Photos by Daniel DeSlover

Though it’s been nearly five years since Daughtry dropped its last studio album, “Baptized,” the band had no problem filling the historic Genesee Theatre in Waukegan to capacity. Fans were rewarded with a handful of yet-to-be-released songs, while front man Chris Daughtry promised a full project sometime this year.

Steeped in a bygone era, the upbeat and catchy pop/rocker “Back In Time” suggests the forthcoming collection will be diverse, plus Daughtry professed it to be his favorite from the fresh batch.

The group’s namesake took the stage cloaked beneath a black hoodie, leading off with the equally moody new ballad “Just Found Heaven.” Daughtry’s lower vocal register erupted into a contagious chorus that quickly set the tone for the evening full of airtight vocals enveloped by tight musicianship and elevated production for a tour of this somewhat intimate scope. 

Of course, there were the standby radio hits “Feels Like Tonight,” “It’s Not Over” and “Home,” along with current single, “Back Bone.” A stripped-down rendition of “Breakdown” segued nicely into a solo acoustic cover of Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game,” while U2’s “With or Without You” further demonstrated Chris’ vocal aptitude from his “American Idol” days. 

Steeped in a bygone era, the upbeat and catchy pop/rocker “Back In Time” suggests the forthcoming collection will be diverse, plus Daughtry professed it to be his favorite from the fresh batch. It was easily the best of the three sneak previews, though perhaps even more connective was an outstanding finale of “Purple Rain,” which would’ve made even the late Prince proud.

Nashville transplant Sinclair opened the show, generating a dose of high energy that quickly warmed up the arriving, weather-chilled crowd. The pop-infused indie rocker showered the Daughtry faithful with solid vocals, centered around her inspirational hit, “This Too Shall Pass,” though she’s well on her way to becoming more than a momentary fad.

Click here for more photos of Daughtry at the Genesee Theatre.

For additional information on Daughtry, visit DaughtryOfficial.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at the Genesee Theatre include Jay Leno (Apr. 14); Jo Koy (Apr. 15); The Kinks’ Dave Davies and The Smithereens with Gin Blossoms’ Robin Wilson (Apr. 19); Lisa Lampanelli (Apr. 20); Femmes Of Rock (May 4); Charles Esten and Clare Bowen (May 11); Grand Funk Railroad and Rick Derringer (May 17); Smash Mouth and Spin Doctors (May 18) and Rick Springfield (May 20). For additional details, visit GeneseeTheatre.com.

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