Rhythm and Blues Xmas Ball Review: A Heartfelt Journey Returning to the 90s

The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of performers renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.

Starting Acts: Timeless Feelings

Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Following this, a set of mostly ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her performance with a live band seemed rooted in the era of her greatest fame.

Then, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Singing 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.

Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her signature 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 hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both tight and reactive to their live band.

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

A Dash of Christmas Spirit

Towards the end, the evening turned to the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

While the evening's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall result was transformative. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.