R&B Christmas Ball Review: A Heartfelt Trip Returning to the 90s

This yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists renowned for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on carols, the night acted as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional style of 90s R&B.

Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a set of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.

The Moving Performance

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her performance with a live band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak fame.

Then, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their performance featured interpretations of inspirations, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Christmas Spirit

Finally, the evening turned to the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Impressions

While the night's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than snow.