JJ Lin crooned 'Dimples' (2008) while playing the guitar. Photo: JFJ Productions
For his return to The Lion City, JJ Lin has switched things up.
The superstar’s JJ20 Final Lap World Tour is marketed as the second leg of his JJ20 World Tour, which celebrates the Singaporean’s 20th anniversary in show business. It first stopped at the National Stadium for two concerts in 2022.
His new leg kicked off on Dec 28 at the same venue, this time attended by 30,000 concertgoers. He performs again on Dec 29, also to a sold-out crowd.
After this, the tour will travel to other cities such as San Francisco and Toronto.
The new show was dramatically different, with a new wardrobe, video segments and set list. A new stage design featured a catwalk leading to a B-stage, bringing Lin closer to the audience.
Of the 40 songs he performed solo on Dec 28, 23 did not get an airing at his 2022 Singapore gigs, and five have not been performed here before.
These new numbers included Lin’s latest release – on Dec 24 – the guitar-backed Above The Fray, which is the official theme song for this leg of the tour.
There was also the rebellious battle hymn Shut Up (2024), released in July, and the spirited Unchained (2022), a theme song of the China-developed video game Naraka: Bladepoint (2021).
And from Lin’s previous albums were the contemplative ballad Self Portrait (2023) and English song All In Your Mind (2020).
Singaporean singer-songwriter Jasmine Sokko made a guest appearance with two of her own songs, including a duet with Lin on Cyber Ritual (2023).
It was the most substantial set list refresh among the eight concerts by Lin this reviewer had seen, and the new additions provided plenty of material to delight long-time fans.
Lin acknowledged the refresh during the concert: “I think this set list is quite different from previous shows. There are a lot of new songs. Not everyone would be familiar (with them).”
However, the 43-year-old took pains to include old favourites too. He opened the show with A Thousand Years Later (2005), the finale of his 2022 show, rising from below the stage in an oversized cream coat over a futuristic white get-up, his hair swept to the right.
During an acoustic segment, he crooned Dimples (2008) while strumming on a guitar, and performed Remember (2010) and She Says (2010) while playing the piano.
Several familiar tracks were given new arrangements. For example, moody dance number Like You Do (2020) was given a funky remake, and accompanied by brightly coloured lyrics displayed against a backdrop.
Rock number Cao Cao (2006) was turned into a techno rave with a fast-rapping segment, amid smoke effects and pyrotechnics, and was supported by 14 backup dancers. Even pop anthem Sanctuary (2017) was given a hip-hop spin.
What remained unchanged, however, was Lin’s desire for his music to inspire listeners. He said: “I always believe that inside everyone is a fire, which motivates us to push through obstacles and move forward.
“I want to say that when you are feeling lost, know that you are not alone. Although I might not know you, I hope to use the power of music to bring you some encouragement and strength.”
It was evident Lin has the musical ability to keep things fresh. His current show might be titled “final lap”, but it was clear that he has a lot more runway ahead. – Benson Ang/The Straits Times/Asia News Network
