By: Brenna Mata
It's one thing to have been best friends since kindergarten, but quite another to experience internet stardom and an impressive music career together. The duo, Jack Gilinsky and Jack Johnson, have continued to pave their own path with remarkable chemistry and talent, proving that their bond is as strong as their musical prowess.
After a three-year hiatus, Jack & Jack are making a triumphant return this year. Following the release of their sophomore album, Home, the pair have been on the road for their No Place Like Home Tour, getting the chance to reunite with their dedicated fanbase of over ten years. Their stop in Houston at the House of Blues was packed from the front to the back and had an electrifying atmosphere that made the audience eager to celebrate their return to the stage.
After the crowd was treated to a laid-back opening set by Sammy Wilk (a childhood friend of Jack & Jack), the background music came to a stop, and the lights dimmed. Everyone was ready to witness an excellent show. The Jacks kicked the night off with Thought I Was Dead and Stuttering, two freshly produced songs from Home. Their energy radiated throughout the room and was reciprocated by the fans, who belted every word to every song.
Let me tell you, these guys have grown better with each record they make. Gilinsky's vocals continue to be soothing with a hint of a raspy tone, while Johnson's rapping skills have become sharper and more dynamic, showcasing their impressive artistic evolution. They continued to perform hits like No One Compares To You, Beg, and Day Dreaming, but the highlight of the night was their nostalgic medley.
Johnson said, "Can we take it back real quick?" With no surprise, everyone yelled yes. The medley kicked in and began with Flights, one of the first songs that Jack & Jack released in 2014. To say that the fans went crazy for this one is an understatement. Following that were Paradise, Wild Life, Tides, and a few others from their Calibraska EP, making the medley a total of nine songs!
As the show was coming to an end, the Jacks expressed genuine gratitude for their fans' unwavering support. For their grand finale, they then brought out Sammy and rapper Sk8 to perform their biggest hit, Like That, together on stage. This was the Jack & Jack song back in the day. Despite being released a decade ago, everyone still knew Sk8 and Johnson's verses like muscle memory. The undeniably catchy chorus holds up to this day, and it was evident that the guys still love to perform the track. It was the perfect way to top off a nostalgic Wednesday evening.
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