R&B Xmas Ball Review: A Emotional Journey Back to the 90s
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of artists known for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional style of 1990s R&B.
Opening Acts: Classic Vibes
Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a set of primarily ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Set
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her peak success.
Then, deep into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both tight and reactive to their live band.
Their set included interpretations of influences, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Spirit
Towards the end, the evening embraced the Christmas mood 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.
Overall Impressions
Although the night's technical execution had some glitches, and the feeling at times was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.
