R&B Xmas Ball Review: A Emotional Trip Returning to the 90s
This second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Instead of centering on carols, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional style of 1990s R&B.
Starting Acts: Classic Feelings
Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the main acts.
The Moving Performance
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her show with a live band seemed anchored in the era of her peak success.
Then, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply emotional 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 impeccable, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in strikingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their set featured covers of inspirations, 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
Finally, the concert turned to the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
While the night's production experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The crowd was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than frost.
