After his much hailed debut album, "Urban Hang Suite", Maxwell followed up with the less critically acclaimed "Embrya". Like its predeccesor, "Embrya" is a concept album, built around a theme or idea where each song is like a chapter in a novel. Essentially, this album is about birth/rebirth-the beginning of something new (the album cover illustrates this, as Maxwell appears as though he is in the womb). It continues where "Urban Hang Suite" ended and it's almost as if it is a sequel. Where "Urban Hang Suite" had Maxwell lamenting over lost love, "Embrya" finds him moving forward and finding new love. Many people just couldn't conceptualize this album-with its odd titled songs and varying music styles. Some critics dismissed it as self-indulgent. Therefore, album sales were a bit sluggish. In my opinion, I feel this album is superior to "Urban Hang Suite" and it is where my preference lies. The genre of music on his debut album pretty much stuck to the same format-there were elements of Funk, R&B and Soul, whereas, "Embrya" is more mellow and experimental branching off into different directions. There is a bit of reggae, hawaiian and what some refer to as "New Age" or "World Music". Being a fan of Sade, I enjoy the blending of varying music styles. Maxwell is no philosopher; many of the lyrics deal with love and eroticism (topics he seems to have pretty much mastered) and there is an element of spirituality ('Submerge: Til We Become The Sun'). The album begins with 'Gestation: Mythos/Everwanting To Want You To Want' and ends with 'Embrya' (a play on the word "embryo") which sounds almost like an ultrasound. I really can't pick a favorite song on this album, as I love them all. Some highlights include, 'Know These Things: Shouldn't You', 'Drowndeep: Hula' and 'Submerge: Til We Become The Sun'. While this album may not have been the darling of critics, it is an overlooked and undervalued album. Admittedly, it may be an acquired taste for some, but given a chance it will be appreciated as the lost gem that it is.