Bryan Adams
Mtv Unplugged

THE REVIEW

An unplugged concert always has something magical. I'm talking about the atmosphere.

Intimate and friendly, dedicated to a silence of mystical attention, light years away from the chaotic crowd of a mega concert. A few gentle and broken claps by the light of a few candles, with voices and acoustic guitars highlighted. But I'm also talking about the music, which stands out magically: nothing left to chance, not even studied. Everything comes naturally, elaborated and perfect in its simplicity.

An unplugged is an event I would call almost unique in its beauty. And I'm not talking about genres or anything else, but any group that has tried this sublime show has always created something truly admirable: Eric Clapton, Nirvana (in a concert almost symptomatic of Cobain's end..).

I believe Bryan Adams is one of the artists with the most acoustic soul rather than rock: a husky but warm voice, simply beautiful, expressive yet joyful in every song. And his songs pair wonderfully with an Unplugged concert. His compositions are like few others in a show of this type. And everything almost changes: a rhythmic song like "Summer of '69", cheerful, becomes sweet and at times melancholic, I would say nostalgic, no other artifice is present: two acoustic guitars, a small drum set, and this song takes off subtly. And after the first little magic, "back to you" resumes the playful atmosphere one expects from the Canadian singer. If you're looking for complex listening, go elsewhere, because the simplicity of certain songs borders on masterpiece, and the new acoustic version illuminates them with new beauty.

Not to mention "Cuts like a knife", classic Adams. Bryan's voice, as usual, is rich and strong, definitely not powerful, but incredibly effective, while a banjo echoes the melody of the song, joined by a flute. "I'm ready" begins to let us feel the true soul of certain songs: the real intention of a song like this is palpable now, accompanied by a small string section. Love songs are a trademark of the Canadian, and it shows. "Fits ya good" increases the now sweet and sentimental atmosphere, and "When you love someone" finally consecrates it, bringing tears to anyone's eyes. I have always loved Adams' style, and calling him a singer is quite reductive, given the wide range of emotions he can really evoke, and I'm not exaggerating, because this simple concert is its purest testament.

"18 till I die" brings back a more playful atmosphere, but always suggestive thanks to the string section that enriches the piece. "I Think about you", with its almost country sound and rhythm, is very cheerful and fun to listen to. Honestly, I've really heard some gems so far, but I sincerely believe the best is yet to come. A small medley containing "If ya wanna be bad-ya gotta be good" and "Let`s make a night to remember" leads us to the rhythmic "The only thing I want". The prelude to the final gem is "A Little Love". And here perhaps the song that struck me the most: laden with a melancholy but at the same time with a loving happiness, "Heaven" represents the gem of this unplugged. An arpeggiated intro, an almost suffering voice, few chords, and it's magic. The whispered chorus is wonderful. "I'll always be right here" concludes this splendid concert admirably, in a sensational finale surrounded by a silence of admiration and attention.

I honestly consider this album a masterpiece, full of emotions and incredible feelings. I never imagined that an acoustic guitar could create such magic. One of my favorites, for intensity, for atmospheres and emotions, I have never found anything that could compete with such beauty.