R&B Xmas Ball Review: A Heartfelt Trip Returning to the 90s
The yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists renowned for their holiday albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Acts: Timeless Vibes
Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.
The Moving Set
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her show with a live band seemed anchored in the time period of her greatest fame.
However, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply emotional moment. “For 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 command over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their performance featured covers of inspirations, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Spirit
Finally, the concert embraced the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
While the evening's production experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.
