Given the poor reception to his last studio album, 1998's Embrya, Maxwell should regain some ground with his newest effort.

Especially after putting on one of the year's best shows at The Phoenix about two weeks ago, when he previewed much of the striking new material.

On this 12-song collection, in stores Tuesday, the Brooklyn soul revivalist rarely disappoints with a mix of funky grooves and sexy soul ballads that recall his most obvious predecessor, Marvin Gaye.

Standouts include Maxwell hooking up with sweet-voiced background singer La Tina Webb on the midtempo dance tune NoOne, the funked-up first single Get To Know Ya, the infectious, horn-accompanied Now/At The Party, the plaintive Changed, the soaring ballad For Lovers Only and the more delicate and slow-tempoed Symptom Unknown.

There's also a studio version of his awe-inspiring cover of Kate Bush's This Woman's Work, first heard on his 1997 MTV Unplugged EP.

Along for the ride here is Maxwell's longtime collaborator, multi-instrumentalist Stuart Matthewman, and guitar legend Wah Wah Watson (Marvin Gaye, Herbie Hancock, Barry White).

Maxwell returns to play Massey Hall on Oct. 13 with rising soul star Alicia Keys. It should be a powerful evening.

Track Listing 1. Get To Know Ya
2. Lifetime
3. W/As My Girl
4. Changed
5. NoOne
6. For Lovers Only
7. Temporary Nite
8. Silently
9. Symptom Unknown
10. This Woman's Work