Delaney Hibbits
Arts and Entertainment Editor
Cody Johnson, one of the last-standing cowboys in country music, absolutely rocked Allentown’s PPL Center on October 28. Johnson is an artist who cares more about the message than the fame and glory. He openly talks about how country music has not been the same in about ten years, and his purpose is to help turn it back.
Johnson performed with Chris Janson and Drew Parker as his opening acts. Parker and Janson stirred up high levels of excitement and made sure the arena was swarming with good vibes. Janson even brought out his son, Jesse Bo Janson, who kept the crowd going. They made sure fans were ready for the headliner.
The crowd patiently waited in their seats for the lights to dim and the DJ to stop because it meant Johnson was ready to perform. With a few strums of a guitar, Johnson walked out to center stage.
Johnson began his set list with a hit, “Let’s Build A Fire.” Then he quickly transitioned to his next song, “Y’all People” before taking time to talk to the crowd. Johnson explained how he had been losing his voice and told the crowd that he would not get off the stage no matter how little energy he had left. Fans quickly realized this was not a show anyone would want to miss.
Throughout the concert, Johnson sang some of his best songs including “Dance Her Home,” “Diamond in My Pocket,” and “Dear Rodeo.” He also performed “Watching My Old Flame” and “Work Boots”. Both songs are from his newest album, Leather, which was released on November 3.
Each song was a blend of true country sounds and meaningful lyrics. The themes of love, heartbreak, commitment, and life were clear from the very first note. Not only was the music impressive but the speeches he gave were enough to bring tears to the eyes of the crowd.
Johnson talked about the struggles of trying to live one’s dream. His singing career did not start with sold-out shows and extravagant tours but with honkey tonk bar nights. Numerous listeners wanted to hear pop country rather than the kind of country played when driving down a dirt road. Johnson refused to change his brand, though, and that’s why he is as popular as he is today.
This story led him to a performance of “On My Way To You”. Cody claims this is “one of the most country songs” he has ever written. The next song he played, “Human,” also had a small speech attached to it since the song’s meaning is a universal feeling for all individuals. It’s about how being human is something everyone struggles with and it’s okay to take time to figure it out.
Johnson, being a cowboy from Texas, also took a few minutes to ask every police officer, firefighter, first responder, veteran, and active duty member of the military to raise their hands. These are the men and women who protect our communities, states, and country. Johnson encouraged the crowd to join him in thanking them for their service.
One of his newest songs, “The Painter,” had its first proposal attached to the performance on the 28th. Johnson then closed his set list with his number-one hit, “Til You Can’t”, getting the crowd on their feet and giving them one last chance to scream.
Finally, Johnson finished the entire concert with an unexpected encore of authentic country songs including “Momma Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys” which was an absolute fan favorite. It was the perfect ending to a phenomenal show.
Overall, Cody Johnson has never been in the media for putting on a poor performance. He gives it his all as long as the crowd stays interactive. As popular as mainstream country songs are, there is a sense of freedom in hearing live classic country music that should be at the top of the charts.
