R&B Xmas Ball Review: An Emotional Journey Returning to the Nineties
The yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists renowned for their holiday records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.
Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes
Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.
The Powerful Set
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the time period of her greatest fame.
Then, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band.
Their set featured covers of influences, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Cheer
Finally, the evening embraced the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
Although the evening's technical execution had some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall result was transformative. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.
