🔗 Share this article

The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional style of 90s R&B.

Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes

The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Following this, a set of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.

The Powerful Set

The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her show with a live band seemed anchored in the era of her greatest success.

However, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.

Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.

Their set included interpretations of inspirations, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Spirit

Towards the end, the evening turned to the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

While the night's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transformative. The audience was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than frost.