R&B Xmas Ball Review: An Emotional Trip Back to the 90s

This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of performers known for their holiday albums. Rather than centering on carols, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Acts: Classic Feelings

The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts.

The Powerful Performance

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her performance with a backing band appeared anchored in the time period of her greatest success.

However, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Taking the stage in strikingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their live band.

Their performance included covers of influences, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Spirit

Towards the end, the concert embraced the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

While the night's production had some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.