CrazySexyCool 30th Anniversary at Stockbridge Amphitheater

But Watkins and Thomas were nearly perfect as they ran through a catalog that, in many ways, helped propel Atlanta to the musical center of gravity it is today.

It’s worth remembering that when CrazySexyCool, the band’s second album, was released in 1994, the city and the South were on the cusp of the “The South Has Something to Say” moment that would come the following year, and that TLC was one. reasons why eyes were on Atlanta.

Give them their flowers.

Watkins, who provided lead vocals on most of the songs, sounded as if his voice hadn’t aged a day, while Thomas demonstrated that it was possible to sing simultaneously and follow dancers in the half his age in demanding, non-stop choreography.

“I lived in Stockbridge with my mother,” Watkins told the crowd to applause. “So it’s good to be back, y’all.”

This trip down memory lane began with “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” “What About Your Friends” and “Baby-Baby-Baby,” from the group’s fun 1992 self-titled album, “Ooooooohhh… On the TLC. Advice.”

Some concertgoers sported the oversized vinyl hats that Lopes made popular during this period of the group’s history in tribute to the singer, who was killed in a 2002 car crash in Honduras.

Other songs performed include “Way Back,” “Case of the Fake People,” “Hat 2 da Back,” and “Silly Ho.”

One of the highlights of the evening was a stripped-down version of “Red Light Special,” TLC’s ode to the bedroom. The production was restrained, with much of the instrumentation removed in part to allow Watkins’ vocals to shine.

Although the majority of the show was spectacular, there were a few places where it struggled.

For some reason, after each song, Watkins and Thomas would say “thank you” and leave the stage. Even though they would be back in less than a minute, the brief exit was a bit jarring and would momentarily sap the energy of the performance. It would have been better if they had launched into the next song or told stories from their storied career spanning over 30 years.

And speaking of energy, it faltered during a break in the show when Watkins and Thomas apparently went backstage to get some rest. DJ Dubz took over and despite his valiant efforts, he and the group’s dancers struggled to keep the party going, despite timeless hits such as Michael Jackson’s “Don’t Stop Til’ You Get Enough,” “Girl’s Just Want to” by Cyndi Lauper. Have Fun,” “Only Girl (In the World)” by Rihanna and “Water” by Tyla.

Note to artists: the Stockbridge Amphitheater audience is a bit older and when it’s after 10 p.m. there isn’t much interest in filling up.

Fortunately, Thomas and Watkins are pros, and they closed the show with “Unpretty” and what are arguably the duo’s most popular hits: “No Scrubs” and the message-laden “Waterfalls.”

“Waterfalls” in particular had the crowd on their feet as Lopes’ jaw-dropping rap played in full while Thomas and Watkins danced.

“Dreams are desperate aspirations hoping to come true,” Lopes spat in his rapid rap. “Believe in yourself, the rest is up to you and me.”

Once again, let’s give Lopes her flowers.

Opening act Brownstone returned for their second visit to Stockbridge Amphitheater, and this time they didn’t have any rain like they did when they opened for Boyz II Men last July.

In addition to their hits “Grapevyne” and “If You Love Me,” they wowed the audience with covers of Aretha Franklin’s “Day Dreaming” and Diana Ross’ “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.”

And for those who are heartbroken, Nicci Gilbert sang “5 Miles to Empty,” a song she said came out of her own heartbreak.

Brownstone was followed by Goodie Mob, who matched the other groups with energetic hip hop hits including “Cell Therapy,” “Dirty South” and “Soul Food.” The group’s performance comes two months after the death of Rico Wade, producer of some of their biggest tracks and a pioneer of Atlanta music.