The much-anticipated third studio album from the sensual R&B man, Maxwell, has hit the airwaves and the stores. Maxwell returns with twelve signature Maxwell tunes. He went back to the roots of his debut CD Urban Suite to capture the sound for Now. Left behind is the electronic of his last album, Embrya. No more dreamy pads, no more flying effects, no more vibe.

Maxwell’s Now is raw R&B, heavy on the acoustic guitar and thumping on the beats. It’s done well, but not for an artist of Maxwell’s stature and talent. The first song on the CD and the first single, "Get To Know Ya" if the highlight of the CD. The song is an upbeat contemporary R&B pop cut talking about getting to know a girl before getting into her trousers. It’s a fun song and the only song that has elements of Embrya in it. It’s also the only song that has mass appeal.

Now is missing the passion and sexuality of his first two CD’s. I was hoping I had a new CD to turn the lights down and get busy to (because I've worn out Sade's’Love Deluxe), but the only thing I wanted to turn down was the volume. Even the cover of Kate Bush’s "This Woman Work" is weak. It sounds like something Prince did ten years ago.

This CD is too sentimental and overflowing with fake vulnerability. There is no musical growth on now. I think fans who love his first CD, Urban Suite will find some redeeming qualities in Now, but those who love his second effort, Embrya, will find this CD too minimalist and will long for the mystical complexities of that album. I have to pass on this one – I think Maxwell can do much better.