a love-ly set of songs
a great, slow, sexy set of love songs but hardly in the traditional sense. no up tempo to change the pace of things. but where is maxwell now? to be enjoyed over and over again.

Urban Hang Suite - actually 4.5 stars
What a debut!! It really says something when an album that debuted 10 years ago is still so popular & well-regarded. Although I think in all fairness that his predecesor, D'Angelo got audiences ready for this shift in r&b, Maxwell certainly put his stamp on the movement.

The first time I heard this whole album, I just knew that Maxwell would be one of those ever-improving artists whose career I'd follow. He's one of a very few of the nu-school r&b cats who successfully (in my opinion) pull off that Marvin Gaye flow that I love - they can sing in falsetto & in their natural range, layering the two vocals so that it sounds like two different singers.

I love everything about this disc from Maxwell's cool vibe to the exceptional backing band - it's truly timeless music that does not seem stuck in any era.

My favorite tracks: WHENEVER, WHEREVER, WHATEVER; SUMTHIN SUMTHIN; LONELY'S THE ONLY COMPANY; TILL THE COPS COME KNOCKIN & ASCENSION

If you love r&b but never gave Maxwell a listen, I'd highly recommend adding this debut to your collection!

Maxwell's Masterpiece
This album is an absolute work of art. Cool grooves with Sumthin' Sumthin', and the most beautiful song I have heard in years Wherever, Whenever, Whatever. This is a great album, if you don't like this one you have no Soul!!

Smooth R&B with Jazz flavor!
Maxwell's debut CD was nothing short of amazing. It has a mix of smooth r&b, funk, and sensuality to it. When i first heard it, i knew i was listening to a guy who was mature and his music is for grown folks. The funny thing is, when it first came out in 96, i was only 21, but i was always into more mature music even back then. With songs like Ascension, Welcome, Til the cops come knockin, Dancewitme, & Whenever, Wherever, Whatever, he gives you a wide range of sounds. It's a diverse CD for different listeners and it has been my favorite since it first came out. I can't imagine anybody who likes r&b for grown folks who don't have it, but if not, go get it and don't keep missing out on incredible music from a really talented artist.

Ultimate sexy funk, circa 1996
I rediscovered Maxwell's sexy falsetto crooning and soft groove on a European webradio I listened to at work. This CD is great from start to finish. Every song has a funky, sexy sound and vibe to it. Inspiration music for naughty moments.