Watch Once in a Lifetime Sessions with TLC

Once in a Lifetime Sessions with TLC is a documentary-style music film that features the legendary R&B group TLC in their element, performing some of their greatest hits and newer music tracks. The film takes viewers on a behind-the-scenes journey of TLC's live performance during their Once in a Lifetime Sessions in London's Metropolis Studios.

The documentary begins with an introduction to the group, their philosophy, and how they came to be. It starts from their early beginnings in Atlanta, Georgia, to their first sign with LaFace Records, to their early success, the ongoing rivalry between T-Boz and Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, to the recording of their fifth and final album "3D."

One of the most fascinating aspects of the film is the way it offers insight into the group's creative process. TLC's manager, Bill Diggins, reveals that T-Boz wrote a lot of the songs in the studio, and that they always followed their gut instincts. Viewers get to see T-Boz and Chilli working on a track in the studio, and the way they go back and forth with ideas.

Once the film shifts to the performance part of the documentary, the chemistry between the group members becomes more apparent. T-Boz's husky voice and Chilli's sultry tones are perfectly balanced, and it's clear that the two singers have been in the game for a while – their bond is palpable. The performance of the song "Fanmail" is particularly charged because it’s one of the group’s favorite tracks.

Throughout the duration of each song, the trio's stage presence is captivating, and the energy in the room is electric. As they progress through classic tunes like "Waterfalls," "No Scrubs," "Creep," and more, a few musical surprises arise.

Viewers also get a front-row seat to TLC's stunning visuals, stage setup, and lighting. The stage is set with purple lighting, and the group is backed up by a phenomenal band consisting of a drummer, a guitarist, and a DJ. The addition of dancers adds more excitement to the show, and their choreography is impressive.

The film covers a lot of ground, and its detailed level of access to TLC's journey is impressive. It also features some of the group's collaborators during the recording of their album "3D," like Timbaland and Missy Elliott. Timbaland goes back and forth with T-Boz on how the final mix of the song "Dirty Dirty" should sound, and Missy Elliott joins the group in the studio as they work on "Gimme Some."

The camera work in the film is also exceptional, and it adds to the experience of watching the film. From the close-up shots of TLC's faces to the wide shots of the entire stage, everything has been captured beautifully. The film also mixes in some archive footage of the group's early days, which adds depth to their journey.

The final moments of the documentary features some of TLC's newer tracks, including one dedicated to Left Eye's memory. The audience is given a sense of closure as the film ends on a graceful note.

In conclusion, Once in a Lifetime Sessions with TLC is a compelling behind-the-scenes look at one of the most influential R&B groups of all time. It delves into the group's creative process, their journey, and their legacy. The performances are electrifying, the visuals are stunning, and the added archive footage gives the film much-needed context. The documentary is a must-watch for any TLC fan, and it will leave you feeling inspired – plus, you can't help but groove to the music.