Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Review: An Emotional Trip Returning to the 90s

The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists known for their holiday records. Instead of centering on carols, the night served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B.

Opening Acts: Timeless Vibes

Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.

Toni Braxton's Powerful Set

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her performance with a backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her greatest fame.

Then, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.

Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though slightly shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Taking the stage in strikingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their performance featured interpretations of inspirations, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Spirit

Towards the end, the concert turned to the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Thoughts

Although the night's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.