New York native crooner Maxwell’s new album “Now” hit stores on Aug 31. The CD features new-age soul and pop as well as some funk bass, giving the collection a retro 1970s appeal. The songs’ themes switch back and forth between being in and out of love.

In track one, “Get To Know Ya,” Maxwell, longing for a girl, sings, “When you find the time, how can I get to know ya.” The CD skips from track one to three (there is no track two), and in “Lifetime”, Maxwell seems to feel out of love, singing, “There was a time when love was unchosen/ and now I’m just hoping for more and now I’m just reaching out for more.”

“For Lovers Only,” the sixth song on the CD, is certainly for lovers only, so turn up the steam a bit in your car when it’s on.

Parts of ‘Now’ are reminiscent of a Quincy Jones-produced album. “W/As my Girl,” the third tune on the album, features guitar work and a similar feel of Jones’ ‘The Dude.’ Incidentally, Kate Bush’s “This Woman’s Work” is covered on track 11. Kate Bush has played and toured before with Jones. Maxwell has tapped into some 80s pop and soul, doing a pretty good job with the inspiration.

Overall, the album is made for a great listening-while-you’re-cruising experience.