R&B Xmas Ball Recap: A Emotional Journey Back to the 90s
This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers known for their holiday albums. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the night acted as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.
Opening Performances: Classic Feelings
The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
The Powerful Set
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her show with a backing band seemed anchored in the time period of her peak success.
Then, deep into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their performance featured covers of influences, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Cheer
Finally, the concert turned to the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Thoughts
Although the evening's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the net result was transformative. The audience was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than snow.
