Avg Rating: 
4.5 ( 67 total votes )
Maxwell - Pretty Wings
Artist: Maxwell
Producer: Hot David and Musze
Album: BLACKsummers'night
Label: Columbia Records
Maxwell’s been out of the spotlight for quite a while—it’s been eight years since he dropped his third studio album,—but there’s no such thing as “too late” when it comes to timeless music. Now, though, the soul heavyweight’s back, and has announced plans to drop a three-album series in as many years. On the lead single off his trilogy’s opener, BLACKsummer’snight, Maxwell gives listeners a taste of the life experience he’s racked up in his time away from the game. Paying tribute to a woman who was a “serious muse” to him, the singer explores the bittersweet experience of loving someone, but knowing all the while you’ll have to let them spread their Pretty Wings and fly away—in the artist’s own words, “...[meeting] the person of your dreams but at the wrong time.” Performed by a ten-piece band who back Maxwell throughout the album, the instrumental’s synthless, vintage sound benefits from the new-school studio wizardry of producers Hod David and Musze. If you’re hungry for more of Maxwell’s classic, heartstring-tugging soul, pick up part one of his trilogy when it hits stores July 7th, and check back with the Booth in late May for DJ Z‘s exclusive interview with the R&B vet.
This song first appeared on the
R&B / Pop Chart
on May 4, 2009
Listen to More: Maxwell Written by richard
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Member Reviews and Ratings
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 1077 |
Rating:
 Maxwell's vocals are smooth and very soulful, just the kind I like to listen to. This brings me back to the days of the great 90's R&B/Soul Muzik. The production, although it seems to drag on a little, is very smooth; and props for using a live band (on the entire album?) NICE. Good look for Maxwell, I'll be waitin to hear more...
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| Posted on Apr 29, 2009 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 484 |
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Guess who's back lol, Maxwell always know how to cater to the ladies and he got a great vocal
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| Posted on Apr 29, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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its a good song......like to hear a legit slow song every once in a while and this one is hot....
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| Posted on Apr 29, 2009 |
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Tastemaker |
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I enjoyed it. This dude had some smooth vocals and the production was a nice fit for him. Can't decide if this is a banger, but it's definitely in rotation. 3.5
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| Posted on Apr 29, 2009 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 4267 |
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WOW! now dats singing Yo! ...
Solid production, soulful vocals ... Smooth slow-jam, with a nice, beautifully executed chorus... |
| Posted on Apr 29, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Crew  Total Ratings: 1624 |
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Oh My Goddddd this is amazing! SOULFUL MUSIC! This is the type of song that makes me wish I was in the studio experiencing this being born! LOL! Easily my new favorite track. From the vocals to that perfected production, you can feel this one.
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| Posted on Apr 29, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Crew Total Ratings: 1624 |
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PS - Got a paper due at midnight I gotta finish! Be back later to rate the rest of the hotness from the booth!
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| Posted on Apr 29, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Crew  Total Ratings: 11882 |
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Top 5 favorite artist of all-time. This is vintage...
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| Posted on Apr 29, 2009 |
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Tastemaker |
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The production is on point and Maxwell's voice is perfect. Smooth slow track..Im feelin it!
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| Posted on Apr 29, 2009 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 2281 |
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There has been a snippit of this son@ leaked for almost a year, so its not new to ya boy. However to hear the finished product, I must say I am impressed. This is a full soundin track that is vinta@e and trust me, that is not a bad thin@, in fact this industry is in need of another Maxwell album if you ask me, and if this is any indication of what's to come, I'm lookin@ forward to it!
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| Posted on Apr 29, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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i love the production on this song and the vocals are good, should be a banger, probably wont be
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| Posted on Apr 29, 2009 |
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Tastemaker |
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Seeing the high ratings, I listened to this song again. I definitely liked it more the second time. Not that I disliked it the first time at all but I have never been familiar with this guy. Another example of how the Booth introduces me to new artists.
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| Posted on Apr 29, 2009 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 433 |
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I was too young when Maxwell was in his prime, and haven't had the chance to experience his previous albums, but from what I hear here, it sounds like he hasn't lost his touch. One of the best soul songs I have heard this year. Best since Anthony Hamilton.
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| Posted on Apr 29, 2009 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 360 |
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Simply amazing. Little to smooth for my taste at this moment, but I can't rate down quality just because I'm not in a slow jam.
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| Posted on Apr 29, 2009 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 868 |
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real smooth track, maxwell did real good ,vocals are on point,beat is way laid back
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| Posted on Apr 29, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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I have been waiting for this song to come out for some long! Maxwell is awesome and does every track like it's a classic. Love his 3 albums and can't wait for the next 3!
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| Posted on Apr 29, 2009 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 1345 |
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It's ok, "Fortunate" is my favorite from him. This is pale in comparison.
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| Posted on Apr 29, 2009 |
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| Posted on Apr 29, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
this was a very smooth track...i loved everything about it....from the sweet sound of maxwell's voice to the band performing in the back...really good look...
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| Posted on Apr 29, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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its maxwell enough said when yea i think your right Dj Z
when maxwell hasn't come correct on a track? |
| Posted on Apr 29, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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I had a snippet of this song a couple of years ago..just the first verse.. The subsequent verses definitely take this song to the next level.
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| Posted on Apr 29, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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PRETTY
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| Posted on Apr 29, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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A Women's Work is better, but this song is hot.
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| Posted on Apr 29, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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there's a video out for this..
http://filthyspeakeraddict.com/2009/04/maxwell-pretty-wings-official-video-black-summers-night-70709/ |
| Posted on Apr 29, 2009 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 573 |
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@DJ Z - Hey, now all we need are your other 4 favorite artists of all time!! LOL. This song is for sure very good. R&B isn't exactly my favorite, but this is a very nice song. I can't say it's a Classic. But it is a very high banger.
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| Posted on Apr 29, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 4 |
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This is what my soul has been craving for. It's so great to have him back. I instantly fell in love with this track. Maxwell leaked a snippet of this on his myspace page in 2007. Plus, he just dropped the video. Definitely looking forward to that interview DJ Z.
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| Posted on Apr 29, 2009 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 1309 |
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I feel what Juanito's sayin about the production (dragging), but the live band makes up for it, givin it more of a jam session feel. Love it by the end (bass, percussion, brass... wow!).
I didn't know Maxwell before but he instantly became a Top 10 R&B/Soul singer for me! Great vocals and dynamic, catchy melody. |
| Posted on Apr 29, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 5 |
this is really nice.. i like it alot good music for the soul
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| Posted on Apr 29, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 514 |
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maxwell is a bad dude, with his vocals. his older stuff is better though! maybe its just the begging though.
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| Posted on Apr 29, 2009 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 424 |
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Great vocals and production. Good formula if you ask me. Enjoyable feeling when hearing the 'jazziness' lol
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| Posted on Apr 29, 2009 |
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Tastemaker |
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WOW AMAZING. So Soulful i've been waiting for Maxwell since the BET AWARDS 08! Haha but yea this is another classic from Maxwell can't wait for the album!
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| Posted on Apr 29, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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ITS ABOUT TIME!!!
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| Posted on Apr 30, 2009 |
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Tastemaker Total Ratings: 1077 |
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Oh yea... I rated this b4 the song ended. I'm wit you FredRico: the horns on the back end are classic! Loved it!
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| Posted on Apr 30, 2009 |
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Tastemaker |
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SHIED WHAT MORE CAN I SAY
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| Posted on Apr 30, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 452 |
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Its been a while, but lifetime still gets rotation from me. Great to hear new Maxwell, he was one of my favorites in the late 90's and it sounds like he hasn't skipped a beat.
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| Posted on Apr 30, 2009 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 3217 |
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Sexy and smooth...he has a soulful voice! I can't say it's the kind of song I'd listen to continuosly, but it's really solid
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| Posted on Apr 30, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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Just the right type of music of what we all been missing and this songs shows the real beauty of all women who have a heart of gold
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| Posted on Apr 30, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 21 |
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What a voice, smooth and effortless. So soulful
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| Posted on Apr 30, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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One Word...TIMELESS! His baaaack!
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| Posted on May 02, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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This song i love it like gosh i never heard of maxwell but this dude has it all
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| Posted on May 02, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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Oh my gosh he still got it, not only effortless but Maxwell is straight fire. Smooth production with his smooth vocals. I second Juanito, props for using a live band - real music. Id love to see this guy live
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| Posted on May 02, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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well i dont mean to be a downer BUT (lol) i though this was just aight. i wont listen to it again. it really isnt the type of slow jam that i enjoy- so with that being said: 2*s
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| Posted on May 02, 2009 |
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Tastemaker |
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im tryin not to hand out too many 5's, but.........
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| Posted on May 03, 2009 |
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Whoa! How I did I miss this?! It's been quite awhile but Maxwell has finally dropped the single. Wow! For a minute I didn't think it would happen. I'm defiantly pleased with this sound. It's soothing, lyrics are really nice. It's a goodie y'all LOL
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| Posted on May 03, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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dat was str8/iight
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| Posted on May 03, 2009 |
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| Posted on May 03, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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he's back!!
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| Posted on May 03, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 49 |
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classic Maxwell in rotation...playing it hella times
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| Posted on May 04, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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Maxwell's Back... This is what I call music!!! Love it
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| Posted on May 05, 2009 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 861 |
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this is smooth but then again kinda borin
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| Posted on May 06, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 92 |
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okay okay wait i'm sorry but maxwell is one of my favourite artist the fact that he took time off to put his life experiences into music makes me respect him even more. but anyways crazy song def one my ipod!!!
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| Posted on May 10, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 487 |
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Well, what can I say? Max is back and doing it real smooth. This is a keeper. Kozy, cuddling, smooch'n musik for the femmes.
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| Posted on May 12, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member Total Ratings: 487 |
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Well, what can I say? Max is back and doing it real smooth. This is a keeper. Kozy, cuddling, smooch'n musik for the femmes.
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| Posted on May 12, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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This song is truly a classic. The melody, and the smooth voice, the soul...everything is just captivating. I love Maxwell and have all of his albums. I am so glad he is back. I went to his concert in Camden and it was off the hook!
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| Posted on May 14, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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All i got to say "He is BAck!!"
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| Posted on May 15, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member Total Ratings: 15 |
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its a great song i never really could listen to maxwell but i love this song!
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| Posted on May 19, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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Yea,This Song Is Great.
Pretty Wing Yo! |
| Posted on May 20, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
I love this song!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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| Posted on May 20, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 10 |
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I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS SONG TO COME OUT FOREVER and did NOT disappoint!! Amazing song and Maxwell is the shit! this is real R&B!
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| Posted on May 28, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 66 |
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instant classic. beautiful lyrics...soulful sound. awesome track. welcome back, max.
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| Posted on Jun 19, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Crew  Total Ratings: 334 |
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This song is awesome. It made me buy the Cd. I didn't like the whole album though. But this one song is worth $9.99 + tax =]
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| Posted on Jul 15, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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THIS SONG GO HARD!!!! CLASSIC TO ME
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| Posted on Jul 23, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 194 |
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Fantastic song.
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| Posted on Aug 08, 2009 |
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| Posted on Sep 02, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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love it
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| Posted on Sep 12, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
I love it because I can really relate to this osng! I have been a Maxwell fan since the beginning and I am glad to see him back with the a new swagger and look!
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| Posted on Sep 25, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
its beasty hey ripcity
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| Posted on Oct 07, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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This is simply a classic.
Maxwell has been out of the game for a while, but soon returned w/ a hit for everyone to enjoy. His vocals are very smooth & relaxing, & I love it how he respects US women. =)I could never get tired of this song to be honest. - porcheteira . |
| Posted on Nov 12, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
Wow.. beautiful track
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| Posted on Dec 07, 2009 |
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| Posted on Dec 30, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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Maxwell's tha junk who can catch his vocals
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| Posted on Feb 11, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 11 |
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maxwell wow what a BIG COMEBACK!!
wow max this is his best song i love this song he brought back what true music sound like and that REAL R&B great job max keep doing ya thing |
| Posted on May 20, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 2 |
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Maxwell is dha best when it come dwn too R&B .............
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| Posted on Jul 28, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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Maxwell has produced another hit. Keep rocking the tunes and I will keep listening.Loved it(Pretty Wings).
Velvetv |
| Posted on Jan 13, 2011 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 121 |
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Retro Classic: The neo-soul great came back and made another classic song.
Now we just need the best of the bunch D'Angelo to get his stuff together and make another classic album as well. |
| Posted on Jan 25, 2012 |
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| Posted on May 23, 2012 |
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| Posted on Nov 04, 2012 |
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