Country music titan Chris Stapleton captivated audiences at ACL Fest on Friday night, bringing his signature blend of Stagecoach flair and soulful barnburners to the American Express stage. As headliners clashed across Zilker Park, the venue seemed to divide into distinct experiences—on one end, Blink-182 energized the crowd with their throwback Warped Tour vibe, while parents looked on, shocked by the band’s explicit lyrics.
In stark contrast, Stapleton’s performance drew fans clad in cowboy boots and hats, who swayed to his heartfelt melodies. One standout moment came with his iconic track “Tennessee Whiskey,” a song that some listeners may associate with a Motown cover band, but in Stapleton’s hands, it became a grand, earnest anthem that felt timeless.
While Stapleton’s studio recordings can sometimes come off as overly polished, his live show showcased his technical prowess and emotive guitar work. Accompanied by his wife, Morgane Stapleton—a powerhouse vocalist in her own right—the duo harmonized beautifully, enriching the performance.
Throughout the night, Stapleton delivered a series of soul-infused tracks that highlighted his husky voice, perfectly suited for blues rock, R&B ballads, and heartfelt love songs. He skillfully infused depth and emotion into straightforward lyrics like “I’m in love with you” and “What am I gonna do when I get over you?” leaving a lasting impression that echoed in the ears of fans long after the final note.
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