R&B Xmas Ball Review: A Emotional Trip Back to the 90s
The yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of artists known for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.
Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes
Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Next, a set of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.
The Moving Set
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her performance with a live band seemed anchored in the time period of her peak success.
Then, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their performance featured covers of inspirations, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Cheer
Towards the end, the evening turned to the Christmas mood 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 evening's production experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the net result was transformative. The crowd was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than frost.
