R&B Xmas Concert Recap: A Emotional Journey Returning to the 90s

The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists known for their holiday records. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the sincere and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Timeless Feelings

The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.

The Powerful Set

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her performance with a live band seemed rooted in the era of her peak fame.

Then, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Appearing on stage in strikingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.

Their set featured interpretations of influences, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Spirit

Towards the end, the concert turned to the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

Although the night's production experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than snow.