****, MAXWELL “Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite,” Columbia

Here’s the type of record that makes critics salivate and conservative urban radio programmers snore. From the first track to the last, Maxwell’s richly atmospheric, thematic album examines a specific love affair from proposition to proposal. It recalls Marvin Gaye’s classically old-school “I Want You” album--but with an extra fillip of ‘90s funk and eccentricity that makes it a true original.

There is a gentle playfulness to Maxwell’s mack-daddy lyrics, plus an innate sensuality rivaling that of D’Angelo, another new-school innovator. Be it on “Sumthin’ Sumthin’ ” or “ . . . Till the Cops Come Knockin’,” Maxwell manages to sound sweet, soothing and sexy at the same time.

Is there room for someone with the look, style, sound and image of Maxwell on urban playlists? It would be great to think so. He may not be the type of R&B; balladeer we’re accustomed to seeing, but it’s easy to imagine Gaye himself approving of this wily newcomer.

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Albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor) to four stars (excellent).