Gabrielle at the O2 Arena

Arriving on the scene in 1993 with her number one single Dreams, soul sensation Gabrielle has become a mainstay in the UK R&B scene. With a distinctive, instantly recognisable voice and an image all her own, the singer/songwriter is soon to release her ninth studio album. Ahead of this, she embarks on a UK tour with London’s O2 arena, seeing the Hackney-born star back on home turf.

Prior to Gabrielle’s show, we are gifted a performance from another memorable singer from the 90s as Tunde of the Lighthouse Family eases us into the night with his signature smooth vocals. Lifted, High and Ocean Drive drench the vast arena in pleasing nostalgia, while amping us up for the main event.

When a Woman kicks things off and has the crowd bopping to the infectiously upbeat track. Give Me a Little More Time, from the artist’s second album, follows and instantly transports us back to 1996. Sunshine has the auditorium singing along. If You Ever – a hit with East 17 – proves itself to be a fan favourite, while Don’t Need the Sun to Shine continues to offer feel-good energy.

Walk On By – originally by Dionne Warwick – exemplifies the best of Gabrielle’s soulful, brooding vocals. The Bob Dylan sampled Rise has everyone on their feet as the singer showcases sincere and heartfelt emotion. Out of Reach – best associated with the film Bridget Jones’s Diary – exemplifies Gabrielle’s ability to turn negatives into positives. Tackling grief, this impassioned love song sounds as timely as ever and clearly resonates with the audience. Dreams, of course, closes the concert in style. The pop classic is quintessentially 90s, yet somehow retains a timelessness.

With a stellar band and highly impressive backing singers, Gabrielle takes us back to basics with a simple show free of any theatrics. It’s all about the music and the voice, here. What’s welcoming about Gabrielle is the fact that she has always remained true to herself. Retaining an accessible, approachable demeanour despite her stratospheric success is the reason why her fans remain with her more than three decades later. Still riding in her own lane, tonight reiterates this singer’s impact on the UK music industry and serves as a fitting celebration of the much-loved star, 90s nostalgia and positive vibes aplenty.

Jonathan Marshall
Photos: Mike Garnell

For further information and future events visit Gabrielle’s website here.

Watch the video for the single Dreams here: