R&B Christmas Ball Review: A Heartfelt Trip Returning to the Nineties
The yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of performers known for their holiday albums. Rather than focusing on carols, the night acted as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.
Opening Acts: Classic Vibes
Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a set of primarily ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.
The Powerful Set
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the era of her peak fame.
However, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Taking the stage in strikingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their performance included covers of inspirations, including 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
Towards the end, the evening turned to the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Thoughts
While the night's technical execution had some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the net effect was transformative. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.