R&B Xmas Ball Review: An Emotional Journey Returning to the Nineties

This second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists known for their holiday records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional style of 90s R&B.

Starting Performances: Timeless Feelings

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

The Powerful Performance

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her show with a live band seemed anchored in the era of her peak fame.

Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Taking the stage in strikingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both tight and responsive to their live band.

Their performance featured covers of inspirations, including a memorable 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 concert turned to the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Impressions

Although the night's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the feeling at points was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall result was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.