Maxwell is a Grammy award-winning singer whose music spans R&B, funk, and soul, but he is best known as an exemplar of the neo-soul movement. “Ascension (Don’t Ever Wonder)” was the second single released from his multi-platinum debut album, Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite.
The song debuted on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles chart in August 1996 at number 11, eventually peaking at number eight and spending 29 weeks on the chart. It spent eighteen weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 36. Maxwell co-wrote the song with Itaal Shur, bass is played by Jonathan Maron, and the guitar was played by Stuart Matthewman. The song is carried by one of the funkiest bass lines ever.
In the music video, Maxwell sports a grey silk suit and displays some of his dance moves. Maxwell’s blend of 1970s funk, jazz and contemporary R&B reflects the music of such legends as Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and Prince. His soulful style and incredible range have radiated heat since his debut.
