Customer Reviews

Embrya

5 star:		(182)
4 star:		(25)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

First off, I take it as a personal insult when this type of music is classified as soul or neo-soul or whatever. In my opinion, it defies genre. It is what it is, by itself, alone and unmatched.
If you've been been like me, getting by materially and haven't had much by way of luxury, then this cd is for you. It is like bathing in melted chocolate, milk or pearls. Yes, it's that decadent.
I scarcely know the lyrics to the songs but Maxwell's employ and arrangement of the drums, bass guitar, trumpets and other instruments is very richly textured.
All the songs sound different from one another but they segue fluidly into each other. Major standouts for me include tracks 00, 01, 02, 03, 09. Don't let that fool you. The other tracks are still powerful. The entire cd is sensual, stylish and spritual all at the same time. 'Embrya' is pure, avant-garde genius. I dont blame anyone if all other Maxwell albums pale in comparison to this one or if Maxwell himself can't top this. Recordings like these only come once in a lifetime. They cant be copied or repeated. They are inspired.
You will enjoy it to the very last drop.

Alot of people thought Maxwell lost his touch, but I didn't. Maxwell is alot like Erykah Badu...he is often misunderstood. Meaning when he does something different (which on this cd he did), people get bend out of shape. As a result, people didn't really buy this cd like they did his first one. But in my opinion, this cd is more deeper and much better than the first one. I think this cd is grand. Get it now.

"Embrya," the followup to Maxwell's "Urban Hang Suite," is a traffic-stoppingly beautiful collection of soothing soul that's as much a masterpiece as his debut. The album plays like a dreamy sequence of moods and events, all woven together by relaxing rhythms, seductive vocals, and well-done arrangements. Most sophomore albums disappoint by lazily rehashing formulas that already worked before. Not Maxwell's. "Embrya" is a confident step forward, and while the sound is definitely his own, the vibe is much more mellow and laid-back this time around. Tracks of note are the lush and elegant "I'm You: You Are Me," the sensual love jam "Submerge," and the hypnotic ballad "Know These Things: Shouldn't You." In my school of music, "Embrya," like its predecessor, gets an A.

When I bought this cd, I'd only heard 2 songs by Maxwell, none of which are on EMBRYA, but I was most pleasantly suprised at the sensuality of his voice and his likeness to my favorite female singer, Sade. Even the faster paced songs come across as slow, perhaps due to the silkiness of his voice or the flow of the music. It's true, his falsetto reeks of Prince at times (not that it's a bad thing) and his music has a hint of Marvin Gaye, but at the same time, I've never heard anyone with such a sophisticated sound in the R&B world, rather it's more of a contemporary jazz feel with a dash of funk. If you like the sensuous, sexy, mood-enhancing music reminiscent of Sade, you will love this C.D. Especially if you favor Jazz over R&B, like myself. TRUST ME!

I know Embrya's been out for a while now, but still, I felt I had to give Maxwell madd props. Each time I listen to the cd [which is at least once a day], I'm just completely in awe: not only of Maxwell's singing talent, but also of his incredible ear for music that just simply works. I'm one of those music fans who hasn't been at all fanatic about what's currently out there. Especially since it seems everyone's singing that same one song over and over. But Maxwell's really different, and Embrya is proof. This album takes u through a roller-coaster of every single emotion and experience u can think of and when it's over u feel like u wanna ride again. It's full of FUNK, SOUL, and JAZZ that have multi effects. They either make you wanna get up and groove or just lay back and think about that special one [for me it's Maxwell]. Either way it's great therapy. It's spiritual, it's sexy, it's...A MASTERPIECE. If there's only one R&B/Jazz/Funk/Soul cd u ever plan on buyin', THIS IS THE ONE. [Believe me, it's like 5am and I felt the need to let y'all who don't already know just how great this album is]. Definitely a great follow-up to Urban. Much love Maxwell!

The title itself says it all.

The few Maxwell songs I had heard on the radio prior to "Embrya", I found to be "o.k.". I picked up "Embrya" on a whim while in the record store, took it home and played it once, and could not stop playing it for months. I subsequently bought "Urban Hang Suite" and "Unplugged", and I feel that listening first to "Embrya" led me to better appreciate Maxwell.

I agree that "DrownDeep" is one of the best songs I know of from the past few years. The music is simply beautiful to say the least. The words convey a deep understanding of intimacy, as do the words of many of the other songs on the album, such as the powerful "You Shouldn't Know these things about Me", the engrossing "Submerge", and the cerebral "I'm You:You are Me and We are You".

Maxwell has a way of appealing to the Mind, Heart, and Spirit all at once, through not only the lyrics, which illustrate a cleverly subtle suggestiveness, but reinforced by his spontaneous, tantalizing croons and his equally spontaneous, wide-ranging inflections.

Maxwell's lyrics speak volumes. One example is from "EachHourEachSecondEachMinuteEachDay": "It's like I never ever doubted me; it's like I'm almost close to diggin' me; you made what I was missin', baby...all mine...keep doin' it on and on".

After his much hailed debut album, "Urban Hang Suite", Maxwell followed up with the less critically acclaimed "Embrya". Like its predeccesor, "Embrya" is a concept album, built around a theme or idea where each song is like a chapter in a novel. Essentially, this album is about birth/rebirth-the beginning of something new (the album cover illustrates this, as Maxwell appears as though he is in the womb). It continues where "Urban Hang Suite" ended and it's almost as if it is a sequel. Where "Urban Hang Suite" had Maxwell lamenting over lost love, "Embrya" finds him moving forward and finding new love. Many people just couldn't conceptualize this album-with its odd titled songs and varying music styles. Some critics dismissed it as self-indulgent. Therefore, album sales were a bit sluggish. In my opinion, I feel this album is superior to "Urban Hang Suite" and it is where my preference lies. The genre of music on his debut album pretty much stuck to the same format-there were elements of Funk, R&B and Soul, whereas, "Embrya" is more mellow and experimental branching off into different directions. There is a bit of reggae, hawaiian and what some refer to as "New Age" or "World Music". Being a fan of Sade, I enjoy the blending of varying music styles. Maxwell is no philosopher; many of the lyrics deal with love and eroticism (topics he seems to have pretty much mastered) and there is an element of spirituality ('Submerge: Til We Become The Sun'). The album begins with 'Gestation: Mythos/Everwanting To Want You To Want' and ends with 'Embrya' (a play on the word "embryo") which sounds almost like an ultrasound. I really can't pick a favorite song on this album, as I love them all. Some highlights include, 'Know These Things: Shouldn't You', 'Drowndeep: Hula' and 'Submerge: Til We Become The Sun'. While this album may not have been the darling of critics, it is an overlooked and undervalued album. Admittedly, it may be an acquired taste for some, but given a chance it will be appreciated as the lost gem that it is.

I don't know much about Maxwell. Just that he seems to be this cool character who struts his stuff in his videos.
So when I got hold of a copy of this album I was interested to see what it could produce.
And I was very pleased at the outcome.
Its a fantastic album and one which I love chilling out too.

Track 1
Ever Wanting To Want You To Want
The bass kicks in here big style. Its got such a funked beat and this opening track was the track which sold the album too me.
Its such a cool song and one of my favourites.
Maxwell vocally is superb with some real sexy lyrics.

Track 2
I'm You: You Are Me and We Are You
Another heavy bassed track. The funky feel keeps flowing, but this song is different.
Maxwell sings the first verse in Spanish. Spanish is a sexy language and it is fitting that Maxwell delievers the first verse this way. Top Stuff

Track 3
Luxury: Cocoure
This song was a single and I vaugly remembered it. Its such a good track. Its Lyrically better than the previous two (not taking anything away from them though)Another Maxwell cool track

Track 4
Drowndeep: Hula
This is more of a ballad. Its a beautiful track, and one which when I heard it, I just stopped doing anything and listened to the beautiful words and the amazing voice Maxwell has.

Track 5
Matrimony: Maybe You
The most upbeat song on this set. Its such a funky groove. Once again Lyrically Maxwell is so on form. This song has a great little guitar rift which really enhances the track.

Track 6
Arroz Con Pollo
This is an instrumental which has mixed from Track 5. When I first heard it, I hadn't noticed we were into another track as I thought that it was just playing on from Track 5. Its funky, its a bit of an interlude.

Track 7
Know These Things: Shouldn't You
His voice is just amazing here. Its another ballad type track, with more beautiful lyrics. Hes such a cool customer.

Track 8
Submerge: Till we become the Sun
One of the albums big highlights. Its a track which I love. Everything is right about it. Lyrics, vocals and music.

Track 9
Gravity - Push To Pull
Probably the weakest track the album has to offer. But to be honest its hard to fault any of the tracks. This is very good, but I just think musically and lyrically it lacks what the others do so well.

Track 10.
Eachhoureachsecondeachminuteeachday
Bit of mouthful is the title. But the song itself is another top draw effort. Cool and realaxed is the tone. It works.

Track 11

Embrya
Er.. not really a track. Not really an instrumental either! Just a fusion of a few strange noises!
Interesting though!

Overall
Excellent.
Maxwell is a real cool performer. There are many great Nu-Soul artists out there (Musiq, Jaheim, Joe,) and Maxwell is up there with the best of them. He is lyrically better than most though and this album is testement to his talents.

Yes! Yesterday, three days before it's official release in Europe, I found Maxwell's new album in several recordstores in my hometown, just below Amsterdam in Holland. Ofcourse I didn't hesitate buying it and I haven't stopped listened to it since. As a matter of fact I'm listening to it right now! When I compare my first listening experience of Embrya with the Suite, I must say, there's a big difference. I dug the Suite at once. There has been this spell from the beginning. I was filled with enthusiasm by his majestic funk from the very very first note I heard. An enthusiasm that hasn't weakened since. It has been my most played album since it's release back in '96. However the first listening round for Embrya was a bit of a disappointment. I didn't know what to think, what to feel. The production was beautifully done, as always. It's crystal clear, subtle and deep. For a moment I feared he might have overdone it. Most of the songs seemed less accessible, less catchy and more demanding than on the Suite. So after this first listening round I couldn't help thinking that this might be one of these albums that have to grow on you. So I played it again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again... and my conclusion less than 24 hours later has to be, Maxwell: you did it! You came up with the perfect follow up to the Suite. The growth is obvious. Not only musically, but also thematically. The songs are deeper and more spiritual than on the first album, thus more complex. That's why it took a bit longer for me to appreciate them. My favourites for now are 'Matrimony/Arroz con pollo', the latter being no less than 'Matrimony part 2'. The horn riffs and the rhythm guitars on it are as funky as funky can get. 'Know these things' must be his most delicate song to date. It's beautiful! 'Eachoureachsecondetc' is also one of my favourites. The album starts with the lovely intro of 'Everwanting' that builds the tension beautifully, just like the extended intro of 'Ascension' during his live performances. It makes you want to stand up and pledge allegiance to Maxwell's Majestic Funk. So Maxwellians, take your time with this new jewel. It deserves that. But beware, it might prove to be even more addictive than it's predesessor. By the way: Although there are lyrics of it in the booklet 'Gestation:mythos' isn't on the album... or is it? Remember the surprising 'Til the cops' reprise on the Suite? Well, there's one of those on this one as well, only less obvious. You may want to rewind your cd player just before 'Everwanting' starts. Enjoy!

On an average day, you turn on the radio only to be confronted by a barrage of rehashed themes, unoriginal lyrics and fake wanna-be lovers doing bad music.

Maxwell has truly found the "cure for this". His first album, UHS is definitely an R&B classic but Embrya is an emotional, ethereal listening experience. If you listened to this album and failed to have it move you....then you need some HELP.

The music is beautiful, plain and simple. You won't hear anyone with a sound like this on the radio. The song lyrics and production transform you to another realm. When you put Embrya on, you are transported to another time and place. This is musical escapism at it's best.

This is music that speaks to it's listener. I have so many favorites, I can't even start....I rarely listen to a CD and feel that the person truly wrote a song for me...but I feel that whenever I listen to Maxwell. He conveys his yearning, love, insecurity, confidence and sexuality in every song. That is truly a gift.

Maxwell....I wished we had met growing up in Brooklyn. You would have been mine. LOL

If you want a great listening experience, get Embrya and turn the lights down low...open up wide....he loves you.