Album Review: Maxwell "BLACKsummers'night"

Maxwell's Back With "BLACKsummers'night"

Turn this up to the max. Just listen. The gentle R&B/Soul vocal pitch along with instruments such as the saxophone, trumpet, and trombone are smoothing. This will set the mood. Maxwell returns this summer with his long-awaited fourth studio album BLACKsummers' night.

It's been 8 years since the Brooklyn native released the classic Now, becoming his first No. 1 on the Billboard charts. The 36-year-old keeps listeners refreshed with his latest single "Pretty Wings." Maxwell described "Pretty Wings" to MTV as being "a bittersweet love song about meeting the right girl at the wrong time."

Maxwell has stated this album is the start of a trilogy of albums to be released over a three year period, starting BLACK. The opening track "Bad Habits," begins in a ballad and formulates into a memorizing orchestra. Maxwell confesses his love with his women in spite of his flaws. It follows with "Cold," where she leaves him.

The neo-soul singer managed to keep the same composure from his delay. Several R&B artist mix hip-hop or Auto-Tune influences to be recognized. Not Maxwell. You will hear him out with his touching vocals and connecting lyrics that follow through. Favorite tracks include "Stop This World," "Fistful of Tears," and "Playing Possum"

The following release, "SUMMERS" is due out at some point in 2010 and the third album "NIGHT" is slated for a 2011 release. 

Make sure to purchase Maxwell's BLACKsummers'night. It was worth the wait.

By. Jonathan White