R&B Christmas Concert Review: A Emotional Trip Back to the Nineties

The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of artists known for their holiday records. Rather than focusing on carols, the night acted as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional style of 90s R&B.

Starting Acts: Classic Vibes

The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Following this, a set of primarily ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her peak success.

However, deep into her set, 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 stated earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's emotions. 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 dazzlingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their live band.

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

A Touch of Holiday Spirit

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

Final Impressions

While the evening's production had some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.