Lead singer Isaac Slade performs during The Fray's Sept. 15 concert at the Assembly Hall. Photo by Susan Lyman (used with permission; click to enlarge)

CHAMPAIGN — If there's one band that needs no introduction, it's The Fray. Ever since the release of their 2005 debut album, "How to Save a Life," which went double platinum, the band has been on a steady rise in popularity.

And let's face it, who hasn't heard their 2009 hit, "You Found Me," playing on the radio?

This is why, even on a Tuesday night, people of all ages flocked to the Assembly Hall last week to see the band perform. And let's just say, they weren't disappointed.

I'll have to admit, going into the concert I wasn't a huge fan of The Fray. Sure, I had heard and liked some of their songs, but there was nothing I was totally crazy about.

So, after an unimpressive opening performance by The Wheel, a somewhat folky-band from Denver, and a 40-minute wait for the real show to begin, I was starting to lose hope.

But then, The Fray came on.

The band opened with an energetic performance of their 2005 release, "Over My Head (Cable Car)." With a heart-pounding drumbeat and lead singer Isaac Slade's characteristic, though somewhat indecipherable, vocals, it got the crowd up on their feet within seconds.

What followed was a collection of some of The Fray's best songs. But, for me, the concert didn't truly start until they brought out the piano.

The moment Slade sat down and started playing the opening to "How to Save a Life," I was sold, and so was the rest of the crowd for that matter. Granted, I had heard this song on countless occasions beforehand, but there was something about the sweet vocals ringing over the instruments that made it sound a lot better live.

Afterward, guitarist Joe King took the microphone for "Ungodly Hour." It was a soft melody that I had never actually heard before, but I must say I was pleasantly surprised.

The concert ended on a dramatic note, with the crowd singing along to "Never Say Never" as Slade stood on the piano, holding out his microphone, right before jumping down and making a quick transition to close the show with "You Found Me."

But, even after the band had left the stage, the audience continued to applaud until The Fray decided to come back for an encore. The band performed a cover of Kanye West's "Heartless," which was appropriately dedicated to Taylor Swift as a nod to the incident between her and West at the MTV Video Music Awards.

It was an exciting night for fans of The Fray, despite the disappointing warm-up band. All in all, I really enjoyed it. The group is talented and passionate, and they have their own distinct sound that has really caught America’s attention.