.

Rod Stewart Debuts New Music at Tiny Troubadour Show: Concert Review

Mike Barnes — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 19:30:00 +0000

The self-assured Englishman looks and sounds great during an intimate show in support of his upcoming album, which features 10 songs written by him.

Green Day Delivers Sprawling 2.5-Hour Set at U.S. Tour Closer: Concert Review

Craig Rosen — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 05:30:00 +0000

Following frontman Billie Joe Armstrong's graduation from rehab, the band re-emerges full of punk energy with an ambitious, career-spanning set.

Shuggie Otis Resumes His Freedom Flight in New York City: Concert Review

Mitch Myers — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 20:16:19 +0000

The critically-acclaimed funk-soul guitar virtuouso, sampled by the likes of Kanye West and Outkast, brings his unlikely comeback hopes to midtown Manhattan and delivers.

Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival--Evening Two: Concert Review

Frank Scheck — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 16:01:42 +0000

Surprise guest Keith Richards galvanizes the crowd in this second marathon show featuring an all-star lineup of guitarists.

Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival -- Evening One: Concert Review

Frank Scheck — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 16:24:29 +0000

Nearly three dozen guitar virtuosos perform in a two-part Madison Square Garden benefit concert.

Fleetwood Mac Reunites in Madison Square Garden: Concert Review

Frank Scheck — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 15:26:41 +0000

The venerable band rocks Madison Square Garden with classic hits and enough relative obscurities to please die-hard fans.

Pantless Rihanna Oozes Sex at Diamonds Tour L.A. Stop: Concert Review

Emily Zemler — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 20:00:00 +0000

The ubiquitous pop star revs up the Staples Center crowd with pop gloss, revealing all aspects of her musical career on the tour's lone Los Angeles date.

'Sugar Man's' Rodriguez in New York City: Concert Review

Frank Scheck — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 17:13:41 +0000

The long-lost singer, found in the Oscar-winning documentary, plays to a sell-out crowd at NYC's Beacon Theatre.

Alicia Keys Duets With Maxwell, Method Man in Brooklyn: Concert Review

Erin Carlson — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 22:49:27 +0000

The "Girl on Fire" singer spreads her message of self-empowerment to a packed house at Jay-Z's Barclays Center.

The Black Crowes Light Up New York: Concert Review

Steve Bloom — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 21:00:00 +0000

Chris Robinson remains a fiery force as his band doles out beloved hits in the midst of a four-show area swing.

Thanks to 'Radioactive' Hit, Imagine Dragons Are Wallflowers No More: Concert Review

Emily Zemler — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 19:13:53 +0000

The Las Vegas alt-rock band converts their recent radio success to an energized live show at Los Angeles' Wiltern Theatre.

Swedish House Mafia Bring Masquerade Motel to Los Angeles: Concert Review

Michael O'Connell — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 02:01:15 +0000

The disbanding DJ trio offer a marathon of house music to thousands of masked ravers ahead of their last-ever performance in Miami later this month.

The Gospel According to the Other Mary: Concert Review

Todd McCarthy — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 22:24:20 +0000

John Adams' 135-minute attempt to recharge the story of Jesus' final days with contemporary relevance arguably doesn't go far enough to become genuinely provocative or penetrating.

Star-Studded Lineup Pays Tribute to Prince at Carnegie Hall: Concert Review

Frank Scheck — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 17:44:40 +0000

Elvis Costello, The Roots, Citizen Cope and many others contribute to a benefit concert of Prince songs, both famous and obscure.

Morrissey Targets Beyonce During Los Angeles Performance: Concert Review

Craig Rosen — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 20:35:49 +0000

With an inexplicable introduction by "Grey's Anatomy" star Patrick Dempsey, the headlining British rocker this time stirred up controversy by scolding Beyonce for her choice of handbags.

Pink Reveals 'The Truth About Love' in Showstopping, Spectacular Fashion: Concert Review

Craig Rosen — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 20:55:12 +0000

Opening with The Hives, Pink launches back to the top of pop with acrobatic stunts and killer vocals.

Ellie Goulding Wraps Triumphant U.S. Tour at the Palladium: Concert Review

Emily Zemler — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 19:28:11 +0000

The U.K. pop singer delights all manner of fans with a dynamic headlining performance in Hollywood.

Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell Recruit Joan Baez, Bonnie Raitt, Zac Brown for 'Friends' Show: Concert Review

Chris Willman — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 22:15:34 +0000

At the Troubadour on pre-Grammy night, promoting the duo's first joint album took a backseat to providing a stage for an all-star roster.

Ed Sheeran at the Hollywood Palladium: Concert Review

Craig Rosen — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 01:15:30 +0000

"The A Team" singer-songwriter played in front of a sold-out crowd Saturday night at the Hollywood Palladium.

Solange Holds Court at the House of Blues: Concert Review

Michael O'Connell — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 01:28:00 +0000

The indie R&B darling steps out during Grammy week -- with big sister Beyonce and brother-in-law Jay Z looking on -- to showcase her buzzy E.P.