R&B Christmas Ball Review: An Heartfelt Journey Returning to the Nineties
The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists known for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on carols, the night served as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.
Opening Performances: Classic Vibes
The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a set of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
The Moving Performance
The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her performance with a backing band seemed anchored in the era of her peak success.
However, deep into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their live band.
Their set included interpretations of inspirations, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Spirit
Finally, the evening turned to 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 hiccups, and the feeling at times was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than snow.
