R&B Christmas Concert Review: A Heartfelt Trip Returning to the 90s

The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists renowned for their holiday albums. Instead of focusing on carols, the night acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Starting Acts: Timeless Feelings

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.

The Moving Performance

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her show with a live band appeared anchored in the era of her peak success.

However, deep into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though slightly shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band.

Their performance featured interpretations of influences, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Spirit

Finally, the evening turned to the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

While the night's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.