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The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists known for their Christmas albums. Instead of focusing on carols, the night acted as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Performances: Classic Feelings

Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.

The Powerful Set

The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her performance with a live band seemed rooted in the time period of her greatest fame.

However, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional moment. “For 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 crowd's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though slightly shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.

Their set featured covers of inspirations, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Holiday Spirit

Finally, the concert turned to the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Overall Impressions

While the evening's technical execution had some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall result was transformative. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than frost.