New Album: Maxwell’s “BLACKsummers’night”
July 7, 2009 by Jeanne Dupuis
Filed under Music
Last month, I wrote about Maxwell’s interview in Jet magazine where he talked about his comeback and some of the things he has gone through since virtually disappearing from the limelight just as his career was starting to take off.
Now he’s back with his new album, BLACKsummers’night, becomes available today in a limited edition CD and DVD set. The DVD includes the music video for his first single "Pretty Wings."
The song is a reminder of how talented he really is and I’m so glad that he’s found his way back to his music. I love the lyrics because they talk about the pain associated with ending a relationship but it also conveys a message of hope that we can find the right person for us.
The video, like the song, is simple and understated but effective and beautiful at the same time. I love it when artists are brave enough to choose a minimalist approach to their music and videos rather than cluttering everything up with special effects and autotune (not that I have anything against those things – it’s just nice to have a break). It’s so nice to just let the lyrics tell the story in combination with scenes from our day-to-day lives.
The entire album was recorded live in the studio with Maxwell accompanied by an a-list ensemble of musicians and you can hear the difference. There’s an emotion and elegance associated with live albums, a sense of authenticity even, and I really think that nothing compares to the sound. I’m really excited and I can’t wait to hear the whole thing.
Here’s a track listing:
1. Bad Habits
2. Cold
3. Pretty Wings (uncut)
4. Help Somebody
5. Stop The World
6. Love You
7. Fistful Of Tears
8. Playing Possum
9. Phoenix Rise
1. Intro
2. Pretty Wings
3. Help Somebody
4. Cold
5. Stop The World
6. Love You
7. Pretty Wings
image: Amazon
