Maxwell, 'The Premiere R&B Vocalist Of His Generation,' Wows With 'BLACKsummers'night'

New York, NY (Top40 Charts/ Columbia Records) - Maxwell's wildly awaited BLACKsummers'night, out today, has more than fulfilled the expectations of press and fans who've waited 8 years since his last studio album, 2001's Now.

The first single, "Pretty Wings," reached No 1 on Urban Adult radio while Maxwell has been playing to sold-out houses on his current tour. Watch him perform Pretty Wings at the 2009 BET Awards here:

Check out more of the critics' raves:

"Grittier, more grown-up, and more experimental with an album of soulfulness and substance." -Jon Pareles, The New York Times

"His mostly laid-back music remains potent, mixing introspection, melancholy, and desire." -Chris Farley, Wall Street Journal

"BLACKsummers'night finds Maxwell smoothly picking up where he left off, his moves familiar yet still irresistible. Silky vocals...make this one exquisite listening experience." -Chuck Arnold, People

"A powerful dose of heartbroken soul." -Simon Vozick-Levinson, Entertainment Weekly

"BLACKsummers'night reminds you why Maxwell is the premiere R&B vocalist of his generation." -Ken Capobianco, Boston Globe

"BLACKsummers'night evokes the complex late '70s albums of Marvin Gaye, when the singer was making his most deeply personal music." -Greg Kot, Chicago Tribune

"Few modern singers put so much soul and feeling into such righteous grooves." -Matt Pais, Metromix