A return to the return of beauty

I've made fleeting mention of Maxwell's newest nine-tracker, that of the irregular title of BLACKsummers'night.

I'd like to use "Pretty Wings" (Bsn's lead-off single) as an opportunity to contrast the old and the new in production styles. Kon, we've both been proclaiming the need to celebrate not only the author and singer of a pop song, but also the individual that produced the song. (Great example - GaGa and RedOne.) Here's a chance to walk down that road again.

Now, "Pretty Wings" ain't really "pop" - it's much more in R&B territory. But in the chorus, there's one of those hooks that nips at the bottom edges of the Earworm Level. Definitely a great song.

It (and the rest of the album) stands out because of producer Hod David's stripped-down, old-school approach. Listening to the album puts me in a place where... I feel like I'm in a smoky New York jazz club, with Max & a full band blasting out these tunes.* I'm not hearing the distinctive sheen of AutoTune, or any kind of toppings that a guy like Timbaland (below, his "My Love") or RedOne might throw on top of one of his creations. It's organic, not electronic. It's refreshing.

My question is, do you see such an "old-school" style catching on in mainstream pop? I could never see someone like Britney doing something like this. In the pop-rock realm, John Mayer is likely capable.

* Maxwell, in an interview: "I wanted it to be pure like that, you know."

Songs

Justin Timberlake - "My Love" (f. T.I.)
Maxwell - "Pretty Wings"