R&B Christmas Concert Review: A Emotional Journey Returning to the 90s

The yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of artists known for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Timeless Feelings

The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.

Toni Braxton's Moving Set

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her show with a live band seemed rooted in the time period of her peak fame.

However, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

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

Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

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

Their performance featured covers of inspirations, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Spirit

Finally, the evening embraced the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

Although the evening's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than snow.