LakshmiIt’s only fitting that we discuss everything I adored about Ben Barnes’ album Where the Light Gets In as he wraps off the American tour. It’s not common for an actor to decide to pursue a career in singing, but in his case, it fits.
Ben Barnes is an English actor and singer. He is most recognized for his roles as Prince Caspian in The Chronicles of Narnia film series, Logan Delos in Westworld, Billy Russo/Jigsaw in the Marvel series The Punisher, and The Darkling in the Netflix series Shadow and Bone. His album Where the Light Gets In was officially released on January 10, 2025, with its hit single Beloved teased in December. This album is heart-breaking with a ray of hope.
The day I went to the concert it was pretty cold. Prior to his performance, he did a meet and greet where he posed with fans and signed their Grishaverse books or his album CDs. His opening act featured up-and-coming artists Aaron Childs, Sophia James and Charles Jones who kicked off the event with spectacular and masterfully soulful performances.
When Ben took the stage, he was greeted with applause, almost unprecedented for an actor-turned-singer. And, surprisingly, he sang really well! He began the show with his chart-topping Beloved, showing that every single person attending his concert at the Danforth Music Hall was truly loved. He went on to sing the song based on his eponymous album, Where the Light Gets In, followed closely by Nevermind and Stolen Time. He reassured the audience that it is never too late to chase after what you want. Nothing is impossible.
He mentioned that album originally came about when he wrote an eight-line poem for a friend who was going through tough times during the pandemic and ended up developing it into a song.
Next up was the Pirate Song, followed closely by a cover of Bishop Briggs’ River, which is so much fun to listen to! The audience grooved as he sang Slow It Down, Ordinary Day and The In Between before he said that he was going to sing a song about making love — Take Me to the Moon.
At one point an audience member literally screamed out — ” Your stylist needs a raise!!” Next, Ben went on to sing One More Minute with his co-star Simone Miller from his upcoming show The Institution, followed by Rise Up and Three New Hearts.
Surprisingly, he broke into a performance covering John Lennon’s Jealous Guy and Elton John’s Bennie and the Jets! Can I just say— his voice sounds so good!
He ended the set with Someday directly from his album, before jumping into the exciting encore special— the much-beloved rendition of probably his most famous song to date— 11:11!
Overall, his performance was fantastic, he didn’t screw up even a single note. His voice was deep, raw and craftily soulful. He clearly enjoys engaging with the audience and breaking into brief conversations with the occasional humour. At one point he got down from the stage and ran horizontally across, shaking the hands of his fans on the way! Did I mention, he also played the drums and the piano?
He definitely turns an ‘Ordinary Day’ into a ‘Beloved’ one, even on a cold winter evening.
Lakshmi
