Maxwell – "BLACKSummers’Night" [Album Playback]

Yesterday I got a chance to listen to Maxwell’s new album BLACKsummers’night over at Sony BMG in Kensington. The labels new swanky diggs, topped off by an seemingly endless supply of alcohol (I see you Marsha) set the mood perfectly. With only about 25 people in attendance, it was a real nice, relaxed affair.

Once ushered into the ‘listening room’ (my dream living room, essentially), we got to watch Maxwell’s new video “Pretty Wings”, before the album started. I don’t know about you, but I personally haven’t stopped listening to that song. It’s very rare I put singles on my iPhone, but that one is on there and is regularly repeated. With such a great first single, I have been super excited about hearing the new album in its entirety.

I wish I could divulge some really great, insightful information on each track, but we only got one listen, which really isn’t enough to truly get a sense of a song. But, what I will say is firstly, the musicianship on this record is superb. The instrumentation (which I can only presume was recorded live) instantly stands out, delivering a sense of real quality. Rich sounds that beautifully compliment Maxwell’s impeccable vocals. Which brings me nicely onto my second point – his vocals. Maxwell returns stronger than ever; his voice has both matured and grown. I’m yet to hear another male vocalist (past or present) who could truly stand up or compete with what Maxwell does. Seriously.

Tracks like “Stop the World”, which was definitely the stand out track, has him sounding just the way we like. Classic, throwback Maxwell, but with a new edge. Sometimes, ‘classic’ can come across as boring, but this is far from that. As I mentioned, on this track, like all of them really, the instrumention was incredible – laced with his bluesy ad-libs – dang! Other songs like the piano led “Fist Full of Tears”, the concious “Help Somebody” and the “Womans Work” throwback “Playing Possum” will not disappoint Maxwell fans. Bar the first two songs “Bad Habits” & “Cold” which weren’t bad, but just not my cup of tea, I thought the album (based on only one listen) was brilliant. Well put together, well made and well executed. I really can’t find many faults with it and believe, whole heartedly, that Maxwell has remained true to his soulful roots and not compromised in any way, shape or form.

We also got a little bit of (unconfirmed) news that Maxwell should be hitting Europe/London for some gigs around October/November. That’s the hoped plan at least. He’s said to be “very keen” to get back into the swing of things now, having taken a break after feeling “disappointed” by the music industry. However, we were told he’s also “very nervous” (put mildly) about the reaction the new album will receive as what he does is very personal and means a lot to him. And that the second and third instalment of the trilogy haven’t got release dates as of yet, but will be out in quick succession. But then, that’s what Erykah Badu said, and I’m still waiting?

All in all, BLACKsummers’night is the Maxwell album we’ve all been waiting for. My expectations were impossibly high, yet he was able to reach them…Exceed them in fact. I’m very excited about it and am confident you all will love it too.

Peace, Love & Maxwell

Speeakz

1. Bad Habits
2. Cold
3. Pretty Wings
4. Love You
5. Stop the World
6. Fist Full of Tears
7. Help Somebody
8. Playing Pussum
9. Phoenix Rise