Maxwell’s “1990x” Captures a Perfect Moment

Maxwell revels in the languorous moments of love. His tranquil falsetto is like a warm afternoon breeze blowing steady through the leaves on a tree in summer. That effect is the essence of “1990x.” A cavalcade of instruments—from the thin strings that ground the track to the rumbling drums that ebb and flow—serve as minor focal points. They surface like welcome surprises in this almost joyfully lethargic tune. At some points, it is difficult to discern the verses from the choruses, with everything blending and growing into one perfect moment.

As “1990x” quietly peaks, the music’s slow-burn aligns with the pointed lyrics. “We will climax with reason cause we’re grown and we own it,” Maxwell croons.  On “1990x,” he yearns not for the spark of initial romance so much as the day-to-day familiarity of something that, with patience and commitment, lasts. And in the final minutes of the song, it becomes apparent that Maxwell is singing not of a steady love he has, but rather, about a steady love that he wants. Ultimately, “1990x” is less about a single moment than a series of repeated ones—which make for the most perfect moment of all.

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