BLACKsummers’night Critics Pick For Album of the Year (USA Today)

USA TODAY, December 28, 2009

ALBUM OF THE YEAR:m_bsn
BLACKsummers’night, Maxwell

Soul singer Maxwell was at the peak of his commercial and creative powers after the release of 2001′s Now, his third straight platinum album. But he felt artistically spent with nothing left to say and chose to fade out in a business in which absence tends to inspire forgetfulness more than fondness. Eight years later, he’s re-emerged with his moving BLACKsummers’night, which uses a personal love affair and its heart-rending breakup as the emotional well for a subtly sensual set of songs that reflect the pleasure, pain and ultimate sense of loss he experienced. And rather than enlist the usual retinue of star producers and songwriters to score a quick radio hit, he chose to rely on his soaring falsetto, intimate lyrics and a live studio band. With two more installments BlackSUMMERS‘night and Blacksummers’NIGHT promised in coming months, Maxwell won’t be going silent again any time soon. — Steve Jones

REPEAT-BUTTON WORTHY

Which albums clicked with USA TODAY’s music writers in 2009? Our critics pick their five favorites:
Steve Jones:

1. Maxwell, BLACKsummers’night
2. Kid Cudi, Man on the Moon: The End of Day
3. Terence Blanchard, Choices
4. Jay-Z, The Blueprint 3
5. Teena Marie, Congo Square

Source: USA Today

Posted in: Best of 2009

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13 Responses to “BLACKsummers’night Critics Pick For Album of the Year (USA Today)”

Musesage December 28th, 2009 at 3:35 pm

Blessings

I’m Blushing For-
Maxwell And The Band-
Great First Of Three-
Black -
Now I’m Waiting Anxiously For-
summers’-
Great Man, Music And Band-
Happy Holidays C.W.-
Thanks-
Love, Light & Peace

thelatestmaxwellnews December 28th, 2009 at 3:40 pm

Hope you had a lovely holiday!

40isgreat December 28th, 2009 at 3:54 pm

Go Maxwell, Go Maxwell *doing the running man* Go Maxwell!

I’m so proud of Max, I could cry. Tears of joy, of course. I hope and pray for even better things for him in 2010.

soulshadow55 December 28th, 2009 at 8:46 pm

Not surprised at all. People who love good music, know it when they hear good music! Maxwell had the absolutely baddest album of 2009.

I’m still trying to decide which song I like the best – is it Pretty Wings, Bad Habits or Stop the World. Sometimes I find myself humming Phoenix Rise when I’m working around the house. The entire CD is incredible – from the first song to the last.

I wish Maxwell and the band continued sucess (meaning lots of Grammy Awards), good health and much love and happiness in the coming new year.

FriendsRAngels December 28th, 2009 at 9:03 pm

I SO agree Maxwell and The Band truly have done a most wonderful job! I just wish we wouldn’t have to wait that long 4 “SUMMERS’”. All one truly can wish for is even better things for Maxwell and all Divine Blessings to him.

And while I’m reading: “BLACKsummers’night, which uses a personal love affair and its heart-rending breakup as the emotional well for a subtly sensual set of songs that reflect the pleasure, pain and ultimate sense of loss he experienced.” – perhaps this is just me – but in a somewhat perplexed state of mind, all I can think of is… Wow, that takes a lot of strength and courage. Can anyone even imagine emotions or feelings he must have been going through, singing those songs…?

Jackie December 28th, 2009 at 9:25 pm

The world is finding out what Max’s fans have known for years. He is amazing. A rare, true talent. There are not many around like Maxwell in popular music these days. I am so proud of you, Max. Much love and Blessings for the New Year.

Jackie
xoxo

thelatestmaxwellnews December 28th, 2009 at 10:52 pm

@Jackie – I look at many of the publications wondering, why did it take them so long to figure out what some have known for a while now.

Arnita Blowe December 28th, 2009 at 11:45 pm

Wow…that’s amazing, wonderful, awesome!!! Congratulations to Maxwell, the musicians, and staff for a job well done!!!

@SoulShadow55: I was at work humming “Love You” during my entire shift!!! :)

Yup, Maxwell’s true fans have known how special and talented he is for a long time now. I’ve never attended a concert that has been so good that it leaves me speechless–until I saw him in person.

He is so beautiful physically and spiritually that he just leaves you speechless…

Star December 29th, 2009 at 12:52 am

Re: BLACKsummersnight Critics Pick For Album of the Year (USA Today)

Steve Jones truly captured the spirit of Maxwell! We love it when the media gets it right… Great interview!………….. :)

BLACKsummersnight was my #1 pick, before I ever heard any of its tracks! M left such an impression on me (with those BLAZIN’ VOCALS) from the very first time I ever heard ANY of his MUSIC, all I needed to know was, MAXWELL IS BACK!!!………………………. :)

Buying BLACKsummersnight and/or any past or future releases is ONGOING til 4-EVA!!!… :)

P.S. LOVE to M, Chantay, LMN and the LMN
FAM!… Enjoy the Holiday Season and
may the New Year bring ALL OF YOUR
HEARTS DESIRES!!!…… :)

allheavens December 29th, 2009 at 8:34 pm

Major newspapers across the country are getting it right but the Grammy’s did not.

I am grateful and happy that Max got six Grammy nominations but it should haven been seven the other being “Album of the Year.”

Well, they have 2010 and 2011 to get it right. LOL

Congratulations Max!!

Iesha Moore December 30th, 2009 at 11:49 am

Maxwell is finally getting the props that he has always deserved. He has been out of sight for eight years but never out of the minds of his true fans! We love you Max…finally they see what we have always known…you are the best…hands down! Happy New Year

Geminilady January 2nd, 2010 at 10:45 pm

I totally concur with this article! Regardless if critics agreed or not, I would argue with anyone, until I am blue in the face that this album is indeed album of the year! I play it so much, I picked up another one just for my office. Love you so much Maxwell for renewing my love of good music! I can’t wait to see you again in concert!

reselle January 5th, 2010 at 8:04 am

Congratulations on such wonderful accolades and accomplishments! Many of the comments made about your music are very true. You sing music that people of all ages and races can relate to: love, life, and spirit. It continues to give your music such life, depth, texture and richness. It never demeans the man or woman and that is refreshing in an age where good quality music is hard to find.

Much Love and Many Blessings,
Dawn and Family

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