Shania Twain overcomes sound issues with a euphoric Glastonbury performance - review

2 days ago

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Don't think I'm telling you to stop reading, but I could summarize this whole review with just one word: "Yee-haw."

Shania Twain Glastonbury - Figure 1 — Photo The Independent

When Shania Twain walks out onto the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury, surrounded by a lively crowd wearing cowboy hats, it seems like you're about to experience a huge explosion of campy fun.

Wearing a flashy pink coat and a sparkly black dress, and surrounded by a line of ornate horse heads on tall sticks, the famous Canadian country-pop singer appeared to hint at her plan to “borrow” a horse and make a grand entrance on the main stage of the festival. She mentioned to the BBC last week that she would need to confirm if it was allowed. It's safe to assume that it was not permitted.

However, even without a horse, this is a special slot filled with a good amount of drama. It is often considered the most exciting performance on the festival's main stage. This slot has been filled in recent years by iconic artists like Dolly Parton, Yusuf/Cat Stevens, and Kenny Rogers.

When it comes to popular songs, Twain is just as important as any other big artist: she is among the top-selling musicians of all time. Her list of songs for the show is impressive. As soon as the lively beginning of “Don’t Impress Me Much” starts playing, it's obvious that we're in for a string of catchy, unforgettable hits.

Twain has a unique and powerful voice that is as clear as crystal. Her voice has been affected by her long battle with Lyme disease, which started when she was bitten by a tick while horseback riding. Despite this, her voice still carries a strong impact. She can still hit powerful notes, although with a slight hint of wavering vibrato.

Shania Twain Glastonbury - Figure 2 — Photo The Independent

The noticeable flaws in the performance are mostly beyond Twain's influence. The bass in the song "Up" is so overpowering that it nearly masks the talent of her talented backing band, especially the vibrant fiddles during solos.

The sound quality is much better on "I'm Gonna Getcha Good", and with a few small adjustments from Twain, the sound only gets better as the performance continues. "You're Still the One" is sung while sitting down, and starts off with a pleasant singalong from the audience.

The term "country music" is very broad and sometimes doesn't have a clear meaning. It's hard to imagine that one genre could include both the soft and soulful sound of Gillian Welch and the loud and artificial style of Morgan Wallen.

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However, Twain's music covers a wide range. The more upbeat songs, like the lively "You Win My Love", may be flashy but they are also joyful and uplifting. In songs like the catchy love song "Forever and Always" from the 2002 album Up!, Twain brings a sincerity and emotion that shines through the country music facade.

"I feel absolutely incredible!" she shouts to the audience, as the performance heads towards its peak - a lively rendition of "Man! I Feel Like a Woman!" Despite the hangovers, sunburns, and tiredness, Twain's show at the Pyramid Stage seems to have left nearly everyone feeling the same exhilaration.