Maxwell’s cover of Al Green’s “Simply Beautiful” has soared to a new peak this week on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart.
The Grammy winner’s beautiful rendition of the 1972 song climbs six spots to No. 7 on the chart.
“Simply Beautiful” is Maxwell’s 16th top 10 hit on the Adult R&B Airplay chart out of his 22 entries.
The legendary singer’s previous single, “OFF,” which was released in November 2021, reached No. 1 the following spring, marking his eighth chart-topper.
“Simply Beautiful” was released Aug. 2 via Maxwell’s label Musze in partnership with BMG. He produced his version of the Al Green classic alongside his longtime collaborators, Hod David and Shedrick Mitchell.
Not long after, during the week of Aug. 17, “Simply Beautiful” debuted at No. 27 on the airplay chart.
At R&B radio, monitored by Mediabase, “Simply Beautiful” is at No. 8 this week with 1,194 spins and an estimated audience of 4.1 million.
“The first time I heard Al Green’s music, I was amazed,” Maxwell shared of his “Simply Beautiful” cover.
“He is such an icon, I mean what a brilliant musician and songwriter. It’s been an honor to get in the studio and record one of his songs.”
Per a rep’s confirmation to Rated R&B, “Simply Beautiful” was a standalone single, even though it was Maxwell’s first song release in three years.
The success of “Simply Beautiful” comes on the heels on Maxwell’s Tiny Desk Concert for NPR.
He performed his hot new single and his signature songs, including “Pretty Wings” and “Ascension (Don’t Ever Wonder).”
The R&B icon is gearing up for the highly-anticipated blacksummers’NIGHT, the final album of a trilogy.
Until more is revealed about its release, Maxwell will embark on the Serenade Tour across North America this fall.
The tour begins Sept. 14 in Hollywood, Florida, and concludes Oct. 27 in Los Angeles. Special guests will include Jazmine Sullivan and October London.
In February 2025, Maxwell will embark on his second annual Urban Hang Suite Cruise, named after his celebrated debut album, Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite.
In addition to Maxwell, the cruise will feature performances by Anthony Hamilton, Marsha Ambrosius, Lalah Hathaway, Terrace Martin, Avery*Sunshine, and others.
Listen to Maxwell’s rendition of “Simply Beautiful” below.
