By NICOLE HORTON
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
As Fordham students return to campus after a long, relaxing break, many are looking to attend fun events such as concerts. This is a guide to diverse artists whose style cannot be limited and defined by a single genre. They embody pop, rock, country, R&B, hip-hop and electronica characteristics. They are seasoned artists and performers who will give memorable, high energy performances.
Maroon 5 embarks on their fourth world tour for their album Overexposed with special guests Neon Trees and Owl City, visiting Madison Square Garden (New York, NY) on February 16th at 8 P.M. The band’s frontman Adam Levine has bestowed his musical talent and charisma as a judge on the popular music television show The Voice. The set list for this ever evolving pop rock band proves they have expanded the range of their genre by utilizing a distinctive electronica sound for their latest musical effort. It consists of a range of early hits from their first platinum album Songs About Jane, such as “Sunday Morning” and “This Love” to Overexposed’s infectiously catchy singles “Payphone”, “One More Night”, and “Lucky Strike”.
Alicia Keys returns to the stage with Miguel on her first tour in three years after giving birth to her son. She will be at the Barclays Center (Brooklyn, NY) and Madison Square Garden (New York, NY) Her Girl on Fire tour exemplifies feminine power in the title track’s symbolic action of a phoenix rising from the ashes. Her catchy pop melodies and her soulful R&B riffs coupled with her stellar piano playing attract a diverse fan base. On stage, Keys gracefully fulfills the dual role of pop diva and a reflective singer-songwriter. Fans can also expect the “Girl On Fire” singer’s biggest hits, such as her award winning 2007 hit “No One” and the classic R&B crooner tracks “If I Ain’t Got You” and “Fallin.”
Rihanna’s Diamond World Tour, stopping at Barclays Center on May 4th and 5th at 8 P.M., features worldwide singles from her seventh studio album Unapologetic such as “Diamonds,” “Stay” and “Pour It Up.” In typical Rihanna fashion, it incorporates pop, EDM and dubstep. Whether taking a fashion risk or her controversial on-off relationship with Chris Brown, who she collaborates with on the song titled “Nobody’s Business,” Rihanna’s defiant, sassy lyrics prove that she is indeed “unapologetic.” Her confident nature will take center stage in the form of elaborate costumes and dance routines. When it comes to Rihanna, fans should expect the unexpected–whether it’s a scandalous costume or a potential surprise cameo from collaborators such as boyfriend Chris Brown, Kanye West, Eminem or longtime mentor and friend Jay-Z.
Jason Aldean will be joined by guests Jake Owens and Thomas Rhett at MSG March 2nd. Those who are not accustomed to or a fan of the customary country “twang” will welcome Aldean’s rock edge. His set will include a few rock covers, including Bon Jovi’s “Wanted Dead or Alive.” This Georgia native’s album Night Train has a mixture of classic country and rock edge on hits such as “When She Says Baby” and “Take a Little Ride.”
Luke Bryan is a fresh face in the country music world and a throwback to his Leesburg, Georgia roots. On February 7th at Nassau Coliseum (Uniondale, NY), you’ll want to rock out or dance with friends to fun hits such as “Drunk On You,” “I Don’t Want This Night to End,” and “Country Girl (Shake It for Me).” If you are recovering from heartbreak and looking to wallow in country music, “You Don’t Know Jack” and “Tailgate Blues” will speak to you. His melodic voice and skilled guitar strumming will make you feel like you’re rocking out on a fun filled Southern summer night.
Timeflies is a musical duo from Tufts University comprised of a producer, Rob Resnick, and singer, Cal Shapiro. “The Scotch Tape,” Timeflies’ debut album, reached number 8 on the iTunes chart and their YouTube channel has received over 18 million hits in the form of a multitude of covers and original creations. They have added their signature pop/hip-hop, electronica flare to remaster renowned hits such as Rihanna’s “We Found Love” and Flo Rida’s “Wild Ones.” Noteworthy songs from their album include the sensual single “All Night,” and the complex emotions involved in “Ex Games,” along with the honest, frustration filled break-up song “For You.” As Timeflies embarks on their first national tour, performing at Terminal 5 (New York, NY) on February 8th and 9th, fans should look to snatch up these inexpensive tickets before this duo officially enters the pop/hip-hop world.
