Maxwell
Gerald Maxwell Rivera, known professionally as Maxwell, is an acclaimed American R&B and neo-soul singer-songwriter born on May 23, 1973, in Brooklyn, New York. Of Puerto Rican and Haitian descent, he lost his father at a young age and found solace in church singing before music seriously at 17 with a Casio keyboard.
Maxwell drew inspiration from icons like Marvin Gaye, Prince, and Stevie Wonder, writing hundreds of songs and performing in New York clubs by 1991. He signed with Columbia Records in 1994 after demo tapes gained buzz, debuting with the critically praised Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite in 1996, featuring hits like "Ascension (Don't Ever Wonder)" and "Sumthin' Sumthin'".
His 1997 MTV Unplugged EP included innovative covers of Kate Bush's "This Woman's Work" and Nine Inch Nails' "Closer," earning Grammy nods. The 1999 single "Fortunate" from the Life soundtrack became his biggest hit, topping R&B charts. Albums like Embrya (1998), Now (2001), and BLACKsummers'night (2009) followed, with the latter winning two Grammys including Best R&B Album.
After an eight-year break, Maxwell released blackSUMMERS'night in 2016, supported by "Lake by the Ocean." He has earned three Grammys, six Soul Train Awards, two NAACP Image Awards, and a 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Congressional Black Caucus for his innovative neo-soul contributions.
Embrya
1 Everwanting: To Want You To Want 7:32
2 I'm You: You Are Me And We Are You (Pt Me & You) 6:33
3 Luxury: Cococure 5:32
4 Drowndeep: Hula 5:41
5 Matrimony: Maybe You 4:38
6 Arroz Con Pollo 2:57
7 Know These Things: Shouldn't You 5:14
8 Submerge: Til We Become The Sun 6:26
9 Gravity: Pushing To Pull 6:13
10 Eachhoureachsecondeachminuteeachday: Of My Life 5:52
11 Embrya 3:03
Label: Columbia – CK 68968
Format: CD, Album
Country: US
Released: 1998
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Neo Soul
Released on June 30, 1998, Maxwell’s sophomore album Embrya is widely regarded as a groundbreaking but divisive masterpiece that prioritized atmospheric "vibes" and deep grooves over the traditional song structures of his debut. While initially polarizing to critics, the album has undergone a massive modern reappraisal as a visionary precursor to modern alternative R&B.
Moving away from the jazz-soul accessible style of Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite, Embrya features heavy basslines, lush string arrangements, and a "submerged," aquatic production style.
Critics and fans note that the album emphasizes feeling and instrumentation over distinct melodies, creating a "dreamlike state".
The album explores abstract themes of love, spirituality, and "rebirthing"—Maxwell defined the title as a transition toward a "broader perception".
Many contemporary critics were confounded by the "obtuse" lyrics and lack of radio-friendly singles. Reviews were mixed, with some calling it "pretentious" while others, like Rolling Stone, praised the lush backdrops but found the songs difficult to distinguish.
By 2025, Embrya is frequently cited as a classic that was "ahead of its time". Retrospective reviews from outlets like Pitchfork and Uncut (which ranked it #110 on its best of the '90s list in 2024) highlight it as a pioneer of the "moody and sparse" alt-R&B sound later popularized by artists like Frank Ocean and Miguel.
Standout Tracks:
"Luxury: Cococure": The lead single, noted for its funky bassline and being one of the few tracks with mainstream appeal.
"Submerge: Till We Become the Sun": Frequently cited as a fan-favorite "underwater" masterpiece that builds slowly with synths and keys.
"Matrimony: Maybe You": A more melodic ballad that retains some of the debut's warmth.
"Eachhoureachsecondeachminuteeachday: Of My Life": A standout falsetto performance widely considered the album's most accessible track after the singles.
The album is credited with expanding the boundaries of neo-soul by incorporating elements of psychedelia, dub, and electronic music.
Despite the critical split, it debuted at #3 on the Billboard 200 and won the 1999 Soul Train Music Award for Best Male Soul/R&B Album.
Retrospective reviews often compare its experimental nature to D'Angelo’s Voodoo, viewing it as a liquid, atmospheric counterpoint to Voodoo's "desiccated funk".
Now
2 Get To Know Ya 4:18
3 Lifetime 5:29
4 W/As My Girl 3:11
5 Changed 4:07
6 Noone 4:41
7 For Lovers Only 3:41
8 Temporary Nite 4:22
9 Silently 5:20
10 Symptom Unknown 5:37
11 This Woman's Work 4:00
12 Now / At The Party 5:25
Written-By – Musze (tracks: 1 to 10, 12)
Written-By – Kate Bush (track 11)
Written-By [Co-Writes] – Hod David (tracks: 1 to 10, 12), Stuart Matthewman (tracks: 1 to 10, 12)
Label: Columbia – CK 67136
Format: CD, Album
Country: US
Released: 2001
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Neo Soul
Maxwell's 2001 album Now was generally praised as a smooth, mature continuation of his signature neo-soul sound, delivering sensual, romantic vibes with classic grooves, though some critics found it too safe and homogenous compared to his earlier work, highlighting standout tracks like the heartfelt "Lifetime," the funky "Get to Know Ya," and a remarkable cover of Kate Bush's "This Woman's Work". It successfully returned to the accessible style of Urban Hang Suite after the more experimental Embrya, solidifying his status as a leading soul crooner.
The album explored deeper, more enduring themes of love and commitment, moving beyond typical "sappy" love songs, featuring mellow, in-the-pocket grooves, lush arrangements, and Maxwell's signature creamy vocals and falsetto. A conscious move back towards the accessible, lover-boy vibe of his debut, pleasing many fans.
Standout Tracks:
"Lifetime": A popular, enduring single showcasing growth and resilience.
"Get to Know Ya": An instantly charming, finger-popping, funky opener.
"This Woman's Work": A critically acclaimed, soulful cover of Kate Bush's track, noted for its depth and beauty.
"Temporary Nite": A funkier, guitar-infused track that picked up the pace.
Praised for its mood-setting, intimate atmosphere, solid musicianship, and strong performances, calling it a perfect soundtrack for romantic nights.
Some felt it was too safe, lacking the artistic ambition of his predecessors or even his own potential, calling it "unadventurous" or "somnolent" at times.
In essence, Now was seen as a successful, sensual, and mature chapter in Maxwell's career, cementing his place in neo-soul while still drawing some debate on artistic evolution.