Reviews (page 5 of 8)
I couldn’t wait for this to be over. I get that he’s a talented musician but I don’t understand why this would be a top 1000 album.
I enjoyed this record, it was nice to chill out to, and I get the feeling this would be fun to dance to. I can hear how it influenced later r&b albums you hear Favorite Tracks: Til The Cops Come Knocking, Dancewitme, and The Suite Theme.
Theoretically I'd bang my wife to this music but in reality that's unlikely to ever happen. Having it on though at least wouldn't decrease the chances of getting some that something like death metal would. So there's that and your mileage may vary as they say. The guy can sing and there's some grooves here but its just not my jam
Till the cops come knockin Album pesado con canciones muy largas
Muy aburrido
This is something I put on when I want something pleasant to listen to that isn’t too musically challenging. I do like his voice.
This album is so smooth it had me sliding around my apartment in my socks. The bass is NASTY. Highlights were Welcome, Ascension, …Til The Cops Come Knockin’, and Reunion.
This was not good.
Nice to listen to. Good as background music. I liked the funk and jazz elements. People don’t seem to like his voice, but I liked it. I do think there isn’t enough variation across the album to hold my interest. I really struggled to pick a favourite and least favourite song because it all felt very similar. I think the first track sticks out to me just because my brain has had no time to make it background noise. Fav song: The Urban Theme Least fav: Suitelady (The Proposal Jam)
Absolutely stellar vibe.
The mixes are really good and clear. The vocals are great. There's one problem, and that is that the album is largely forgettable and kinda just blends together with itself. Sometimes that's not a bad thing. A great album usually has some sort of cohesiveness between each different song that pulls it all together. This album doesn't have that, it just kinda all mushes together without distinction.
4-
If I came over for a hang and this was playing, I'd leave immediately. And then spend my evening researching what sex offender list they were on.
Wow i was blown away by this. So obviously draws from 1970 and 1989 soul but also is ahead of its time. If my career fails and I have to become a barista I’m playing this every day
I think he’s having sex in this suite.
I actually really liked this album. The bass in this album makes me nut. Great tone. Makes me make the stinky bass face. The album flows really well and is an easy listen (in a good way). I don't usually listen to RnB, but I really enjoyed this one. 4/5
Starts off with some pretty lame Muzak but then once it gets into the groove I’m into it. Bass is thumping and Mr Maxwell is horny as hell, good RnB. Not my thing, but it’s definitely good. Light 4/5
Another Fuck Jams album, this time with funky guitar and worse songs. It wasn't bad, but I got the bit halfway through and it really started to drag. Also, "Til the Cops Come Knocking" may be an eighth as sexy as he thinks it is, if that.
2.5
Need to listen to it more, but definite 4 stars for me.
Dude, what are these reviewers on? This album slaps. It's so, so much better than what I imagined after reading "R&B" and "1996" in the same record description. This is what hip-hop should sound like. This sends a message, and dang it, it sounds smooth as heck. Half the reviews be like: - "This is the soundtrack of moist vaginas. 3 stars." (You meant 5 stars, right?) - "Smooth, funky baby-making music. 3 stars." (What the bum? Where's your baby-making patriotism?) - "A few nice funky parts but overall very boring r&b/soul. 1 star." (Hey, at least it's got melody, consistent harmony, instruments played by humans, and non-hateful lyrics. Already it's doing better than most 90s output.) - [paraphrased] "yeah this is the smoothest, sexiest, most insanely good R&B I've ever heard, but some of the tracks are a bit long. 1 star." In general, the instrumental is slightly stronger than the vocal, which is so stereotypically soul-esque that it does admittedly get a little stale. The high-pitched disco vocal, à la Marvin Gaye or Barry Gibb, is a welcome blast from the past, but also old news – particularly for the Gen X/Millennial audiences who were expecting explicit-content-warning misogyny and overdone shoutouts to other black musicians. But the synths, the drums, the hecking bassline? Yeah. That's some good audio content. Particularly in the former half of the album, with a top-tier array of songs including The Urban Theme, Sumthin' Sumthin', Ascension, and ...Til the Cops Come Knockin'. (The final-track reprise probably should've been cut, but alas.) 58 minutes of solid enjoyment that I would gladly sit through again. Public Enemy ain't got nothing on Public FWB. 4/5 Key tracks: The Urban Theme, Sumthin' Sumthin', Ascension (Don't Ever Wonder)
Okay…I listened and I don’t have to listen again.
I had never heard of Maxwell and I'd never heard any of these songs before now, but this was absolutely awesome. The grooves were so deliciously funky and groovy, the vocals were absolutely amazing, and the production quality was stellar. All of the instrumentation (bass, drums, sax, guitar, keys) were top notch and I was just grooving to it the entire time. This was easily one of the best collections of new (to me) music I've heard in a long time and it totally blew me away. The album was plenty long, but I listened to it twice because I just loved it that much. Five stars easily.
Couldn't stay awake!
I expect some people to dismiss this as elevator music but I don’t agree. I think this is wonderful, groovy and chill all at the same time! I enjoyed this a lot but I must admit that it gets a bit repetitive. However, it’s a great art to produce all these immaculate tracks that form such a cohesive album.
Brings back memories of that time in the mid to late '90's when the '70's R&B groove and disco permeated everything for a couple summers. I hear a lot of this influencing artists like Justin Timberlake and backing tracks and bass lines that were super heavy in Dr. Dre 2001. The songs tend to run together after a bit. I'm not sure that's a bad thing in this case though. Otherwise there isn't much to recommend here.
This was such a palatable concept album about love and sex. I enjoy the funk inserted into the album and was hoping for a bit more. However, I like the lovey dovey journey we as listeners went on.
not for me
Sounds like the music you think you put on for sex in the 90s. I don't like it
So smooth it slipped right out of my brain without leaving a mark
Unrelenting in it's utter dullness. 1.5*
Sure, ok. I feel like I can hear this album‘s influence on other later R&B records.
The smoothest of smooth R&B and a full albums of tracks to smash to. Overlong in parts, but the highs are truly outstanding.
Smooth, although without really any memorable moments. It's still good enough to keep in rotation though.
Smooth funky soul pop that's well produced and well sung but it's not really my bag either
The instrumental tracks were ok as background music, but the vocals ruined the other tracks
Enjoyable cool summery vibes.
Not my thing though not as terrible as I had expected I suppose. Far too smooth and generic sounding, all sort of blended into an indistinguishable sickly mush.
Too much cheese.
Smooooooooooooooooooth! It was fine as background music, but largely forgettable.
liked it, not too memorable though
I liked it
A smooth listen, perhaps not up my alley but a good sounding record
Nice album no standout but flows nicely will definitely listen again
L'adjectif «léché» convient parfaitement à cet album super maîtrisé qui coule et s'étire comme du caramel. Même moi qui ne suis pas très sensible à ce genre, j'ai bien aimé.
I know it's intentional, but the tracks kind of all just blended together for me and I ended up being a bit bored and forgetting to listen Standouts - 3/5
I guess I was overdue a bad album, but wow, this was just so bad. Syrupy-sweet saccharine noises for almost an hour. I started to feel a bit queasy five minutes in, and by the halfway point I was just holding on for the bitter end. Awful 1 star album.
26/04/2025 It was harmless, but it wasn't for me.
Muy bueno
It's definitely chill beats to urban hang to i fell well asleep. The first few songs were promising and then it kind of became take that album tracks idk. I guess its maybe a very good version of what it is and the bass is standout but idk I'm not bringing a girl back to my student flat in the 90s so this was mostly lost on me sorry. I can't stress how asleep I fell.
Now here's another artist / album that jave never heard of. This could be fun... And, .... it was so-so. Pretty generic soft Soul-Funk-Jazz-Easy Listening. Not offensive, not memorable, not really anything. One listen and done.
Pretty sexy. Not my thing but I totally get why this is on this list. Super well made. And super smooth.
background music, jazzy, synth-base like daft punk
Интересный, доступный, но без откровений.
Excellent but not exceptional.
I weirdly enjoyed this one! I'm usually not big on the background noise type of albums, but this was so smooth and relaxing 4 ⭐️
Meh, not my cup of tea.
Easy listening. Not bad
not my thing
The first track is what you get if you combine all the r&b loops in garage band
This album was pure 90s slow jam. Don’t really know what to say as it’s not my type of music. It was okay but not overly exciting.
At it's heart, it's a bedroom album. A well written, produced and performed album, but not really my taste. I would have loved for the band to stretch out a bit and go a little heavier into the funk, but every song is just kind of mellow.
This album is described as a concept album about adult romance, from Maxwell's personal experiences ... Oh boy! This album was not really my cup of tea overall. The album was going okay from the beginning as I was just trying to groove with it ... until the Cops came knockin'. After that, the album became a bit sappy like an old tree in early summer, and I just started to tune out. The first three tracks were probably the best, but I don't see myself listening to this again.
Smooth as hell
Kanske inte svindåligt men det är ett riktigt sömnpiller.
24/1001 I’ve have probably heard every track on this record at least a dozen time, done several times more, but I don’t think I’ve ever heard this album in its entirety before. It is such a great 90s RnB record. Maxwell’s vocals are silky smooth and just pull you in. The funky, bouncy bass lines throughout the album are mesmerizing. This album blends jazz, funk, soul, with the sound of the mid 90s so well. 8.6/10
Smooth like butter, and soulful like pie.
1st half is really good. 2nd half is eh. 3.5
The bassist from this album needs a raise. Every bass line is outrageous, it's the background and forefront of every second of every song ..til The Cops Come Knockin.. so funky, so good. The middle section with the ballads in a row kinda stops the momentum. Still good songs, but just loses the flow a little.
The History of Soul Music: Ray Charles: I can be fun and smooth at the same time! Stevie Wonder: I can be furious and smooth at the same time! Maxwell: I can be smooth and smooth at the same time! Seriously, there's such a thing as too smooth. I knew I'd one day get a mid Soul album, but it's still sad that Soul will be dethroned as my top genre. It's ok though. I'll get another Michael Jackson or one by The Temptations and it'll cancel out. Favorite Track: ...Til the Cops Come Knockin'
Smooth r&b
Low-key R&B
I can appreciate the style of music but a full hour of soft bedroom genre while I'm working just didn't hit for me.
Liked it as background music but would find it a bit samey to listen to on its own
Great vibe but got a bit too sensual for me towards the end. Enjoyed overall though very groovy Specific rating -4.2 Fav song - urban theme Least fav - lonelys only company
Nice jazzy vibes; very good background music for my walkies
Neo soul classic
Really smooth and enjoyable.
I have not heard this album before, but it's right up my alley. Love the jazz/funk/smooth soul music and the lyrics are perfect. Good "love-makin'" music here. So after hearing this album, I went and checked out some of his later works and none of them really seemed to capture the magic on this album, so the fact that this one is on the list seems to make sense. Definitely worth hearing before I die! 3.5/5
Not my thing. All the songs sound the same. Some of the reviews on here are brilliant.
Not the genre for me
Soulful from start to finish. Really enjoyed this listen, even if it's not something I'm likely to return to. 4.5
Nice groove on this. I felt the Suite stuff at the end was a little forced. I liked the reprise of "...Til the Cops Come Knockin' ", nice wat to close out the album. It's hard to believe this is already 30 years old. I remember Maxwell being big back in the day, but I didn't realize it was a LOT of days ago. Crap, I'm old. Top tracks: "The Urban Theme," "Welcome," "Sumthin' Sumthin' ", "...Til The Cops Come Knockin' " (original and reprise)
Slick album. Neo soul is a perfect description because it has that old school feel (Isley Brothers, Marvin Gaye) but a new school twist. The first half of the album is funky and groovetastic. So much energy, so sexy cool. The Urban Theme is such a great kickoff and bleeds nicely into Welcome. In the words of Craig Robinson, ladies take your panties off. Maxwell just keeps grooving through Sumthin Sumthin, Ascension, Dancewithme, and Til The Cops Come Knockin. But as he progresses, he lays the groundwork for a different style on the back half of the album. The funk goes down and soft, soulful singing & styling ramps up. Just listen to Whenever Wherever Whatever. Damn - Maxwell's got vocal chops. Set the lights down low from there. His combo of vocals and Kenny G style jazz accompaniment just ooze out. Lonely's the Only Company and Reunion have the same slow jam. Suitelady cranks up a bit of the funk, especially as he changes his vocal delivery, though still with a slower tempo. And then fades out with The Suite Theme, a soft, mostly instrumental jam (minus a few sighs and murmurs until the 3.5 minute mark). And if you weren't pregnant before the album started, you are now. You weren't even having sex? Don't matter, still pregnant. You're a guy? Still pregnant. That's just what good baby making music does. I actually liked the funky first half of the album more, but I recognize the quality of the slow jamming second half. Funny, I remember D'Angelo but I don't remember Maxwell at all from high school days.
Smyoooooth Myoooosic. Super derivative and drags on close listen (particularly the second half), but a cool groovy background listen with very high recording quality, excellent musicianship, and Maxwell has a great voice. Favorite tracks: Sumthin' Sumthin' (big phat phunky bass), Ascension (good groove), Dancewitme (great bass and guitar groove).
Big disappointment. First few tracks had me really excited for the rest of the album. But then it just kinda slowly, and I'll admit, sensually, decayed into relatively generic baby-making music. 2/5 because I really liked the first two tracks. Only reason it's not a one.
Not as sweaty or as horny as D’Angelo, not as articulate or manly as Babyface. At least he didn’t commit crimes like R. Kelly, or Michael Jackson for that matter. Nice guy finishes third.
This was smooth but very same-y. An entire album meant to have sex to.
Meh. I didn't mind it at first, but 3 tracks in and I'm over it. This definitely has a place and time, but here and now is not it.
Спокойная фоновая музыка для приятного вечера. 7 из 10
Not my style, but I suppose it’s pretty good for what it is. After a while it got old, though. An hour of this is too much, especially when some songs are largely instrumental and the vocal part is basically “woooooaaaahh.” Or some other such. Would be better as just an instrumental piece.
Fine as background sex music, but really nothing of value beyond that
Really groovy music. Would listen while playing a board game with friends.
The first half of the album is really strong, with the funk influences shining through along with the classic soul and R&B. I feel the second half was slightly weaker, but I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it overall, and how I would be happy to revisit it in the future. That makes it worthy of a 4 stars.
Pebble Mill music. Drab.
I enjoyed this more than I was expecting. There's a lovely groove going off throughout. He came close to giving me the horn. It sounds like Backstabbers being played at the wrong speed for most of the album.
Day 18: Like the Groove!!! 3/5 #Musicsky #albumsky
5/10 slipped my mind... 4-2-2025
A decent r&b/soul album, I enjoyed listening to it and even added one song to 'liked' (Dancewithme). The album has a strong 'dancing/move your body' vibe, which is really cool. Listening to it I vividly imagine people dancing somewhere in a big city of the States or in some club.
3.5 stars. Neo soul/R&B album that replaces hip-hop with more soul and funk which is a sound I much prefer. Lots of crooning and romantically-saturated lyrics paired with sensual beats makes it a make-out soundtrack.
some interesting beats that can't keep my attention for an hour
After the first track, I thought this was going to be a modern jazzy instrumental type album that you’d hear in an upscale restaurant and I think I would’ve liked it better that way. The lyrics are pretty generic 90s R&B, I only made it about halfway through, got bored and turned it off.
1.6 Too smooth for my tastes
so smooth that there was nothing to it. not offensive but just... nothing memorable about it.
smoother than a rock that's been sitting at the bottom of a river while much better music flows all around it. nothing here of note. favorites: the urban theme
Fun
Very nice music, mellow.
Not terrible but not my thing. Was going to give it 3 stars, but the songs are too long.
Not my cuppa but a decent record
3 stars
So seducing, damn
Not bad, but very oldhead R&B
Starts pretty good but damn it drops off HARD
Not a fan of soft R&B/soul at the best of times but this album was a particularly bad example. Overproduced 90s sound, everything at the same tempo, designed to be background music. Had the worry when I stopped halfway through yesterday that I had no idea where I was up to but that cops come knocking song lasted long enough that I knew I'd finished that. Otherwise, not memorable, 1.5 but more a 1.
A lovely, soulful, smooth voice. However, poured over the same beat for an hour is borderline soporific. I honestly didn't mind it as background music at the gym, found myself caressing the dumbbells. I might even listen again, if I was feeling particularly pimpy. But I would never admit to it.
Never heard of this guy, but his hang suite sure is smooth! Not really for me though although I didn't mind it in the background.... Not a soul fan particularly I did notice a song that seemed to be about locking someone up and not letting them out until the cops come knocking though? Is that meant to be sexy? I'm not down with that Maxwell 2
Discount MJ vibes. Real smooth real mid
I wonder if Maxwell's Demon is the bouncer at his Urban Hang Suite, too
It’s just a retro pastiche of soul, funk, and (apparently) porn music. I’m not sure why this should be on the list when you could just include more the superior source material.
idk if it's been my MOOD but just none of the albums are hitting right now...
Sexy as hell but music to put on when there are more important things to be getting on with ;)
It's fine. He has a good voice and the songs are written and arranged really well, but it sounds like a lot of other stuff.
Quite cool, loungy and elegant. Reminds me of Jamiroquai. Somewhat artificial and polished. Nothing I care much about, but well done.
A cozy, smooth record
This was very well produced. But it sounded like a pastiche of better music from the ‘70s, and the lyrics were comically cliché.
I suspect that this is probably very good, but it is not my thing.
I mean, it sure was smooth. Definitely, definitely smooth. And 100% 90's. I didn't hate it, I can at least put my hands on the table and say that. I enjoyed Maxwell's vocals, it's obviously a very sensual album created for one thing and one thing only and the smooth, funk beats are fun... for a while. And then you realise, for most of the album, it's the same. Over and over again. One song blends into another and I kept losing track of when one song ended and another began. This album could have done with shaving off about 15-20 minutes of run time and maybe I'd have forgiven it for that but it's an hour of the SAME SOUND. Listen, I get it. When you're getting down and dirty, you're hardly paying attention to the music you're playing and if there is one thing this album does it create a vibe. It transports you to some dimly lit lounge, half empty on a Tuesday evening. The imagery it creates is pretty powerful. But when you are listening to it at 9am on a Monday in your office job, it doesn't quite have the same effect. In fact, I started writing this review before it ended, thinking it would at least be over by time I type all of this but I'm still only half way through the second last song. The sax was fun, though.
Tasty tunes, great bass, sexy production.
Not my type of music, but it’s great for what it is
Smooth…. So smooth you take it for granted but I’m sure there is a lot of musicianship going on….
So smooth, it might put you in a trance... or just straight to sleep.
This had some cool funky moments with overall chill vibes. Good stuff, solid 3.5⭐️.
A cool mix of 70's soul released in 96. A generous helping of jazzy, soft sax. Yeah, just my style.
Groovy, baby.
Sex: The Album. If 'Dick in a Box' were a real song it would be on here. It's a little smoother than I like, but the funky notes are pretty good
Eehhhhhh no thanks. This type of R&B rubs me the wrong way.
Favorite Track: Ascension
As smooth as butter, but much less exciting.
Echt echt echt nicht meins ich fand das bisserl langweilig
just super sexy to a tee, it doesnt really deviate from the formula, but it doesnt need to, its different in that its a lot smoother and funkier than contemporary RnB at the time, a nice detour until you come back to Ginuwine. I'll add it to the fuck music list.
A great album for a romantic evening of humping OR a solo evening in bed straight jorkin it
I'm thinking this is a case of an album aging particularly poorly, but this album just sounds dated and cheesy as hell, which is what I imagine happens to most sensual "bedroom" R&B music (Marvin Gaye excluded). The funky record scratch type guitar sound (someone help me here. I dont think its a flanger, whats the pedal used for the guitar sound that comes out right away in the first song, assuming it is an effects pedal?) just dates this album so hard. Also comes off as a bit elevator-music or dentist music-y at times. But even still, I've listened to much better neo soul before (D'Angelo's Black Messiah is fantastic, and D'Angelo is a much better singer), so even for the genre, disregarding how poorly it's aged, it's still not good IMO.
Hypothesis: whatever genre you happen to dislike, you will think there's way too much of it as you work your way through the 1001+ albums in this project. I've seen people complain that there's too much electronica. Too much post-punk. Too much Bowie. It's not Maxwell's fault that he helped me form this hypothesis, as I reacted to his music with "WTF, more R&B?!" but I did not enjoy the listening experience. For me, the project has too much R&B. Sorry, Maxwell; it's not you, it's me.
Decent R&B, but not fully my jam.
The songs are a little long for me. A lot of songs in the six minute range. But a fun listen. I would come back for a few of the songs, but probably won't do a full listen again.
I get it, I get it, you have sex. Thanks for sharing that information over and over again via songs that mostly sound the same and are all about a minute too long (unless you're having sex to them, in which case they're about 3 minutes too long). I don't normally have a problem finishing, but I just couldn't make it all the way through this album.
SMooooth! 90’s R&B/Soul so good. Great album.
Smooth but boring after awhile.
I made love to this album. To clarify, I didn’t make love listening to this album but to an actual physical copy. I didn’t have a choice.
Aggressively dull.
This was a good listen, but gave me too much bedroom vibes. Not really my cup of tea. Also there's a few songs on here my mom always used to listen to, so I'll take that how I see fit.
# Album Name: Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite # Artist: Maxwell # Rating:2/5 # Comments: Have you ever seen that movie from 2010 called devil? Where they are stuck in a elevator before being brutally killed. Well imagine that with this album on the speaker before going to hell. Sadly, thats as good as it gets. The tracks are pretty boring. Very samey. Disappointing considering the quality of the musicians. Lots of funk on this album. Its like melted butter. Super smooth. I felt it could have been better. I definitely did not need to listen to this for 60 minutes. # Top Tunes: None # Would I listen to it again? No
Menu music for an unlicensed sports game franchise
Wiggins sold me a dummy with the "unlicensed video game soundtrack" line which only applied to the first track. Garbage
This is probably what someone listened to if they had sex in an elevator in the 90s
It just kind of sounds like a caricature of music to have sex to. I can't swear to it I haven't heard this come on in a bunch of network TV shows right at the start of the (all-PG) sex scene. Apart from the humor of that, there isn't a whole lot going on here - it's basically muzak.
Never heard of Maxwell, but this was incredibly smooth. I don't know that I would listen again, but it was enjoyable background music.
I had not previously heard this artist or album so I had no idea what to expect, but this album is a welcome change from most others on this list. It's a pretty nice R&B album. There were some parts that got a little repetitive, but overall I enjoyed it. I could see coming back to this one.
I like funky smooth music, but I felt like Maxwell was into sexy times far more than I felt comfortable with on this first date.
If you could turn a Womanizer into a record, this is what it would sound like.
It was certainly a vibe. I loved the saxophones throughout the entire album and would absolutely turn it on if I’m looking for a chill, relaxing, schmexy saxophone vibe. But it didn’t overall grasp my interest cause I didn’t find all the lyricism amazing throughout the album. Definitely high quality stuff though, the lyrics just aren’t the focus, and generally very enjoyable.
One hell of a vibe. Smooth buttery and warm, an enjoyable listen fs
Not really a fan of R&B
It was kinda boring.
Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite is often hailed as a groundbreaking R&B album that brought a fresh sound and artistic depth to the genre. However, despite its innovative production and smooth melodies, it can be argued that the album doesn't possess the same level of excitement as its reputation suggests. While tracks like "Ascension (Don’t Ever Wonder)" showcase Maxwell's unique vocal style and lyrical introspection, the overall pace and vibe of the album may leave some listeners craving more energy and engagement, making it a subdued experience rather than a thrilling one.
Amazing electronic/soul/r&b mix - like James brown but modern.
One of my faves.
I swear it was an hour of the same song on repeat.
Yeah just way too cheesy 90s vibe
Songs i knew 0 Songs i like: lost of them (if I was in a lift) File this under "music I'd like to goose to while in a lift". Good not great, high 3.
On par with the Beatles
Smooth as silk, sweet like honey, seductive like, eh... well, you get the point.
3 sterne
I was a teenager in the 90's and I've never heard of this. I'm not even sure what type of people were listening to this. The first track was interesting, the second lost a little with the introduction of the vocals. By the end everything had blurred together into a forgettable mess. This is decent if you're hearing one song, but a whole album is too much.
Groovy tune, creepy sex vibes
This is just very, very good. Smooth, funky, tasteful, masterful.
The strong start provided by the first three tracks gives way to some overly smooth and repetitious stuff. Stand out track for me is The Urban Theme.
This album is sex. In all forms and emotions it’s sex. The album is 2000s cool. Sade production and backing with one of the last true New York musicians. It’s a classic cultural piece from the Afro-chic culture in Brooklyn before the hipsters razed it. The production stretches the piece into an entire world for your ears. Ebbing and flowing form the lush instrumentational meditations into lyrical phrasing to connect the themes.
It was a good listen, just what I needed after a difficult day.
Favorite Track: Whenever Wherever Whatever
Decent album but reminds me of elevator music really. Light and easy to listen to but nothing I'm in a rush to listen to again.
Spicy, to say the least
In general kind of boring, “till the cops come knocking” really has not aged well on a couple of fronts. A song about locking a woman up? This seems like it was questionable even in the mid 90s.
Nothing special
1. "The Urban Theme" 3,5 2. "Welcome" 2,7 3. "Sumthin' Sumthin'" 1,9 4. "Ascension (Don't Ever Wonder)" 2,5 5. "Dancewitme" 2,3 6. "...Til the Cops Come Knockin'" 2,1 7. "Whenever Wherever Whatever" 1,4 8. "Lonely's the Only Company (I & II)" 1 9. "Reunion" 1,1 10. "Suitelady (The Proposal Jam)" 1,4 11. "The Suite Theme" (ends at 6:00; hidden track at 12:06) 1,3 Average 1,93
The whole thing is dropping with cool. Just feels stylish and laid back. Like the soundtrack to a great JRPG. Very Gekkoukan High lol.
Pleasant and inoffensive enough, but I didn't need an hour of it. It certainly isn't an album you need to hear before you die, though it is representative of a lot of shit that fills up airtime on smooth radio stations and pumps noise into shops, cafés and bars. Whatever. It was clearly meticulously and skilfully recorded and produced, so I won't give it 1 star. I'm going to listen to Einstürzende Neubauten to counteract all this bouba with some kiki. The review "Bang bang Maxwell's Urban Hangsuite" from 6 Nov 2024 made me laugh.
Background music, at best
It starts jazzy and funky and develops into something else (RNB?). The second half is too smooth for me.
Well produced, but unless you are into panty dropping music or in the mood to get it on, it’s hard to take the overall album too seriously.
It’s like background music. Like, no opinion either way. Forgettable.
Right off the cuff, i'm loving the groove. Good album to play when you're spending some time with that special lady.
So smooth.
Didn't like it, didn't dislike it, not sure what makes it top 1000
it's depressing to think of all the joyless sex that has happened with this playing in the background.
Not my thing.
Hold up why did this actually go insanely hard.
One listen was enough and that was a struggle. Not my bag baby. Enjoyed reading everyone else's comments.
Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite Lynn, these are sex people I vaguely remember Maxwell, and this is the sort of thing I would have really hated in the 90s. I’m more open to this sort of thing now, and there are parts to this I really enjoyed, but it suffers from being the type of music that, due to how seriously it takes itself, has been so extensively parodied that it’s hard to remember to take it completely seriously. Eg Til the Cops Come Knockin’ is utterly Lonely Island. I also don’t know enough 90s R’n’B or Neo Soul to know where this sits in the oeuvre. I do like his voice, it's obviously very Michael Jackson influenced, but it does have a lovely smooth tone and feel. The percussion and bass are also nice, again a very smooth, clearly very 70s soul influenced sound, and they do have a great pocket and groove on most of the tracks, and the organs and keyboards also maintain that retro feel. The guitars however aren’t good at all, (which is quite mad when you see who played on this) they don’t sound 70s or retro at all, they sound incredibly cheesy, and a lot like Garageband loops from 2004. Which is quit It’s obviously a very different album from Good Old Boys, but I have a similar feeling that individually or in small doses many of the songs here are enjoyably listenable, but in its entirety it doesn’t quite work and the sex message gets rather laboured. Despite the guitars I liked Welcome and Ascension is really good, a nice overbite bit of 90s funk-soul. Dancewitme is probably the stand out track for me, a great groove with a nice bit of energy. Suitelady, despite some of the unintentionally funny lyrics and guitar, is also a nice bit of slowed down groove, and I didn’t mind the closing Suite Theme at, despite it teetering on the edge of complete cheese with the sax and whispered vocals. I didn’t hate this, and quite enjoyed it in parts. It’s not something I would ever have chosen to listen to, but I’m ultimately glad I did. I may not revisit it that often, but it feels like a solid sex album in the 90s R’n’B genre, so I’ll go for a smooth and buttery but goes on too long 3. (Also, is Maxwell’s Hang Suite just Maxwell’s House? If so he’s missed out on a potentially lucrative marketing opportunity with Maxwell House coffee) 🍬🍬🍬 Playlist submission: Dancewitme
It's Brand New Heavies, it's D'Angelo, it's slow mo videos of sexy ladies in satin walking through rustic swinging doors into a dimly lit room with candles and a freestanding bath, it's cadburys flake, it's a glass of pinot on a Sunday night. It's souless, advert music. I will never - never - intentionally listen to this insipid lounge music again.
Loved the first song and enjoyed the next couple but lost interest by the end
AHHHH this came out in '96 and thus began the massive crush on Maxwell...he reignited R&B soul crooning - the next Teddy P - I was at a Maxwell show and the women were literally !! throwing their panties on the stage. I LOVE this album and still listen to it. Fantastic sound vibe groove 1st 4 tracks are blissfully gorgeous for me, love him!
I appreciate it, but it didn't resonate with me. It was soothing and blended into the background.
Just damn. Tasty grooves abound. And a voice as sweet as the come. Serious heat on every song.
Not bad, not good.
Nice but a little mellow for my taste.
Had the wife and I reconsidering our decision not to make babies. 4.5
A little surprised I already have this whole album saved in my Spotify account. I thi k it's from when I first signed on and treated like building a collection of CDs or something. Having listened to it, I can see I probably just enjoyed the sound of it but didn't really listen to it as an album, because wow, it drags. It never sounds bad, but it just drags on and on and on and on.
Not really my thing but he is good at what he does.
Good vibes all round - making love til the cops knock a very funny concept
90’s R&B is not my favorite…
Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite stands as a testament to 90's R&B production superiority. The record just sounds *cool*.
It's chill, easy to listen to. I'm trying to be more present in the moment and spend less time rushing around, living in my head. This type of music helps with that. As another reviewer said - the songs aren't in a rush, they are unfolding.
not bad but very same-y after a certain point.
Vibey, chill romantic
An alright album, no real standouts.
Funky, jazzy soul. Had some rather enjoyable moments.
Glad I listened to this, but it's not for me. Every song sounded about the same so I couldn't really get into it. About as smooth as it gets though.
I'm a man and I think I'm pregnant after listening to this
Not bad music at all, but just doesn’t get me excited. After 3 or 4 songs they all start sounding the same to me. However, great recording quality especially the bass and drums.
Like being bathed in warm treacle.
Not my jam, but great neo soul
Reveal thoughts: Hell yeah! I love(ed) this album! So, this is an interesting one. I went into it thinking it could be 5 stars - I listened to the shit out of it back in the day. Now though…it doesn’t hit as hard. It magnificent for what it is, and I remember when Neo-Soul was my jam, and this album was/is Neo-Soul royalty! But this is the first album that has made me think about how different I am now. I’m not saying it isn’t good - it’s really good! But it’s more like 3.5 good instead of 5 star good. A little boring, maybe? I think it’s one of those things I need to be in the mood for, versus there being a time where this *was* my mood. Like I said, it’s probably 3.5 stars, but it’s so much better than many albums I’ve given 3 stars, it’s getting a 4.
Middling background music. 2.5 stars
Started out really nicely! Enjoyed the first half of the album through Till the Coos come knocking. Then I had to fast forward through the last six songs! Only so much sappiness I can take.
I'm not really supposed to talk about the lawsuit, but this guy stole my hairdo and we settled out of court. Ok so I'm going along with a lot of the other reviews that I've read, and agreeing that this gets to be kind of bland song after song. Not much variation. But I will give it a three because I do think that it still sounds legitimately current. I would have never guessed this was released in 1996.
Every song on the album starts the same. Track one is promising but by song two it’s clear that Maxwell is going nowhere fast with this one.
Decent r&b
Goodness gracious this is smooth. Smooth as satin. As silk, even. It does all blend together a bit, but it's too good across the board for me to dislike it. Favorite: Whenever Wherever Whatever
Surprisingly good. May listen again.
Feels like the kind of thing Americans get excited about. There's some talent in there and trappings of intrigue but it forgets to be exciting in any way. Cafe music but not really suitable for a cafe
Sexy music. Made me wish I had a gf.
This was so sexy it hurt.
At the start I was really feeling kind of the funk/juazz/R&B at work, but after 30 minutes I was ready to move on. Very fun but didn't need all of it
This music is to intelligent for me, hahah
Funky!
I guess is an good album but not my style
This is a really weird choice. There possibly isn't a genre that has dated as badly as 90s neo-soul. Nu metal maybe. Also, if that's the front cover I am absolutely dying to know what is on the back??? Just a giant picture of his cock? The only question remaining is will this unremarkable album hold on to a 2, or will it annoy me sufficiently over the course of 64 long minutes to drop a point? Yes.
Who? 1990's R&B/Soul from an American R&B singer-songwriter that I've never heard of. Quite pleasant, almost disappears into the background, nothing special.
that's good romance music
Oh goodie, another hour long album about sex. As an bonus, this one also somehow manages to sound like department store music.
It don't push all the right buttons for me but it was still a nice listen. Towards the end of it I couldn't tell which song was which because they all sounded the damn same, had me snoozing at certain parts. Top 3 Favorites: Sumthin' Sumthin', Ascension (Don't Ever Wonder), and Whenever Wherever Whatever Whole lotta mid towards the second half of the album 2.50-3.00/5
It's smooth and got some groove, but doesn't fully tickle my fancy. Good music, though. 3.25
Fun 90's R&B
Music to fall asleep to. Also perfect for elevators.
Unfortunately not my kind of music.
This makes two albums in a row of music that shouldn't make this list, and that is a chunk of my life that I'll never get back.
Enjoyable 3*
Liked it to start with but got old quickly.
I came into listening to this one not knowing what I would expect. the first half, it wasn't really my thing but it was listenable enough and didn't mind it. the second half was slower and was even less my thing. if you like sensual r&b, you'll probably love this. for me, it felt more like I was a background character in a porno.
Beautiful voice and cool rhythms, especially the bass. But the lyrics are a bit too sappy for me.
I was into the first couple of songs and the cops song, but then the rest is just the same so it gets a bit boring. Smooth is fine, but all the time?! I looked at the lyrics and they're like basic level smooth talk BS--where's Marvin Gaye when you need him?
I guess the purpose of music like this is to put on while having sex? Do people really do that? I'd feel like something out of an awful moving putting this on. Also this sucks.
Til the cops come knocking eh? Dodgy. Slickly produced and all but this vibe is not for me.
Albums like this are why I'm doing this project. Never would have listened to this album otherwise but I'm glad I did. A pleasure for the ears
Silky smooth. Will check out Maxwells other albums
I am really baffled by some of these super negative reviews. For what it is, a smooth rnb album, it is really good. Maxwell has a great silky voice, the bass is funky and goes crazy (especially on the first half), there's plenty of small musical things going on in the background to keep in interesting even if the tracks are long and the overall vibe is perfect to put it on in the background. Still, I have to admit, it tends to drag by the end of the album and it would really benefit from trimming approx. 15 minutes, that would make it a really great album. 3/5
I was grooving but then it all started to sound the same
The jams so sultry Jazzy, smooth as butter, soul For you to unwind
Started reasonably alright but soon became repetitive and so completely lost my attention.
This style of smooth jazz / soul / r&b has never gelled for me. I get the value that fans have and know that Maxwell is amongst the best but can't speak to much more than that. However the musicians on this album lay down a very fine funk. 3/5
some of the funkier stuff was okay, the instrumental jazz was okay, the r&b and slower stuff isn't my thing. i think i hate r&b 2.5
Great vocalist. Basic rhythm. Great overall? No.
Artiste inconnu. Quelques lignes de basse intéressantes, mais l'album sera vite oublié. C'est une musique d'ambiance, pas désagréable, mais sans rien de remarquable. Les morceaux sont un peu trop long, et assez répétitifs. Aucune envie de l'écouter de nouveau. =>2/5
Chillin R&B vibes from the mid 90's. Felt like good atmospheric chillin
Hit or miss tracks on this one
Bang Bang Maxwells Urban Hangsuite
Groovy tunes
A smooth, sultry vibe drifts across each track, like a soft blend of D'Angelo’s rich tones and Sade’s moody intimacy. The beats are mellow, rhythms slow but textured, creating a warm, inviting space. It’s an album meant for dim lights and quiet moments. Vocals stay calm, restrained, letting the music breathe. There’s a sophistication here, a kind of timeless charm, yet it feels contained, never pushing boundaries.
Have already spun this record many many times. Love the sound of the singles and the production credits of one of Sade's producers helps round out the sound but something's missing in the full product. Theres an infectiousness to the singles that's lost in the full product. Bedroom music can sometimes be background music. Both a compliment and an insult
What a nice album! Hits just the right spot for me. Really funky, nice basslines, lots of electric piano and nice guitar fills. What is there not to like? I just found the album overall nice to listen through. Strongest songs are probably 'Urban Theme', 'Sumthin' Sumthin' and 'Ascension', but the thing I missed the most was a real banger that clearly stands out and you can put on repeat. Luckily all songs are just nice to listen to, and I can definitely see myself put on this whole record when working or something.
RnB is not my thing and this was no exception. "Till the cops come knocking" felt like a scit with its bordering to awful lyrics. Other than that it just passed me by.
funky smooth jazz. 4? unless it really impresses me. I should enjoy this more, 2 or 3 I think if it stays this elevator.
Soul lentillo. Ni fu ni fa.
Rollo.
very very vibey
A sexy record that makes one want to have sex – more and sexier sex. As good as neo-soul/R&B ever got, and not just 'cos it's a panty dropper, but because it gets damn near everything else right, too.
There's a million albums out there that sound exactly like this one. Hardly a must-hear.
Wallpaper music.
Grew on me
Not my type of music
'Whenever Wherever Whatever' was my favorite track. The album was fine otherwise, but didn't quite resonate with me.
The Birth of the Uncool hated. (⌐■_■)
Too smooth. Nothing to hold on to.
Cooles Album mit chilliger Musik. Der Interpret kommt auf meine Beobachtungsliste
Medium Musik
Smoooooth
1.5
For soul music this is pretty soulless.
This album must be a great soundtrack to amazing sex I, however, am a bald, overweight man in his 40’s and therefore have limited use for it
I can only describe this as smooth. Stand-out: Lonely's the Only Company
I think that there is something to be said for an album that has a fully formed concept of what it wants to be and executes that vision flawlessly. Now, clearly the vision that Maxwell had for this album was Midnight Love-era Marvin Gaye (which I typically do not enjoy), a little bit of Prince, and sounds leaning a little closer to Kenny G than I’m typically okay with, but dammit did he hit his fucking mark. It is hard to dislike an album that does what it sets out to do this well.
I like this more than the hip hop oriented R&B. But it’s still miles away from Prince and Marvin Gaye.
Man, I am so happy that someone like this guy is on the list and not Chris Brown. Fuck Chris Brown. Me and my homies hate Chris Brown. Anyways, this album's good. I wouldn't say I love it, but it is a solid modern r&b album. I've never mentioned this before, but contemporary r&b is kind of what I was raised on, and by that, I mean that's what my parents listened to for a large part of my childhood. So I'm sure my parents have engaged in some Maxwell action before. I probably shouldn't phrase it that way. Let's actually talk about the album. This is somewhat of a concept album, which is something that always interests me. The album has a heavy focus on adult romance. That's it? I mean, I'm fine with an album having seductive writing. I mean I gave Marvin Gaye's Let's Get It On a 4! However, I feel like that's kind of the focus of contemporary r&b as a whole, which makes this album not feel like a concept album as much. But, another way to think of this is by looking at the release year. This was long before this style of music really hit it big, so this album plus a few others helped form the foundations of the genre. That gives this album value. The album also has value because it's good. I like Maxwell's singing. It fits the vibes very well. The writing is a bit repetitive, but certainly isn't bad. It gets the job done. The sound is pleasant and similarly arousing. The album's good, but it's nothing too special in my eyes. Still, I see the appeal. High 3/5.
Absolutely loved the first song which was instrumental... The rest of the tunes might be a liiiittle bit too much on the "smooth jazz" side for me, but they're definitely solid. Reminds me a lot of D'Angelo. I think overall it's a little bit too "I love you baby I need you in my life" for me.
These jams sure are slow
Good bit of R&B.
I really dig this album. I struggled to decide whether this was a 3 or 4. It's silky smooth, and honestly would work well as background music at a party, music to set the intimate mood, or just a vibe for the day. I think what ultimately pushed it to a 3 while the album is so diverse, i think the back half doesn't have as much luster as the front half. definitely want to have this in the rotation going forward, but don't have the heart to give it 4 stars
The music isn’t bad, but also nothing at all stuck out to me positively. “Till the cops come knocking” made me think about p Diddy. So….
I mean ya this is technically pretty good. Especially in a time before lofi beats. But this brings up a larger problem that if something like this is on this list and I don’t get any 90s country (Shania Twain, Tim McGraw, Brad paisley, Garth brooks were all massive at this time) I will be irate.