R&B Christmas Ball Recap: A Emotional Trip Back to the 90s
The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their holiday albums. Instead of focusing on carols, the night acted as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.
Starting Acts: Timeless Feelings
Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a set of primarily ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.
The Moving Performance
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band seemed anchored in the era of her peak fame.
However, deep into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply 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, cementing her grip over the audience's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their set included covers of inspirations, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Cheer
Towards the end, the evening embraced the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
Although the evening's production experienced some glitches, and the feeling at points was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net effect was transformative. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than frost.
