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Robyn paused midway through “Dancing On My Own,” standing still on the stage, sans any music, and just enjoyed the scene.
The crowd, which had been passionately singing along to that signature song from the Swedish electro-dance-pop star’s fifth album, 2010’s “Body Talk Pt. 1,” absolutely showered Robyn with adoration.
It went on and on, as fans cheered, screamed, applauded and went downright gaga on Monday (Feb. 25), which was the first half of a sold-out two-night stand at the Fox Theater in Oakland. And just when you thought the crowd couldn’t scream anymore, it did.
I think it’s fair to say these fans had been looking forward to this night for quite some time.
Fortunately, Robyn — whose real/full name is Robin Miriam Carlsson — didn’t let the fans down as she delivered an enjoyable night of ambitious dance music that was as deep in grooves as it was in thought.
And here is @robynkonichiwa @foxoakland pic.twitter.com/5fgBFjPrT0
— Jim Harrington (@jimthecritic) February 26, 2019
It was the third night of Robyn’s Honey Tour 2019, which opened to rave reviews on Feb. 22-23 at Los Angeles’ Hollywood Palladium. No, Adele didn’t show up for the Fox gig, like she did during one of Robyn’s shows in L.A. (at least not that we know of).
The tour supports 2018’s “Honey,” Robyn’s eighth studio album and her first since 2010’s “Body Talk.” Eight years is a very long time to go between albums, but this one has proved worth the wait. “Honey” turned out to be one of the most critically acclaimed efforts of last year, jump-starting a comeback story that grows more satisfying with each new chapter.
Because it's in the music. Robyn pic.twitter.com/GxL4E6sUJd
— Jim Harrington (@jimthecritic) February 26, 2019
Robyn, 39, showcased the new album in Oakland, dedicating roughly half the show to the “Honey” material. Many of these songs — such as “Because It’s In the Music” and, especially, “Missing U” — ranked among the top highlights of the night.
The show began in dramatic fashion as the five-piece backing band took the stage and began to work its way through the new album’s “Send to Robin Immediately,” yet the star herself was nowhere to be seen. Finally, she appeared at the back of the smoke-filled, dimly lit stage, a silhouette for the first few moments before finally moving forward to stake her claim among the most intriguing pop stars of today.
She signaled it was party time with “Indestructible,” pouring herself into the song and charging up the crowd with her dance moves and powerful vocals. She didn’t talk much to the audience during the show, other than issuing a complimentary “Hey, Oakland, you look good!” early in the night.
The dance party has begun. @robynkonichiwa @foxoakland pic.twitter.com/koYHFDUqB8
— Jim Harrington (@jimthecritic) February 26, 2019
She kept the motor humming at a steady pace for the first half of the main set, delivering satisfying takes on “Be Mine!” and “Ever Again,” before turning the place into full-fledged dance club mode with “Between the Lines” and “Love Is Free.” Robyn spent more time boogying to the music than she did making music during that segment. The crowd couldn’t get enough.
She eventually brought the dance party to a close and launched into a powerful version of her best song, “Dancing On My Own,” which drew a huge sing-along from the crowd. She closed out the main set with a poignant double shot of “Missing U” and “Call Your Girlfriend.”
