🔗 Share this article R&B Christmas Concert Review: A Heartfelt Trip Back to the 90s The yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of performers known for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B. Opening Performances: Classic Feelings Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Following this, a set of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main acts. The Moving Set The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her performance with a backing band appeared rooted in the era of her greatest fame. Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely. Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart. Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters Taking the stage in strikingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment. Their performance included interpretations of influences, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Touch of Holiday Spirit Towards the end, the concert turned to the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Final Impressions Although the night's production had some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The crowd was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.