An introspective force, Alessia Cara has been wowing music lovers with her heartfelt approach to pop music since the moment she burst onto the scene. From the second the world heard her breakout single “Here” in 2015, it was clear that Cara was someone to pay attention to. Now, with two full length albums under her belt, Cara’s “The Pains of Growing Tour” stopped at Portland’s gorgeous Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall for a night of dazzling and impactful tunes from one of pop’s most grounded presences.
Before Alessia Cara took the stage, it was as if she was welcoming the crowd into her home. The scene felt like a childhood home; somewhere safe and comfortable, where fears can be forgotten or dissected. The show opened with a reprised version of the stunning “Growing Pains”, where Cara appears on a green couch to the side of the stage before bolting to center stage for the full version of the aforementioned track. Despite the increased tempo, the track’s vulnerability and power shone through.
While Alessia Cara can definitely deliver a pop banger, she’s never afraid to show her truth. Even when she’s singing about her own fears or insecurities, she acknowledges them headfirst, without sacrificing any bit of the fun that pop music should be. It’s a challenging balance to find, but Cara hits the nail on the head. This alone makes Cara an intriguing musician and performer, and her stage presence and likability is the cherry on top. With an infectious smile and bubbly attitude, Cara fills every room with warmth, and this was no exception. Watching someone with such passion and vigor for their art is something special, and at her Portland show, Alessia Cara proved that she is without a doubt something special.
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