‘blackSUMMERS’night’ by Maxwell Album Review: Sensual, Inspired And Mature Neo-Soul

Veteran soul and R&B singer Maxwell returns with a long-awaited album titled blackSUMMERS’night, a second installment in a trilogy, which picks up where his Grammy-winning 2009 album BLACKsummers’night ended. Apart from the different spelling, his latest record unifies Maxwell’s falsetto-driven vocals with intimate smooth soul, electronic elements and just the right amount of funk to create a sexy and inspired record.

‘blackSUMMERS’night’ by Maxwell Album Review

Album opener “All the Ways Love Can Feel” has an open-ended orchestration that easily soars along with his voice. The track’s cosmic feel, however, remains grounded is solid bass and hooks. For the most part, Maxwell continues to rely on intimate themes and improvisation. The music provides the background for introspective musings on love’s ups and downs. Maxwell’s voice ranges from tender vulnerability on his powerful ballads to seductive breathiness when he channels the sexual groove of the late Prince’s music, which gives the record a 70s feel, while at the same time succeeds in sounding like a timeless classic.

“1990x” solidifies Maxwell’s status as a staple in the list of bedroom-worthy tunes. It’s a romantic sexy jam that provokes without drifting into vulgarity. Its thumping beat and soulful groove are accompanied by a gentle string section and a subtle throwback to the decade spelled out in its title. “Lake By The Ocean” is a sublime example of what soul looks like in the 21st century. It resonates with its simple yet impeccable arrangements of piano, vocals, strings and subtle electronica. The offbeat vocal accents provide just the right amount of tension to highlight the emotionality of this stirring and inspired track.

The album’s variety of tempos and dynamics make blackSUMMERS’night a riveting listen. There is a certain transcendent openness to the tunes, which are still well-balanced in their incredible variation of genres and influences. Maxwell’s fluid vocals showcase the full maturity of an artist, who can channel his full creative potential. And even when the album feels a bit unfocused it is still a great listen of exquisite quality that has us impatiently waiting yet again for the final release in the trilogy.

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