R&B Xmas Ball Recap: An Emotional Trip Back to the Nineties
This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.
Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Following this, a set of mostly ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.
The Moving Performance
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her greatest fame.
Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both tight and reactive to their live band.
Their set included interpretations of inspirations, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Cheer
Towards the end, the concert embraced the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful 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 experienced some glitches, and the feeling at times was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.
