When the name Chris Isaak is mentioned, there is one thing that first comes to mind for most people. Isaak’s smash hit “Wicked Game” has become legendary over the years and has been claimed by some to be the most influential love song in modern music. 

Isaak’s influence was immediately clear by the line to enter the State Theatre in Sydney for his sold-out show. There were a wide variety of people attending the show, highlighting Isaak’s influence across generations. When he entered the stage, his charm was quickly apparent as he donned a sparkly jacket which shimmered under the State Theatre lights. 

Unlike many artists, Isaak did not waste any time in moving to his hits. The second song of the night was “Somebody’s Crying” which showcased Isaak’s trademark falsetto, which was in full flow throughout the night. 

Isaak’s warmth for Australia was clear from his gushing remarks to the crowd which were reciprocated in cheers and applause. 

“I love playing here,” he said. “We’ve played a lot of places but honestly, this is one of the most beautiful theatres in the world.”

It was clear Isaak was having a great time on stage as he decided to play a 30 song setlist, which was about 45 minutes longer than his usual set. To see an artist dedicated to putting on such a good show for fans is always welcomed, but perhaps in this case, it was a little too long, especially as some of the songs began to blend together after some time. 

Nonetheless, the extended setlist allowed Isaak to show off his versatility as a musician, covering the likes of James Brown, Roy Orbison and Elvis Presley. His covers really showed Isaak at his finest, highlighting his influences but also allowing him to display his showmanship to full effect. His cover of Brown’s “I’ll Go Crazy” was performed from the top of the State Theatre balcony, in a nod to everyone who had attended. It was a fabulous and well-received way to connect with all of his audience. 

“Wicked Game” followed relatively early in the set, which was quite a surprise but as those opening chords rang through the theatre, the audience was immediately transfixed. Isaak’s delivery was arresting, performed with the experience of a man who has sung the number perhaps more than he ever would have dreamed. Yet he still made the song sound fresh, as if he were performing it for the first time, which ensured a magical experience for the audience. 

Isaak’s generosity as a performer also stood out. His show was interspersed with banter with his band as well as anecdotes which were often very funny. But perhaps the most touching moment was when he brought out duo Jess & Matt (who he met during his time as a judge on the X Factor Australia) to sing three songs with him. During “Can’t Help Falling in Love”, Isaak graciously gave them the spotlight and allowed them to shine, showing off their rich harmonies and tone. Isaak also insisted that they sung an original which was supported by the crowd. 

While Isaak’s voice mostly held up through the lengthy set, there were moments where it was clear that he was struggling, especially in the lower register. However, this was balanced by some extended high notes and virtuosic guitar playing, which demonstrated Isaak’s musicality at its highest. Isaak’s ballads, where he could fully explore his storytelling capabilities, were easily the highlights of the show. 

This was a very generous show by Isaak, showcasing all of his biggest hits to an adoring crowd. Perhaps the set was a little too generous in terms of time but ultimately, this only reflected Isaak’s dedication and state of mind during the show, which was nothing but positive. While his voice may be fading at times, it is clear Isaak still has the skill and stamina to keep audiences entertained all around the world. For anyone wanting to see Country-Rock or Blues-style music, this is certainly the concert to see. 

Rating: ★★★★

Chris Isaak – 10^th April, 2024 – State Theatre, Sydney