Three years after their last album, "It won't be soon before long", Maroon 5 returns to the music scene with a brand new album entitled "Hands all over". After giving it a few listenings, I have to say I'm not amused by their new music. I was expecting much more from them after a long hiatus, and, except for a few exceptions, it seems as if the band has delivered a collection of boring and uninspired songs which is clearly a departure from previous efforts. The first single "Misery" was a premonition, an enjoyable fun song which failed to add something new to the mix. It completely felt like a dismissed song from their previous album.
The second single, "Give a little more", was however far more enjoyable and catchy which I thought the rest of the album would be. You would expect more from Robert Lange (Foreigner, AC/DC), who produced the record, but instead of pushing the sound of the group into new territory by the end of the album you seem to have listened to the same monotonous songs over and over again. Besides, the few times he ventures the band into a new sound, ("Hands all over", "No Curtain Call", "Out of Goodbyes") it fails to capture our attention. I was also expecting so much more from the Lady Antebellum collaboration, but it ended the album on such a weak note.
The good part? There still seems to be hope for Maroon 5 as they can still pull out some great songs such as "Stutter", "I can't lie" or the melodic "Never gonna leave this bed" which definitely has single potential. Of course, the deluxe edition comes with some great bonus tracks, specially the excellent cover of Alicia Keys "If I ain´t got you" where Levine delivers some impressive vocals and the acoustic version of "Never gonna leave this bed" which should have been on the regular album. All in all, a forgettable record which makes me want to hold on to my copy of the "Songs about Jane" album to remind me why I loved this band so much in the first place.
Outstanding tracks: "Give a little more", "Stutter", "Never gonna leave this bed", "I can`t lie" and bonus track "If I ain´t got you".
Listen to my favourite track on the album, "Never gonna leave this bed" below! Are you into Maroon 5's new record?
Im beginning to think me and you are two pee's in a pod. I love Maroon 5, their songs about Jane album was superb and remains my favourite album of all time. And I 100% agree with you with this album, its a far cry from the M5 of 3 years ago, even if some of the tracks do have good potential. I was slightley dissapointed with it after eagerly waiting for it for so long. That said, Levine is a genius and I love his voice. Great a fair write up here, enjoyed the read.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your comments! I really appreciate them, and I'm glad that we agree on so many different topics! As you said, "Songs about Jane" was one of those albums were there weren't filler songs, and that is difficult to surpass. However, this album was very weak even though Levine is still great and has such an amazing talent (as you already pointed out). Please feel free to continue commenting whenever you feel like it, it brings life to this blog, and hopefully people will start doing the same. I hope to continue delivering interesting posts for you guys ;)
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ReplyDeleteAgain, thanks a lot Dempsey. I really appreciate your help and you telling others about my blog, it really motivates me to keep writing it! :) Anything I can do to help you with yours, let me know too! ;)
ReplyDeleteAgree completely!! The album is the band's weakest by far. Very few of the songs are memorable, and Never Gonna Leave This Bed is the strongest track besides the two singles.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment! It is a shame cause they are really a good band, but unfortunately it is a becoming a trend for artists to release catchy singles and complete the rest of the album with just filler songs.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I really love maroon 5. They've been here for a while and yet they never fail my expectations. Hopefully their band will last on the coming years
ReplyDeleteMaroon 5 is a great band. Their lead singer is so handsome makes me want to scream on their concert. Hopefully they visit Philippines again!
ReplyDeleteGreat band indeed! An inspiration to the youth and a party picture to all party people. Keep it up Maroon 5.
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I think this one of their best album. Great songs from a great band.
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