Photo Credit: Rachel Rubin - http://www.flickr.com/photos/rachelsodyssey/

“I love you,” Regina Spektor said in a meek whisper after shouts of “I love you, Regina!” and “You’re beautiful!” emanated from the audience. Spektor went on to prove her love to adoring fans by playing a satisfying hour and a half set chock full of her quirky, silly piano-based pop songs. By the end of the night it was apparent that in a sea of women singer-songwriters, she’s definitely the most fun, if not the best.

On Saturday night, a sold out crowd packed the beautiful Chicago Theatre in downtown for Regina Spektor who was touring in support of her latest album, Far. Her set was primarily made up of songs off her newest effort, while peppered occasionally with tunes from 2004’s Soviet Kitsch and her breakthrough album, 2006’s Begin To Hope.

On record the songs from Far lack the kooky-ness and occasionally humorous lyrics from her previous records to instead opt for a more meditative and reflective approach such as when she sings about God in the track, “Laughing With.” But in a live setting, the tracks from Far really do come alive, especially with the four extra musicians on cello, violin and drums. Tracks like “Eet” took command of the intimate venue with the pounding drums offering an almost swirling sensation as Spektor’s voice floats over the music. “Dance Anthem of the ‘80s,” by far the most reminiscent of her older material on Far, caused even the most sober of those in the crowd to want to stand and sway to the hip hop-esque beat.

However, it was Spektor’s odder and more well known material that truly shined during the middle portion of the show that found her alone on the stage only with piano and guitar. “Poor Little Rich Boy” about a mom-hating, verbally abusive boyfriend is so extremely powerful with only Spektor’s voice, a simple piano line played with left hand and her quick-paced beat, created by her hitting a drum stick on a wooden chair with right hand. Her encore was even more of a treat for long time fans as she belted out three crowd favorites including the picture-esque love story “Us,” long-hair driven love narrative “Samson” and her undoubtedly sleekest pop moment yet, “Fidelity.”

The show was about the music, but it’s hard not to make the case that many came only to be in the presence of their favorite singer. Whether it’s her flowing red hair, shimmering, almost angelic white summertime dress or her face complete with delicate and Russian-esque features, which make Spektor a sight for sore eyes regardless of sex. Couple that with her shy, nearly childlike demeanor, it’s so extremely impressive when she opens her mouth and belts out spine-tingling vocal melodies that stack up with Ella Fitzgerald.

If there was one thing learned from Spektor’s performance on Saturday night, it’s that she’s now a bona fide rock star. All throughout her show there was yells of “Regina!” and shrieks that would make Bono blush who was playing with U2 a few blocks away at Soldier Field on the very same night. Yet Spektor was unfazed, playing along with the crowd and soaking in every moment, and that’s why this little red-haired, Russian girl from New York’s East Village is now one of the most in demand singer songwriters out there.