Music Review

Arkansan belongs on Lambert's stage

The main act wasn't exactly the main event for the Friday night show at Verizon Arena.

Much of the attention and adoration of the more than 11,000 fans fell to Justin Moore, native of Poyen, who was back in his home state for an opening spot on friend Miranda Lambert's tour. Decked out in a white cowboy hat, boots, bluejeans and belt buckle (an old-fashioned country outfit that's practically a rarity these days), Moore had about an hour to play his songs while basking in the love and hog calls.

An avid Razorback fan (he took the stage after a montage of Paul Eells' signature touchdown calls), Moore brought out none other than the president of Arkansas, i.e. coach Bret Bielema, to help the Razorback faithful in a cheer.

Moore played songs including "Bait a Hook," "Point at You" and "Small Town U.S.A." Equipped with a voice that has more power than one would suspect, he demonstrated why he's capable of rising to the top of country music.

While Moore's preoccupation with his small-town roots fits in well with current country, he could stand to find or write tighter and brighter material. A big ol' novelty hit would fit him to a T.

"You can't step to this backyard swagger" is a tongue-in-cheek brag from "Little Red Wagon," the best song on Lambert's stuffed-to-overflowing album, Platinum. As the saying goes, it ain't bragging if you can back it up, and Lambert proved Friday night that she could brag as much as she wants.

Backed by a seven-piece band, Lambert took the Verizon stage wielding a pink guitar and sporting a pink headband and black fishnets. Starting with "Fastest Girl in Town," Lambert spent only a little time with stage patter, instead peeling off one great song after another. "Kerosene" was fiery, "Baggage Claim" was all infectious sass, and "Over You" was windswept heartbreak.

Toward the end, the band took a break and Lambert was alone on stage to sing "Dear Diamond," a song that does the almost impossible task of taking the old subject of cheating and making it feel new again. Afterward, Lambert had more concert to go, and she reached more peaks.

It's hard to imagine another country concert in 2015 topping this one.

Metro on 03/01/2015

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