Maxwell | Black Summer’s Night (Album Review)
July 5th, 2009
The Neo-Soul great Maxwell is back on scene with release of his new album in 7 years entitled “Black Summer’s Night“(in stores July 7) .
The album for the most part is pretty much what you’ll expect from Maxwell. Alot of cool laidback jazzy soul. It is not as upbeat as Maxwell’s previous albums. The majority of the 9 songs (yes only 9 songs) are more the style of Lifetime than upbeat style of Cococure.
The Maxwell faithful will probably enjoy this release more than someone new to Maxwell’s music. For some the album may be a disappointment for those seeking a more grandiose entry back onto music scene from Neo-Soul King.
Although I enjoyed his previous albums more I think this is still a decent release from Maxwell and from somebody who has been absent from the musical landscape for a number of years.
Though the album may be more on the slow side it does have hints of that feel good upbeat soul of Maxwell of previous years.
The track “Fistful Of Tears” is reminiscent of 1999 ’s “Fortunate”. The song “Help Somebody” is classic Maxwell in the vein of “Sumthin Sumthin”. And the track “Love You” is indeed Maxwell redux….Maxwell for a new generation of Neo-Soul listeners. If this what Maxwell has planned for the future, and I believe he does, we will hearing more great music from Neo-Soul master we know and love.
All in all it’s great to have Maxwell in back in action. Hearing his voice on Alchemist’s Smile I’m sure brought back many good memories for those who remember Maxwell back in day. Now we have this nice 9 song album to create new memories to.
Stop The World- Maxwell [3:56m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download Love You - Maxwell [3:35m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
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I have heard majority of the album, it sounds phenomenal! Can’t wait for Tuesday for the album! Have y’all heard about this singer named K’Jon, he has that song “On The Ocean” …he reminds me a lot of Maxwell…yall should check him out at http://www.myspace.com/whoiskjon
Comment by Sharlem — July 5, 2009 @ 5:10 pm
download doesnt work!
Comment by chela — July 6, 2009 @ 1:46 pm
Downloads DO work. You have right click “Save As Link” (firefox) or “Save As Target” (internet explorer).
Comment by Hamza21 — July 6, 2009 @ 6:15 pm
I can only comment as someone who knows his music from a previous album but I really like it. Very pleased with the purchase and fantastic Sunday morning easy.
Comment by NoozeHound — July 26, 2009 @ 2:10 am
this is QUALITY music start to finish. maxwell’s voice has matured and the songs are less slick. the arrangements, musicianship and production is amazing. period. those out there half dismissing it or using terms as “decent album” are missing out. anybody that loves soulful music should get this. and yes i mean BUY
Comment by jay.soul — July 30, 2009 @ 11:04 am
[…] has put together a great mix of Maxwell tunes. With the release of Maxwell’s new album “Black Summer’s Night” this is sure to help you realize the goodness that is […]
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