Embrya

Amazon.com
The bass line of the opening track is the first sign, and the smooth funk of the second track confirms it: On Embrya, Maxwell has done it again. Sophomore efforts don't always fare well, especially when an artist is still riding high on the accolades of a debut, but Maxwell has managed to take the exquisite soul of 1996's Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite and, without sacrificing any of its verve, turn it into something far more sophisticated. Not only is Embrya a sublime summer soundtrack, it's a groove masterpiece from start to finish. "Luxury: Cococure," the first single, like "'Til the Cops Come Knockin'" before it, is only the slightest taste of the treasures waiting to be devoured. If you're looking for lush ballads, skip to "Matrimony: Maybe You," the haunting "Know These Things: Shouldn't You," and the sensual slow jam "Gravity: Pushing to Pull" (and yes, nearly all the tracks are subtitled like this). They may not be as yearning as those that detailed his weekend-long tryst on Hang Suite (Maxwell knows better than anyone just how far a little restraint can go), but these tracks are gifts on their own. Put them together and you have an album that does nothing but elevate Maxwell's impeccable reputation as the man who breathed life back into the soul of R&B. --Rebecca Wallwork

Spin
[Like Smokey] Robinson, his way of stroking and stoking a keening ballad is smart, emotive, and tripping over with the light fantastic. His interpretations are just corny and horny enough to twist naked longing into tenderness without sacrificing male pride.

Embrya

Embrya,Maxwell,Sony,Contemporary R&B,Pop,R&B,Soul/R & B,Soul/Reggae/Rhythm & Blues,Urban

Average customer rating:

deep soul
An Acquired Taste..
Just Incredible.
It's good
Like Good Wine, It only gets better With Time

Embrya
Maxwell
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music

Contemporary R&B | R&B | Styles | Music

General | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

Neo-Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

Quiet Storm | R&B | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite
Now
MTV Unplugged
Brown Sugar
Voodoo

ASIN: B000007T1A
Release Date: 1998-06-30

Tracks:

Gestation: Mythos/Everwanting: To Want You To Want
I'm You: You Are Me And We Are You (Pt. Me & You)
Luxury: Cococure
Drowndeep: Hula
Matrimony: Maybe You
Arroz Con Pollo
Know These Things: Shouldn't You
Submerge: Til We Become The Sun
Gravity: Pushing To Pull
Eachhoureachsecondeachminuteeachday: Of My Life
Embrya

Amazon.com

The bass line of the opening track is the first sign, and the smooth funk of the second track confirms it: On Embrya, Maxwell has done it again. Sophomore efforts don't always fare well, especially when an artist is still riding high on the accolades of a debut, but Maxwell has managed to take the exquisite soul of 1996's Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite and, without sacrificing any of its verve, turn it into something far more sophisticated. Not only is Embrya a sublime summer soundtrack, it's a groove masterpiece from start to finish. "Luxury: Cococure," the first single, like "'Til the Cops Come Knockin'" before it, is only the slightest taste of the treasures waiting to be devoured. If you're looking for lush ballads, skip to "Matrimony: Maybe You," the haunting "Know These Things: Shouldn't You," and the sensual slow jam "Gravity: Pushing to Pull" (and yes, nearly all the tracks are subtitled like this). They may not be as yearning as those that detailed his weekend-long tryst on Hang Suite (Maxwell knows better than anyone just how far a little restraint can go), but these tracks are gifts on their own. Put them together and you have an album that does nothing but elevate Maxwell's impeccable reputation as the man who breathed life back into the soul of R&B. --Rebecca Wallwork

Customer Reviews:

deep soul.......2007-07-23

sensual, passionate, deep, dreamy, bubbly, exotic and sexy is what i can describe this album....( is that the reason why they call this neo soul ? )

An Acquired Taste.........2007-05-30

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.

Just Incredible........2007-05-25

Once in a great while, an absolutely sensational musical person comes along and changes the face of music as we know it. Maxwell is one of those people.

I cannot adequately describe what his music can do to a person - words really do fail me here. He is one of the select few favorite artists I have and all his albums reside in my music collection and have for a very long time. I cannot wait until his new album comes out - for goodness sakes, Maxwell, you have your fans chomping on bits here (I suppose you know that though...) - release the album before they all die of heart failure!

On a more analytical, serious note, the musical theory in every single track is unparalleled in today's mish mash pop culture. His technical know-how (whether he reads music or not, I don't know - I don't too much: I make my music completely by ear) is exemplary and the way he puts a track together is best described as a gardener with very green fingers gently nurturing a plant from seed. I'm not surprised this latest album (Black Summer) has taken this long to come up with because he must have been emotionally drained after creating the last one. It can take a while for the creative juices to re-fill sometimes. It's actually nice that an artist can still say "hey - wait a second - I'm not ready yet" instead of being pureed to pieces by a recording company!

Embrya is a collection of songs that will leave you breathless and open up parts of your mind you didn't even know you had. I seriously recommend those that "didn't get it" just continue listening, because I guarantee the will "get it" much sooner than they think. In a lot of ways, I think some of the tracks on this album are Maxwell's masterpieces.

Bravo for a wonderful album - I am looking forward to the next one with bright-eyed 9and eared!) anticipation.

It's good.......2007-05-20

People have said alot of good things and when I can think of what more to say, I will up date this.....

Like Good Wine, It only gets better With Time.......2007-04-21

There were two forms of Neo-Soul when then genre emerged in the late 90's, although one can debate wether it's really one genre in the first place. However, There is one that stays faithful to it's roots and tries to revive it's past glory days of 60's soul with D'Angelo and Erykah Badu as pioneers is one and another direction that pays more attention to arrangements and moods and feels more sophisticated and lush, still classic soul influenced though. That is what Maxwell is doing, a little simular to Sade but much less commercial and in general more inspired by 60's and 70's soul then she ever was, but they have the same producer nonetheless (Stuart Matthewman. Maxwell, born (Maxwell Rivera) debuted in 1996 with "Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite" a revolutionary album for the Neo-Soul movement that was nothing short of stunning and short after Maxwell was a superstar. 2 years later he followed up with "Embrya" which didn't sell as well but with some time you'll understand that it's almost equally good and you'll apreciate it for what it is. The main themes here are love, spirituality and rebirth and Maxwell's lyrics are good as always, but what I love most with this gem is it's sophisticated arrangements that may need a few listens but you'll eventually get hooked. Most songs are sensual love songs, 2 are instrumentals but 1 or 2 are also midtempo with some funky instruments. Although Maxwell is as ambitious as ever, He's perhaps too ambitious and it will almost feel pretentious at times where Maxwell relies too much on the music and too little on his voice (which is excellent). At times Maxwell sound and feels alot like Terrence Trent D'Arby, very artistic, mature and full of interesting ideas that no one else would dare trying, but not realistic in it's aproach since it sometimes alienate the listener and the music is somewhat unpenetratable for newcombers. But fans of his debut will most certainly like this album aswell, and for certain events this album is perfect. Personally this is my all time favorite Neo-Soul album and it's just gets better with time.

All songs are double titled which is very original, he seems to merge Spirituality with sensuality. And like I previously said, the song themes are ambitious when Maxwell deals with everything from Marriage, (Matrimony: Maybe You) Love (Luxury: Cococure) Spirituality (Gravity: Pushing the Pull) and Re-birth (I'm You: You Are Me and We Are You (Pt. Me and You). It's an mysterious album just like Maxwell charachter is, but The more you listen to this album the more small details you'll discover in the arrangements and the more you'll apreciate Maxwell artistic aproach to Soul music, but it's not an easy album to get into unless you're fammiliar with Neo-Soul, let alone Maxwell. Give it some time, just like good wine it gets better with time, and in this case repeated listens.

A happy note for Maxwell fans is that he's working on a new album, that will probably be released sometime during this year, It will be his first in 6 years!.

Average customer rating:

TRACK LISTING (2 great cds, one package!)
Simply the Best

Urban Hang Suite/Embrya

ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Contemporary R&B | R&B | Styles | Music

General | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

Neo-Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

Quiet Storm | R&B | Styles | Music

R&B | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Now
Lifetime
Love Jones: The Music (1997 Film)
MTV Unplugged
Double Up

ASIN: B000ATJZC0
Release Date: 2006-01-31

Album Description

European only two-disc coupling of his smash hit debut album and his sophomore album. 23 tracks in all. Two standard jewel cases packaged in a slip case. Sony.

Customer Reviews:

TRACK LISTING (2 great cds, one package!).......2007-03-04

Urban Hang Suite:
1. Urban Theme, The
2. Welcome
3. Sumthin' Sumthin'
4. Ascension (Don't Ever Wonder)
5. Dancewitme
6. Til The Cops Come Knockin', ...
7. Whenever Wherever Whatever
8. Lonely's The Only Company (I&II)
9. Reunion
10. Suitelady (The Proposal Jam)
11. The Suite Theme / (untitled) - (hidden track)

Embrya:
1. Everwanting: To Want You To Want
2. I'm You: You Are Me And We Are You (Pt Me & You)
3. Luxury: Cococure
4. Drowndeep: Hula
5. Matrimony: Maybe You
6. Arroz Con Pollo
7. Know These Things: Shouldn't You
8. Submerge: Til We Become The Sun
9. Gravity: Pushing To Pull
10. Eachhoureachsecondeachminuteeachday: Of My Life
11. Embrya

Simply the Best .......2006-07-25

I love this compilation. Maxwell is one of the sexiest, smoothest, sultriest, mellowest artists out there. I hope he comes out with something new soon.

Average customer rating:

embrya is a spa retreat for the soul
Simply Amazing
Maxwell has done it again!
Astounding, Absolutely Amazing - Pure Class!
LIBERATING & MAGICAL

Embrya
Maxwell
Manufacturer: Colum
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Contemporary R&B | R&B | Styles | Music

Neo-Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

Quiet Storm | R&B | Styles | Music

R&B | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0000089MU
Release Date: 1998-02-24

Album Details

Japanese Version featuring an Exclusive CD Inlay with Lyrics.

Customer Reviews:

embrya is a spa retreat for the soul.......2001-11-29

(...)...not a depressing or traditional r&b cut on the cd...kinda new age in a way...subtle madonna's 'ray of light'...a lot of people did not get into the cd...but it still went platinum...(...)! I workout to this cd and play it all night long at work...it is hard to describe this piece by maxwell...the bass thumps so funky...the guitars chunk...the strings are awesome and angelic...and maxwell pushes those notes to the limit...the lyrics are written bare from his soul...definately not the typical commercial (stuff)...once again the cd still did quite well and is still selling...i recommmend this cd to all of you maxwell lovers...quite soothing and healing especially during these crazy, scary uncertain times...

Simply Amazing.......2000-09-17

What can I say he is just amazing. Anyone who can come up with a song as good "Luxury:Cococure deserves every bit of credit he can get.

Maxwell has done it again!.......2000-01-07

I was never a real Maxwell fan until I heard Matrimony. A friend of mine turned me on to it and afterwards, there is rarely a day that goes by that I'm not listening to a Maxwell song. I always thought his music was good, but I never really paid attention until now. I love Embrya as well as Urban Hang Suite and Fortunate, need I say more. Even the songs he has on The Best Man Soundtrack are hott! So I say "Keep up the good work!" And I'm waiting on the third album.

Astounding, Absolutely Amazing - Pure Class!.......1999-11-11

Well what can I say? There are not many male artists in the last decade who I feel have moved me both spiritually and emotionally like Maxwell. He has developed an individual style which surpasses any of the male R&B artists around today. Along with my other main man D`Angelo, I truly believe they will be hailed as icons in the future. I'm pretty certain when old and gracefully grey all of his tracks will still rock my inner soul. And if you haven't yet heard/bought Fortunate then you had better hurry, another absolute winner.

LIBERATING & MAGICAL.......1999-08-25

Maxwell... what can I say, where do I begin! What a passionate and deep performer. I can literally feel every rhythm, every note. His music just soothes my soul, and I am so very thankful for this sound, real music. Each and every track touches me in a special way. Maxwell gives from the depths of his being. Spirit and love illuminates through this man! Five stars are not enough.

Christian Music:

Christian Music

christian music

Christian Music

Revolution Over the Phone [CD-single] [Import]

Handel: Dixit Dominus; Nisi Dominus

I'm in the Wrong Business

Billie Jo Spears

Kiss House Nation 2001 [Import]

Lemuria

Ich Lebe Gern In Diesem Land

Intensive Care [Import]

Infinity [Import]

Earth Omen [Import]

Like the Deserts Miss the Rain

Fantasy Love [CD-single]

Genesis [Explicit Lyrics]

All She Wants to Do Is Rock

Magical Moments of Rhythm