Maxwell happily handed over a reason for music lovers to rejoice today (April 8) with the announcement of his return. Anchored by the release of his new single “Lake By The Ocean,” the soul deity is also gearing up to release the follow-up to his 2009 album, BLACKsummer’snight. The album will technically have the same name, instead placing the emphasis on a new word in the title: blackSUMMER’Snight.
In a sit-down with BET Soul, Maxwell offered insight on the meaning behind the slight change.
“As far as what this album is, because it’s blackSUMMER’Snight, and ‘summer’s’ being the second part of that three-word combo, it was like the most upbeat, get-up-and-dance feeling that you can have,” he explained. “Of course the single is kind of in-between that a little bit, but as you get deeper into the rest of the record, you’ll start to realize.”
“Lake By The Ocean” enlists a soothing bass backed by a piano and an even drum as Maxwell activates his signature falsetto for a proclamation of love. The timing for new music couldn’t be more perfect for the singer, as he celebrates the 20th anniversary of his debut album, Urban Hang Suite. He also discussed with BET Soul the advice he would give his younger self, as he now boasts a two-decade career.
Maxwell will also announce his upcoming tour, with dates set to be released on Monday (April 11). Watch him discuss blackSUMMER’Snight and spin his new single, “Lake By The Ocean” below:

(Photo: Columbia Records)