Now - Maxwell
  • Band Name: Maxwell
  • Record Label: Sony
  • Release Date: Aug 14, 2001
Metascore
78 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 10
  2. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. 100
    Maxwell's latest finds the steady and seductive soul-provider drawing more from the class of Marvin Gaye than the trash of R. Kelly--with a touch of spirituality thrown in.
  2. As mellowed-out as much of ''Now'' is, it's definitely not aural wallpaper, but a cohesive effort that rewards repeated listenings -- a veritable slow jam-boree.
  3. Now is Maxwell's best album, because he's learned that while soul can be suggested by a good groove, it really lives in a song.
  4. This album leaves little doubt that when it comes to expressing the joys and heartbreak of life, few R&B singers do it as gracefully as Maxwell.
  5. 80
    When Maxwell sings songs cultivated to melt a girl's heart ("Silently"), it sounds more like grand, fervent gospel than a cheap, fevered move.
  6. It should stand up as one of the most accomplished R&B recordings of this year, but one that is not emblematic of the artistic growth that Embrya suggested.
  7. Maxwell continues to delve into the sensuality that drove 1996's spacious Urban Hang Suite as well as '97's often over-decorated Embrya, but with a newly pared-back attack. He's in top-notch voice...
  8. A much more focused and funky set than Embrya. [Oct 2001, p.127]
  9. This third full-length album continues to mine past gold, integrate rock and jazz elements, and work Maxwell's beautifully supple vocals around old-school styles.
  10. But for all its stylish exuberance, 'Now' is an album full of wonderful sounds that's lamentably thin on songs.
User Score

Universal acclaim- based on 25 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. LorraineM
    10
    Best of the best i've ever heard.
  2. CocoaC
    10
    Love the way he matures and converse to "Change" whenever it's in his space. His latest CD "NOW" is funky and smoothe at the same time. Maxwell has the best soulful first of our times. Awaiting his lastest rebirth in album. Full Review »
  3. nishah
    10
    I give Mawell a 1000000 I think he is soooo talented and sooooo sexy if I could meet his mom I would thank her for having such a talented and sexy man!!!!! Full Review »