Rhythm and Blues Xmas Ball Recap: An Emotional Trip Back to the 90s

This yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of performers known for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.

Starting Performances: Classic Vibes

The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.

The Powerful Performance

The opening of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her greatest success.

Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part vocals that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.

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

A Dash of Christmas Spirit

Towards the end, the concert embraced the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

Although the night's technical execution had some glitches, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the net result was transformative. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.