Think of how much sex has been had with Urban Hang Suite playing in the background since the album dropped in 1996… WHOA. An iconic LP that helped shape neo soul as a genre and garnered Maxwell comparisons, deservingly, to the greats: Marvin Gaye, Prince, Luther Vandross, etc. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the then-Afro-rocking R&B singer's platinum debut, and songs like "Ascension (Don't Ever Wonder)," "Sumthin' Sumthin," and "Whenever Wherever Whatever" continue to UNFAILINGLY satisfy, over and over and over again. It's packed with explosive sensuality, and Maxwell's impossibly smooth delivery over sounds of soul, more soul, quiet storm, funk, and jazz, makes urban Hang Suite one of the best albums of the '90s. Other highlights include "...Til the Cops Come Kncokin', "Suitelady (The Proposal Jam)," and ""Dancewitme," but FAM, you need NOT skip through this album, just relax (or get busy, nahmean?) and get lost (or found) in the groove. 180g pressing on metallic gold vinyl, includes a 8-page booklet with rare photos, recommended.

• 180g pressing
• metallic gold vinyl
• includes 8-page booklet w/ rare photos
• music label: Columbia 1996 / 2016

reviewed by fresh noods 11/2016