Maxwell: MTV Unplugged [EP, Live]

Maxwell | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 15, 1997)
• Original Release Date: July 15, 1997
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: EP, Live
• Label: Columbia Records
• ASIN: B000002C1T
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (59 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #64,297 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #39 in Music > R&B > Neo-Soul

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Marvin Gaye's heir apparent buys time with this seven-song, 34-minute EP. In 1996, Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite showcased a rising star, and the sumptuous early '70s soul-moves here underline the potential. A bit of a tease, then, but just the ticket to spread the word about this remarkable newcomer. --Jeff Bateman

Product Description

International version of the urban artist's 1997 companion to his acclaimed MTV appearance with one additional track, 'Till The Cops Come Knockin'. Also features his beautiful rendition of Kate Bush's 'This Woman's Work' which is exclusive to this release. Of the other tracks, it features the singles, 'Sumthin' Sumthin', 'Ascension (Don't Ever Wonder)' & 'Whenever ,Whatever, Wherever'. Another rare track is his very loose soulful take on Nine Inch Nails 'Closer', going by the title here of 'Gotta Get: Closer'. 8 tracks in total. Sony. --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Maxwell Takes it to the Stage., November 11, 2002

By 

The Groove (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Maxwell: MTV Unplugged (Audio CD)

It's a bold, and often potentially misguided, step to release a live disc with only one album in your catalogue, but Maxwell pulls it off with his "Unplugged" set. Stripped of all the cliches associated with live discs, "Unplugged" is soulful, down-to-earth, and undeniably funky. This 7 track CD features a handful of album tracks and a Kate Bush cover, leading right up to the rousing finale ("Gotta Get: Closer") which segues into an uplifting gospel number that effectively works the crowd. His live recording of "Whenever, Wherever, Whatever" is the crowning moment, as his molasses-smooth voice soars during this winning love jam. If I have a flaw to pick with "Unplugged," it has to be its brevity. At 34 minutes, it doesn't offer a dish filling enough to completely satisfy, and just as you're ready to sink your teeth into Maxwell's groove, the disc is over. But for what the EP is, it succeeds in its goal and is just an essential record as any of his studio albums.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Maxwell Live!, August 30, 2001

By 

"gemini_j" (Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Maxwell: MTV Unplugged (Audio CD)

Riding the wave of young turks delving into old-school soul that includes D'Angelo, Eryka Badu and Adriana Evans, Maxwell's URBAN HANG SUITE heralded the arrival of a balladeer who combined Al Green's seductiveness with Prince's sensuality. MTV UNPLUGGED shows off the live side of this young free spirit whose musical roots reach through the Quiet Storm into some pretty unlikely places. Throughout this EP, the arrangements are lush, the horns caress every groove and Maxwell's creamy falsetto ducks and feints through his own "Whenever Wherever Whatever" and "The Lady Suite." He also takes time to give props to Kate Bush with a crystalline reading of "This Woman's Work." Showing off a knack for the unorthodox, Maxwell closes out the festivities with a completely transformed cover of Nine Inch Nails' "Closer" that moves from a jazz/funk workout to a gospel feel.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH STARS FOR THIS STAR, August 26, 2002

By 

LAURIE (Manhattan, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Maxwell: MTV Unplugged (Audio CD)

This young soulful man brings back the true spirit of love, soul, spirituality, and what kinds of passions are inspired by life, love and its lessons. I recommend everything that this man has come out withthus far. He has a flare that no other of this day so far as touched. There are artists out there now, that beginning to feel the SOUL from within. And think that Maxwell has paved a way for those so that they wont have to be afraid of being unique and yet learn from the pioneers of soul.