The New Edition Way Tour brought a wave of R&B nostalgia and vocal excellence to the Toyota Center on April 4, as legendary acts New Edition, Boyz II Men and Toni Braxton delivered an evening packed with timeless hits and polished showmanship.
The Houston stop felt less like a typical concert and more like a celebration of R&B history, with fans spanning multiple generations filling the arena and singing along from the first note to the last.
Only something the Black Promoters Collective could pull off, the night began with New Edition from a stage lift. The pioneering R&B group whose influence stretches across generations of pop and soul performers. All six members – Ronnie DeVoe, Bobby Brown, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Ralph Tresvant and Johnny Gill – opened the show and the energy inside Toyota Center went from 0 to 100 quickly.
Backed by a tight live band and dynamic choreography, New Edition delivered hit after hit with crowd favorites like “Candy Girl,” “Cool It Now,” “If It Isn’t Love,” “You’re Not My Kind of Girl,” “NE Heartbreak,” “Mr. Telephone Man” and “Can You Stand the Rain.”
But what made this show so unique, Boyz II Men, would pop in immediately following NE’s opening joint, “We Going Out Tonight,” with their classic, “Motown Philly.” Then came Braxton with “He Wasn’t Man Enough for Me.”
Rotating performances kept the crowd engaged the entire night. All the hits – “Please Don’t Go,” “Uhh Ahh,” “You’re Making Me High,” “Breathe Again,” “I’ll Make Love to You,” “Water Runs Dry,” “Bended Knee,” “End of the Road” and “One Sweet Day” – were sprinkled in throughout the setlist.
Each member of New Edition also had moments to shine, showcasing the personalities and vocal strengths that helped define the group’s sound. Bobby Brown with “Every Little Step,” “My Prerogative,” “Don’t Be Cruel” and “Roni.” Johnny Gill with “My, My, My,” “Rub You the Right Way” and “Fairweather Friend.” Ralph Tresvant with “Sensitivity” and “Do What I Gotta Do” and, of course, Bell Biv Devoe with “Do Me,” “When Can I See You Smith Again” and the show’s closer – “Poison.”
The production emphasized the group’s signature blend of synchronized dance moves and powerful vocals, reminding fans why they remain one of the most influential R&B groups of all time and soon to be members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
By the time the final notes rang out, the Houston audience had witnessed more than a concert – it was a living timeline of R&B excellence. With powerhouse performances, the New Edition Way Tour proved that great songs – and the voices behind them – truly stand the test of time.
We can’t wait until the next one.
Chad Cooper is the Entertainment Editor. Contact cooper@theexaminer.com