AMG Review of Embrya

Stephen Thomas Erlewine
All Music Guide

Maxwell's ambition was one of the appealing qualities of his debut, Urban Hang Suite, especially since very few of his contemporaries were attempting to expand the boundaries of contemporary R&B. On his second album, Embrya, Maxwell reveals his desire to make deep, serious music. He wants to be so much more than just another soul crooner and, to be sure, he does have a remarkable voice and can write really good modern soul songs, despite his tendency to think that's not enough. As it stands, Embrya still has its promising moments despite sometimes obscuring the singer's gifts.