R&B Xmas Ball Review: A Heartfelt Trip Back to the Nineties

The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of artists renowned for their holiday records. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.

Starting Acts: Classic Vibes

The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.

The Moving Set

The opening of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her performance with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her greatest success.

Then, deep into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band.

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

A Touch of Holiday Spirit

Towards the end, the evening turned to the holiday 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.

Final Thoughts

While the evening's technical execution had some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transformative. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than snow.