Maxwell

On the best songs on Blacksummers' Night -- the gossamer lead single "Pretty Wings," the gospel boom bap of "Love You" and the mid-tempo "Stop the World" -- Maxwell's voice remains a delicate instrument, appropriating the dizzying falsetto of Al Green and the swooning midrange of D'Angelo. He certainly hasn't lost anything since his last record, 2001's Now, but after an inexplicable 8-year-absence, it'd be nice to get more than nine new tracks from the singer. Still, beggars can't be choosers.

For those who remember Maxwell as the Casanova behind boudoir jams like "Sumthin'
Sumthin'," his first disc in eight years holds a surprise: bad vibes. BLACKsummers'night is a
breakup record, with storm-tossed songs full of regrets and recriminations. "I go
insane/Crazy sometimes/Trying to keep you from losing your mind," Maxwell sings in "Fistful
of Tears." He remains a student of Marvin Gaye (Here, My Dear is a model) and su... More >