September 28, 2018
Written by Lauren Starkey
Edited by Amanda Ahrendt
Last night, I had the privilege to see Blue October, a band I worshiped back in the day, at the Cubby Bear in Chicago. In full transparency, I have not kept up with the band.
I should have.
In front of a capacity crowd, they kicked off their set with “I Want It” and the fans loved it. The band – fronted by Justin Furstenfeld – played a solid set of hits, old tunes, and brand new tracks. The title track off their latest album, I Hope You’re Happy, has an 80s feel to it and is a song you can’t help dancing to… even Justin couldn’t resist a few dance moves as he was singing. As an encore, we were treated to an acoustic version of their hit “Hate Me”, but it was a completely new rendition. Justin really let his voice soar over the crowd at the end, and it was beautiful.
That’s not to say they’re entirely doing away with their old sound. The songs still retain the elements that make them so lovable, and it’s these qualities that will gain them new fans – and keep old fans coming back – for years to come.
Setlist:
I Want It
I”ll Do Me You Do You
Say It
Into the Ocean
Clumsy
Daylight
Coal Makes Diamonds
Come Back Home
King
I Hope You’re Happy
Shake It Up
Encore- Hate Me (acoustic)
