R&B Xmas Concert Review: A Emotional Journey Returning to the Nineties

This yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of artists renowned for their holiday records. Rather than centering on carols, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.

Toni Braxton's Moving Set

The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her performance with a backing band seemed anchored in the time period of her greatest success.

Then, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly emotional moment. “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 encored with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.

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

A Touch of Holiday Cheer

Towards the end, the concert turned to the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

Although the evening's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall result was transformative. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.