To me Maxwell has been extremely successful. I say this because he has made "ME" feel again. It had gotten to the point where I no longer was concerned about what was going on in the music industry. I was so tired of the "Puffys"and the "Lil Kims". To me everybody was looking and sounding alike and there was no individuality. That's when Maxwell came on the scene. When I first heard Maxwell I was immediately taken aback. He didn't sound or look like anyone else in the industry. We sometimes look to artists to gain inspiration ans guidance, and before Maxwell, I didn't have anyone to inspire me. True if you were to look at record sales and what not he would be considered less than successful. But judging by the words and feelings expressed here about Maxwell he has inspired many others as well. And to me if he has reached the hearts of those he inspires then he is indeed a success.
If I were able to count the number of hearts and souls Maxwell has touched versus the total of record sales than I would consider him very successful. Maxwell's music goes beyond the common place, there is something uniquely different about him and his music. This difference may not always register in high record sales. But for the few who are into his music and his message they truly have encountered something rare and beautiful. We all have heard Maxwell state several times that it's not about the fame nor is it about the wealth, what it is really about is the music. Music that inspires and envokes emotion and his music does this...and because of this he is a success.
Peace and Love from Lyric's Crib to yours! I have been asked the question: How do I rate Maxwell's success and how would I eventually like for Maxwell to be perceived...Well, I have often said that the thing I appreciate most about Maxwell's music is that there was no instant gratification. Sure there were songs that when you heard them you knew they were going to be hits on the radio and in the clubs, like "Sumthin' Sumthin'" and "Matrimony". But, it was the songs that slowly grasped you and took control of your inner passion like "Reunion", "DrownDeep", and "Submerge". And then there were those songs that made you look intimacy in the face for the first time like "Whenever Wherever Whatever" and "You Should Know These Things". And then there were songs that invited you into his heart and soul like "Welcome" and "You Are Me, We Are You". I honestly think that these songs are songs you can't appreciate without knowing the man....who he is and what he is about. You may get the groove, but you won't get the complete message without knowing the man. So in answer to that question, I think Maxwell's success is exactly as it should be, as the Creator would want it to be, slow, powerful, moving and with a staying power that can't be matched with today's artists. How would I want Maxwell to be perceived? Well I think he is as he should be perceived....A man who puts the Creator above all things, humble, passionate, talented, and a definate spark that has the flames of traditional SOUL music burning once more. For that I thank him!!!God Bless You Maxwell!