The Corrs: Simply Quite Stunning

Back in 1995, following on from fleeting appearances in the hit film The Commitments, sibling group The Corrs started on their journey to becoming one of Ireland's biggest ever musical exports. Critically acclaimed, their debut album, Forgiven, Not Forgotten, proved popular the world over and set them off on a journey of folk-driven rock that would define their career. Two years later, big time beckoned. They released the poppier edged, but still folk rock fused Talk On Corners, and they exploded across the world. Famed for their beauty and their brilliance, they embarked on an epic two-year tour to celebrate the phenomenal success of the award-winning release. Now, 27 years later, the group, who have enjoyed further success both as solo artists and as a collective over a series of releases, has decided to celebrate the album that made them household names with a large tour.

Before the quartet took to the stage at the packed BP Pulse Arena, fellow late 90s icon Natalie Imbruglia got proceedings off to a warm start with a gorgeous insight into her back catalogue. Having enjoyed an acclaimed career reprisal with the release of the lush Firebird album two years ago and a victorious appearance on The Masked Singer shortly afterwards, Imbruglia has not lost any of her star quality. Her voice is truly faultless as she delivers songs old and new, but it is without doubt the classics Left of the Middle, Torn, and Smoke that get the biggest sing-along response from the audience that buys out all the copies of her new live album before I even get a look at it and the merchandise stand!

After a brief interlude, The Corrs take to the stage and launch into the still brilliant Only When I Sleep. It is clear from the very outset that this audience has been waiting for their return to Birmingham, and they delightfully join in a rather euphoric sing-along. Although the tour is to celebrate the album Talk On Corners, their set traverses effortlessly their entire back catalogue and demonstrates just how cohesively the pop, folk, and rock moments intertwine.

Although Andrea suffers briefly with her vocal loss, the audience is on hand to help her through the hoarser moments, and she gloriously returns to full power. From the raw Ellis Island to the bop-along What Can I Do and still epic Queen of Hollywood, The Corrs prove easily why they earned their crown at the very pinnacle of the music industry. With the band visibly moved by the audience's word-perfect singing to the opening of Runaway, the band briefly leave the stage to return with stunning renditions of My Lagan Love, Breathless, and Toss The Feathers.

Quite simply stunning.

For tour information click here