Jimmie Allen’s UK debut, supporting Chase Rice at Bush Hall, was bound to be one of the highlights of Country Music Week. Though it may seem that Allen has burst into the spotlight this year from nowhere, he has been working and grafting in the music industry for many years to earn his spot. Anyone familiar with Allen from social media and interviews (episode 3 of the podcast, for reference) will already have witnessed his charisma and been excited for him to hit the UK stage, off the heels of the release of his debut album Mercury Lane earlier in the month.
The set will not have disappointed any, bouncing from upbeat singles that got the crowd engaged to displays of Allen’s more vulnerable, softer side that allowed the gorgeous tonality of his voice to shine through in a beautiful acoustic set.
Beginning the set with his big hit ‘Blue Jean Baby,’ Allen, along with his guitarist Josh, had the crowd singing along from the get-go. This upbeat number was the perfect start to the set – a high performer on the US country charts, showing off Allen’s personality and vocals in equal measure.
Perhaps the surprising follow-up to this was his rendition of Happy Birthday to an unsuspecting fan – we’re pretty sure her next birthday will be hard to follow up on that one… His ability to joke around and interact with the crowd – complete with Harry Potter jokes – really cements his status as a born star and there seems no doubt he will be able to follow this up with bigger stages throughout the UK. It’s clear that Allen is a firm favourite over here, with other singles from his album already familiar with many of the audience, following the Happy Birthday interlude up with ‘County Lines’ and ‘Underdogs.’ Though Jimmie may have been surprised by the love he got from the crowd, I can’t say that we were.
Allen was able to do what all great performers do, achieve that balance in his set; upbeat performances mirrored with slow moments, eliciting emotion and passion from the fans present, and his soulful vocals should not be underestimated. A particular goosebump moment was his rendition of ‘Warrior,’ a beautiful song inspired by his grandmother, which he delivered full of emotion and tenderness, complete with stunning vocals.
Rounding it up as hoped with Best Shot, everyone at Bush Hall was left wanting more from Allen, delivering a raucous ovation at the end of his set. If the Harry Potter tours don’t get Allen back to the UK, we’re hoping the love he’s earning from the UK-country fan base will…
Setlist
1. Blue Jean Baby
2. County Lines
3. Underdogs
4. Spinnin’ My Wheels
5. Back Of Your Mind
6. Make Me Want To
7. Warrior
8. Best Shot