The bells and whistles of an immense pop show can be fabulous fun, but there’s nothing quite like witnessing talent in its rawest form.
That’s what Australian icon Delta Goodrem gave audiences at Hamer Hall in Melbourne as she played her 20-year-old debut album ‘Innocent Eyes’ from top to bottom, for the most part seated at a piano swarming with butterflies.
Just a teenager when she co-wrote and recorded the project, it has an astounding maturity and depth to its sound and lyrics – giving it an air of timelessness and making it perfect to showcase 20 years later. It’s an album fit for a celebration if not only for its content and this anniversary; upon release it sat atop the ARIA Charts for 29 weeks, and is the second-best-selling Australian album of all time.
This was a show for new and old fans alike. Delta played each song flawlessly, backed by her band (including fiancé Matthew Copley) and backing singers, who truly brought richness and depth to each track alongside Delta’s soaring vocals.
Image © Kinga Nowicka
Tracks like ‘Born To Try’, ‘Predictable’ and ‘Not Me, Not I’ were obvious highlights, as singles, but the emotional ‘A Year Ago Today’ and upbeat ‘Running Away’ (the latter complete with choreography) stood out too. The audience was treated to stories and tidbits throughout the performance, breathing new life into ‘Innocent Eyes’ and its creative process.
If these sprinkles of insight from Delta weren’t enough, she also held a Q&A after finishing the performance of the album – sending her band members into the audience with microphones. This was a time where the impact of Delta, and ‘Innocent Eyes’, was felt. . . As stories of inspiration, heartache and sickness were shared. Those asking questions spanned generations, and Delta was considered and thoughtful in each of her answers. It was a gorgeous end to the night, but the fun wasn’t over.
Delta launched back into song with her band, paying homage to a selection of her hits like ‘Almost Here’, ‘Believe Again’, ‘In This Life’, ‘Wings’ and more.
Delta’s success, influence, impact and longevity were felt all evening, proving that she was and is a force to be reckoned with in the pop landscape. A display of her raw and enduring talent, appeasing long-time fans and welcoming new ones.
