Maxwell
's debut offers up a sophisticated and stylized take on late-'60s and early-'70
soul
.
Sam Cooke
,
Marvin Gaye
Al Green
, and the like are subtly referenced over the course of these 11 tracks of wide-screen
. Mixing sensual
funk
with
ballad
sincerity,
coolly sings through highlights like
"Welcome,"
"...Til the Cops Come Knockin',"
and
"Ascension (Don't Ever Wonder)."
The atmospheric, cool-breeze soundscape comes courtesy of
Sade
cohort
Stuart Mathewman
. More expansive and airy sounding than the deep groove and
gospel
sides by fellow retro-soulster
D'Angelo
Urban Hang Suite
is destined to become a classic contemporary
R&B
disc. ~ Stephen Cook