New World Order

Village Voice (2/25/97) - Ranked #31 in the Village Voice's 1996 Pazz & Jop Critics' Poll.
Rolling Stone (11/14/96, p.112) - 4 Stars (out of 5) - "...Mayfield never lets his message outshine his melodic gifts. His high tenor voice is intact, and Mayfield's gospel roots still provide much of his inspiration....Mayfield brings grace and good taste to the steamy vibe of Atlanta-style '90s R&B..."
Vibe (11/96, p.136) - "...NEW WORLD ORDER is truly heaven sent....The effect, reminiscent of old-school Mayfield without descending into retro nostalgia, finely suits the blend of bittersweet love songs and social commentary..."
Q Magazine (2/97, p.98) - 4 Stars (out of 5) - "...a beautiful, suitably life-affirming album. His trademark twinkling guitar is missing, but the voice is as gorgeous as ever--occasionally a little deeper than of old, but still a tool as expressive, humane and downright likable as any that's graced pop..."
Mojo (3/00, p.121) - "...almost unbearably poignant....The new songs are unequivocal messages of hope and he revisits earlier material like 'We The People Who Are Darker Than Blue'. It's the fondest of farewells."
Entertainment Weekly (10/4/96, p.62) - "..The mellow groove, complete with wah-wah guitar fills and purring backup vocals, may speak of decades past, but the effect is that of a needed catch-me-up with a long-absent friend....Welcome back." - Rating: B+