Maxwell capitalized on his breakthrough with the MTV Unplugged EP, taken from his live MTV performance. It attracted attention and acclaim outside the R&B community with the left-field cover choices "This Woman's Work" (by Kate Bush) and "Closer" (by Nine Inch Nails). Additionally, the 'MTV Unplugged' version of "Whenever, Wherever, Whatever" earned him another Grammy nomination (for Best Male Pop Vocal). Anticipation for his second full-length album was high, and when Embrya was released in 1998, it entered the charts at number three. Reviews were more mixed this time around, with some critics charging that Maxwell's ambition had crossed the line into indulgence; still, the record duplicated its predecessor's platinum sales.
Maxwell adopted his middle name as his stage moniker, keeping his real identity a closely guarded secret out of concern for his family's privacy. Born of Puerto Rican and black Caribbean stock, Maxwell suffered the loss of his father (in a plane crash) when he was just three years old. The experience made him a deeply religious child, and he first began singing in his Baptist church. Still, he didn't really get serious about music until age 17, when he began writing his own songs using a cheap Casio keyboard given to him by a friend. Initially influenced by early-'80s urban R&B, and drawing his greatest inspiration from the concept of the R&B auteur (looking to artists like Marvin Gaye, Prince, Stevie Wonder). He progressed rapidly, and by 1991 he was performing on the New York club scene, despite ridicule from classmates who couldn't imagine the shy, awkward teenager doing anything of the sort. After making a name for himself, he signed a recording contract with Columbia in 1994.
In 1999, Maxwell scored his biggest hit to date with the single "Fortunate," an R. Kelly composition he recorded for the soundtrack of the film Life; it was a mammoth success, ranking as the number one R&B hit of the year in Billboard magazine. Later that year, he also cut two songs for the soundtrack of The Best Man.
In August 2001, Maxwell returned with his third full-length album, Now, which was touted as a return to the more straightforwardly romantic atmosphere of his debut. It entered the album charts at number one and quickly launched a hit single in "Lifetime." ~ Steve Huey, All Music Guide
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... He eventually got a record deal with Columbia Records in 1994 when he was 21 years old. His loss of his father at the age of three had a great impact on him as a person and as an artist. Maxwell played keyboard in church during his youth; however, he was not aware of his vocal talent during adolescence. His vocal ability was later discovered during a romantic affair which inspired the music for his first music release "Urban Hang Suite." Maxwell was heavily inspired by the work of artists such as Marvin Gaye, Prince, Sade, and lastly Anita Baker who he gives credit to "teaching him how to sing."
After taking several years off, Maxwell released his latest album BLACKsummers'night on July 7, 2009. It debuted at #1 on the Billboard Albums Top 200 chart, his second album to receive that ranking. Maxwell said his reason for leaving the music industry for such a long period was "to just take time off. The music industry has so much competition and there was no rush for me.
The follow-up to BLACKsummers'night and the second installment in a planned trilogy, blackSUMMERS'night, is set to be released late 2012 but the exact date is unknown.
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The name "Maxwell" also appears to be used by a hip hop beat producer from Oldenburg, Germany.
Whenever Wherever Whatever
Maxwell Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Take my heart and my love,
Take of me all that you want.
And if there's a thing that you need,
I'll give you the breath that I breathe,
If ever you yearn for the love in me....
CHORUS:
Whenever Wherever,Whatever,Baby(twice)
Wish I knew if I could,
Be the one that you would,
Love forever and a day baby....
And if theres a thing that you need,
I'd give you the breathe that I breathe,
If ever you yearn for the love in me.....
CHORUS:
Whenever,Wherever,Whatever,Baby(twice)
And if theres a thing that you need,
For you and your blood i will bleed,
if ever you yearn for the love in me
In the song "Whenever Wherever Whatever," Maxwell expresses his willingness to give his heart and love to his partner. The lyrics convey a message of commitment as Maxwell is prepared to go to great lengths to fulfill his partner's needs. He pledges to be there in every way possible and extends an invitation to his partner to take advantage of his willingness to love her unconditionally. Maxwell's lyrics are full of passion and vulnerability, as he expresses his desire to be loved in return and his hope that his partner will reciprocate the affection.
Throughout the song, Maxwell repeats the phrase "Whenever, wherever, whatever," emphasizing his willingness to give himself to his partner at any time, in any place and in any way. This phrase also underscores Maxwell's understanding that love is unconditional, with no strings attached, and his willingness to take that leap of faith. The song ends with Maxwell stating that he is willing to bleed for his partner if she needs him to, and that he will always be there whenever she needs him, wherever she needs him, and in whatever way she needs him.
Overall, "Whenever Wherever Whatever" is a beautiful and moving song about genuine love and commitment that endures through time and distance. Maxwell's emotive delivery and heartfelt lyrics elevate the song, making it one of the standout tracks of his career.
Line by Line Meaning
Lead me on girl if you want
I am open to following your lead and being with you.
Take my heart and my love
You have my full attention and affections.
Take of me all that you want
You have the power to take from me whatever you desire.
And if there's a thing that you need
I am willing to provide for your needs.
I give you the breath that I breathe
I am willing to sacrifice anything for you, even my own life.
And if ever you yearn for the love in me
If you ever desire my love, it is always available to you.
Whenever, wherever, whatever baby
I am always ready and available for you, no matter the circumstances.
Wish I knew if I could
I am unsure if I am the right person for you.
Be the one that you would
I hope that I am the one you choose.
Love forever and a day baby
I hope to love you for eternity.
For you and your blood I will bleed
I am willing to sacrifice anything for you or your family.
Ba, ba, baby
A term of endearment towards the listener.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@NVTHYDREAD
2025 anyone?
@sierraroyal2202
Right here baby
@프리드리히하이에-e3x
여기
@Thatgirlmichelle1
2025 anyone? ❤
@TABush1021
❤
@프리드리히하이에-e3x
굿
@averymcdaniel423
My favorite song from Maxwell
@rpaesf
A very underrated artist, he deserved much more recognition for his work, he is fantastic!
@ws4182
I crave and need something as pure, true and innocent as this music...angelic, soft, caressing...REAL LOVE!! People take advantage nowadays and don't realize how it's so rare to have this. It really sucks for softhearted and genuine people like myself. Life wouldn't be nothing if you've never experienced, but oh it's a dagger in your soul without it.
@RicardoRivadeneira-be1oq
I walked into a Target store in Dallas, Texas back in 2009 an asked an employee (back when they had employees to help customers...before Covid), where I could find a CD by Maxwell. The Afro-American girl was extremely surprised that a Hispanic guy even knew who Maxwell was. Maxwell is an incredible, totally underrated talent that has not been given the credit he deserves.