Now
by Maxwell
  • Record Label: Sony
  • Release Date: Aug 14, 2001
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. E! Online
    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. Entertainment Weekly
    91
    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. BBC Music
    Jul 24, 2012
    80
    This is grown-up, frequently gorgeous music that epitomises the very best in neo-soul.
  5. Billboard
    80
    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.
  6. PopMatters
    80
    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. Village Voice
    80
    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. Sonicnet
    80
    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.
  9. CDNow
    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.

Awards & Rankings

62
#62 Best Album of 2001
52
#52 Most Discussed Album of 2001
75
#75 Most Shared Album of 2001

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 34 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 34
  3. Negative: 9 out of 34
  1. Hrisa76
    Oct 7, 2021
    9
    Great soul music. His sound reminds me Marvin Gaye.
    Get to Know Ya and Lifetime are my favorites.
  2. LorraineM
    Mar 6, 2006
    10
    Best of the best i've ever heard.
  3. CocoaC
    Sep 8, 2004
    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. 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 »
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