Ascension (Don't Ever Wonder)

The song received positive reviews from music critics. Christopher A. Daniel from Albumism stated that it "keeps the groove in motion".[4] AllMusic editor Stephen Cook picked it as one of the highlights from Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite.[5] Daryl Easlea for BBC said that it "was the rightful hit single".[6] Larry Flick from Billboard wrote that it "continues to revisit the classic soul ground first mined by legends like Marvin Gaye and Smokey Robinson ." He added that "cruising at a chilled midtempo pace, Maxwell flexes his voice to falsetto heights while also displaying a rich lower register that's so sexy. Wrap in a rubbery bassline and jiggly funk guitars and you have a tasty single".[7] Monyca D. Coleman from Indianapolis Recorder said it is "brilliant".[8] Music & Media noted that "it won't take long for the world to discover the Next Big Thing In Soul Music. Maxwell is quickly capturing hearts all over the world. He even got TAFKAP to do the sound of his recent Paris show. He oozes charisma and he has the musical clout to back it up. He glides his way through this mid-tempo smoothie with a delicious deep bass and wah wah guitars."[9] Bob Jones from Muzik stated that it is "the next best thing since soul was invented. Awesome, truly awesome!"[10] New Straits Times commented, "Forget about Viagra, this is the real thing! If ethereal tracks like Ascension, Whenever, Wherever and ...Til The Cops Keep Knockin' don't raise body temperatures, you're in serious "shagadelic" trouble my friend. Lights off, stimulus on!"[11] San Antonio Express-News noted the song as "slinky".[12] Vibe called it a "smooth" and "slow" track with a "sultry mood".[13]

The music video for the song was directed by American music video and television director and television producer Liz Friedlander.[14] At the beginning, Maxwell stands alone, dancing in the dark in a room that is a large stage surrounded by white screens. As he begins to sing, the light slowly turns on the singer. He is dressed in a shiny gray outfit and a band is now performing around him on stage. Throughout the video, different people are entering the room through a large oval opening. Towards the end, these people are dancing among the musicians while Maxwell sings until the end of the video.[15]

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