Album Review: Maroon 5 - V (Deluxe Version)

After their last album, Overexposed, I was dreading this one. After hearing that a new album would be released in 2014, I was excited whilst also cowering behind my hands at the risk of being severely disappointed again. I saw the track listing, and the song titles didn't impress. I saw their understated front cover, with the florescent 'V', and had an incline that it would contain electronic sounds I'm not keen on. Then I saw the 'Parental Advisory' logo and I could feel my heavy heart. I was setting myself up for heartbreak, but I still pre-ordered the album… This is my mostly upbeat review, song by song:

Maps: When I heard this song back in June, I tentatively loved it instantly. A great catchy song, with meaningful lyrics which tell a story about being hurt in love, and trying to get the other person back, and those emotions shine through. It's a song that fits in with modern music, but still has the same ingredients of Maroon 5's earlier music. Plus, it was written with Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic, who seems unable to write an unsuccessful song at the moment. An early favourite.

Animals: There is a theme developing early in the album with hints of the dreaded autotune. This is also very repetitive, with the word 'Animals' being sung to death, and stupid sounds such as 'Ny Ny Ny'. Of course, it is still a catchy song, and is a song using sounds much more like they're recent stuff. However, despite being an obvious metaphor, the Animal/Sex metaphor is done quite cleverly.

It Was Always You: I heard this song a few weeks back, and initially I was disappointed. This has an autotuned sound to it which immediately put me off. However, on reflection I think that might just be Adam Levine's voice. So, once I had seen past that, the song harks back to their It Won't Be Soon Before Long album, and after a few listens, the song does imbed itself in your head. Also, as always with Maroon 5 songs, I really like the lyrics.

Unkiss Me: I'm not keen on the music, as it seems like it should be a gangster hip-hop song at the start, but it progressed in an intuitive manner, and despite that, it is a slow and poignant song. The song also sounds well produced, because more often with this music, the voice can get lost. As the song started, I didn't expect to like it, but it is really catchy, of the time, and a very beautiful song; both in terms of lyrics and voice.

Sugar: Electronic vibe, which I think works well with Levine's voice, and a very summery song; it's a shame this album has been released at the start of Autumn. This song makes great use of how high his voice can go (one to rival the Bee Gees). Again, it's a very catchy song and I really love the chorus for its juxtaposition between high, and well, not quite so high, voice. Possibly a favourite for me.

Leaving California: This song would fit in so well on their Songs About Jane album, and is a masterpiece of a song from Maroon 5. Of course it is catchy, and of course the lyrics are perfect, and of course Levine's voice is pouring with emotion. It's got a positive and upbeat tone, and it's one of those songs that I think could lift the spirits of a crap day; which is nice between the songs about failed love. However, the song doesn't necessarily end; it just stops. This is the one negative point I can say about this song; it just sounds like the CD has malfunctioned.

In Your Pocket: Slightly oriental twang at the start, which seems pointless… But the lyrics have a fast pace, and that drives the song and it's gorgeous! The music is minimal. It's catchy, the lyrics are clever in how they tell the story, and it sounds like one side of an argument, about not trusting your partner.

New Love: Return of the autotune, which one has to admit doesn't sound too bad with the electronic vide. This is possibly my least favourite thus far, partly because it has unnecessary swearing, partly because Levine's high pitched voice is a bit annoying and repetitive in this song, and also because it's just a bit too club-like for my liking. Bu having said all that, it's alright.

Coming Back For You: The opening drums sound like those from Phil Collins's In The Air Tonight. Regardless, the song is good with their usual mix of great lyrics and music, which are catchy. I like it, but it's a 'meh' song.

Feelings: This song has such an electronic feel, that I'm convinced the introduction was originally a ringtone for a Nokia phone from 2002. Again, it also has needless and repetitive swearing, but I like the catchiness and the lyrics again. Apart from the distinctive voice though, I wouldn't have linked this song with Maroon 5, and although I fits in with the album, I'm not sure it's necessarily 'them'. Also, I can't help but think though, that this song should be sung by a woman.

My Heart is Open feat. Gwen Stefani: Speaking of which, here is a duet with a female. This is a stripped back song in comparison to the past few, and it is welcome relief. Their voices work really well together, but I do wish there was more of Gwen Stefani; as I can't help but think Levine keeps interrupting her. Duets are the 'thing' at the moment, and this fits in well amongst them. Again, it has lots of emotion, and the lyrics are good, if not slightly lacking what some of the other songs have.

Shoot Love: This has a Mark Ronson sound to it, which I used to really like (whatever happened to him incidentally?). Very catchy song, with interesting sounds which alter the mood and pace of the song. Lyrics are nothing to be amazed by, but the actual music and production are top-notch.

Sex and Candy: Another stripped back song, and is an unexpected treat. The title had me expecting another electronic-heavy song, but instead it's just Adam, a drum, a keyboard and guitar. Very soulful, and it's great to be able to hear his voice in this style of music. You can't help but just slowly move your body to the song. Also, the song ends on a long, drawn-out fade, which rounds off nicely and is a lovely change from the abrupt endings featuring on the rest of the album.

Lost Stars: This is a song from a film I haven't seen (Begin Again) featuring Levine in an acting role (and officially, it's just an Adam Levine song). I downloaded it separately a few weeks earlier because it is a beautiful song, and it got me in the mood for this album (plus I hadn’t realised it was on this album). It is again another song which sits perfectly amongst their earlier songs, and it just makes me smile. It has a great musical and emotional progression, and OF COURSE, the lyrics are fabulous, and I love how Adam Levine sings it. A lovely end to the album and one of my all-time favourties. Incidentally, look up the other song he sung for the film, A Higher Place: That is a Songs About Jane song through and through.

After my first listen, I was excited. Our love affair was back on track. Of course, they have annoying habits, but they're subjective. For example, despite moaning about the repetitive 'Ny Ny Ny' of Animals, I spent the rest of the day singing that over and over in my head. Just like in a loving relationship, the other person will have annoying habits, but I'm not sure I'd change them. Whether it's their insistence on using electronic beats, the fact they swear too much, or the their resolve to never put things back where they belong.

I really love the album, and it has made me very happy. Favourite songs include Maps, Sugar, Leaving California, In Your Pocket, My Heart is Open, Sex and Candy, and Lost Stars. I can class half this album as being favourite songs of mine, and that's really good going. There is a real mix of music between them, and yet they're songs that are all perfect in different ways. They have really outdone themselves this time.

I've perhaps been a bit too negative to other songs, but it all about personal taste. Even though I can swear with the best of the drunken sailors, I hate unnecessary swearing in comedy, literature and music. Unless you're portraying real anger, I just think there can always be a better word. Look up a song called Up Here by Terra Naomi. Now she swears perfectly. It is more than just a swear word. It holds power because you just understand how angry and frustrated she feels. Anyway, I'm off point.

This is a brilliant Maroon 5 album for three reasons: Firstly, it has roots that go all the way through their past albums, and it draws on what their fans really loved about them 10 years ago, such as their emotive lyrics. Secondly, it isn't a complete change of direction from Overexposed, so it keeps the best of those songs, and it keeps their new fans loyal too. Ultimately, this is an album which showcases their evolution. But thirdly, the album has been produced marvellously. I think it has to be one of the best-produced albums I've heard for a long time.

Overall, they've done a perfect job, despite Adam Levine's silly new hairstyle, and the fact there is now 6 of them...

Review: Maroon 5 Live at The O2, London

I have never been to the O2 arena, so on the 11th of January 2014, Maroon 5 and Co took my virginity. However, I had to wait a long while for my first time. We had planned to have our first time back in June last year, but due to American TV commitments, they cancelled on me, with a note to say I'd have to wait more than 7 months before we would try again.

A promo photograph...

So, the months ticked away, and the dome teased me every morning on the way to University as I went past on the DLR. All I could think about was the night we would finally get to spend together. Then the tickets came through the post. It meant, this was finally going to happen. Then the night came...

Album Review: Maroon 5 - Overexposed (Deluxe Edition)

I would not hesitate to say that Maroon 5 are easily my favourite band, with Adam Levine being my favourite singer (closely followed my Matchbox Twenty and Rob Thomas), so when I opened a link posted on their Facebook Fan group, which stated that they were to release a new album within a matter of months, I nearly exploded; I was more hyper than a kid leaving a sweet shop. Then, a week later, they released their new single, Payphone, on YouTube. I quickly grabbed the mouse and clicked the link. It's all been downhill since…

I should have known that it wouldn't reach my dizzy heights of expectation after the Moves Like Jagger single, which is incredibly popular both sides of the Atlantic - arguably their most popular song to date. That is the only reason I can imagine for them producing a mismatched album which includes mainly electronic, club sounds, with a dash of Funk and sprinkling of their traditional stuff – a return to disco some might call it.

Album Review: Maroon 5 - Hands All Over (Deluxe Edition)

We have now reached my seventh and last edition of blogs reviewing my favourite albums of the year. Of course, I couldn't not review the new Maroon 5 album considering the love affair I have had going with them since 2004 when I first heard 'This Love'. That is a song which basically got my love for music kick-started when I heard it on the radio. Anyway, after this blog, I will be taking a much needed short break from blogging. I have done nine blogs in ten days. Anyway, let's get going on this album review.

I am slightly biased to this album for the fact that Maroon 5 are one of my favourite all-time bands. My first proper album that I ever brought was Maroon 5 - Songs About Jane. Okay, I had previously brought The Fast Food Rockers album, but you can't hold that against me - I wasn't old enough to know that was essentially the cheesiest of all the cheesiest albums ever produced.

On my first listen through of this album, I was a disappointed that the songs were not as great as I expected. Anyway, on my second listen, I couldn't see my problem and rather enjoyed it (despite one song, but I'll cover that later). It just proves - you shouldn't always judge on your first opinion.

First song: 'Misery'. This is the single which isn't getting much radio time, which is good because it stops me from hearing it too much. As Maroon 5 singles go however, it isn't one of their best. Still rather good, I'll give them that, but lacking that 'raw emotion' we see in the first album singles. However, it is very similar to their singles from the second album. The second song,' Give A Little More' is rather nice and as second songs go, it was alright. It was nothing that jumped out as amazing, but still perfect for the album.

The third song, 'Stutter', is when it all starts. This is the first song on the album that jumps out, grabs you with both hands by the ears and forces you to pay attention. It takes you by surprise and I certainly love the song due to it being incredibly catchy and the lyrics are very nice also. Remember it as one of my favourites. The follow up song is 'Don't Know Nothing', and it seems to work very well. A very well placed song within the album. It has a great catchy tune which has the power to stick with you for hours after listening. The lyrics are also great; but the chorus in this song is beautifully crafted with immense power.

The next song is' Never Gonna Leave This Bed' and is what I would describe as classic, with it having the easy going sound to it and also the deep, meaningful lyrics we expect from Maroon 5. This song goes back to their roots and has everything we expect in a Maroon 5 song, and the first of many which appear on the album; with track six being another example. 'I Can't Lie' is an incredibly catchy song and is, again, what I would describe as a classic Maroon 5 song. It again has that easy, slow sound with a distinctive beat. Not only is the beat catchy to this song, but so are the lyrics.

Then we seem to receive a metaphorical shovel to the head. This is the worst song on the album, and maybe even one of their worse songs ever, due to it sticking out like an out-and-proud gay person in a business meeting. Track seven, 'Hands All Over', which also happens to be the album title track, is what I would describe as 'The black sheep of the album'. Don't get me wrong, it is a good song and it is a catchy song, but it is a song that really does not fit into the album. It sounds like Kraftwerk have done a duet them, and that isn't a good thing, even if Kraftwerk are quite good. It is just completely inappropriate for the album. I have now reached the stage where I just skip it every time I play the album. I want to like it; and maybe I would of if it were in Maroon 5's previous album It Won't Be Soon Before Long.

Then you have track 8, a song called 'How'. It really doesn't work following that disastrous song, but forgetting that, it is such an incredibly beautiful and amazing song which is exactly what I expect from Maroon 5. I adore the song, and it is completely reminiscent of the Songs About Jane album. It is one of those emotional songs that can lift your spirit. In fact, so are the following three songs. They may possibly be my favourite Maroon 5 songs, ever. They are so good; I don't feel at all angry about that absurd song preceding them.

'Get Back Into My Life' has a brilliantly catchy beat to it, and the lyrics are rather powerful and lovely; I also love the harmonies in the song. 'Just A Feeling' is another slow and calm song, which I think to be just very beautiful. It is a song where you cannot help but listen to the lyrics and they are a joy to listen to. I am just in love with the song. It’s moving; yet catchy. 'Runaway' is my favourite of the favourites. The very first song I heard of the album as it was playing when I walked in HMV, and I feel in love instantly. It’s a short song, but catchy, epically powerful and very, very deep.

The final song on the normal album is 'Out Of Goodbyes', which is a duet done with a new, similar band called Lady Antebellum. It is a rather lovely song, but it is very odd hearing a female voice on an album by an all-male band. However, that's not to say it's bad, it's just a tad odd. It has a lovely, country sound to it which I find rather pleasing to the ear.

Due to me buying the 'Deluxe Edition', I get an extra 6 six songs, for not very much more. ‘Last Chance' and 'No Curtain Call' are the last two unique songs on the album and they are very good. The former of the two songs is an incredibly catchy song with great power and is yet again a tad reminiscent of Songs About Jane. 'No Curtain Call' is probably the most powerful song of the lot with the loud, distinctive drum beat which gives it this poignant feel. The lyrics are also really good and it is yet another song on the album I like.

We then get treated to acoustic versions of two songs on the album: 'Misery' and 'Never Gonna Leave This Bed'. Both originals are very good, but I would be very quick to point out that the acoustic versions are actually better. They seem to have more meaning without all the added, unnecessary production. One thing they do, which is cheesy in their acoustic songs, is start with '1, 2, 1, 2, 3' and I just wish they didn't.

The album ends with two covers of other people’s songs, which I they do very well, but I see no obvious point to them. The covers are Alicia Keys - 'If I Ain't Got You' and Queen - 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love'. They work really quite well and they certainly have done the songs justice. It also is a very nice way to end and round off a very good album

Despite the Deluxe Edition carrying on for little over an hour, the album doesn't feel very long. You can listen to the whole album of 18 songs, and still think 'That didn't last long' and then realise you've lost an hour of your life. I don't know why that it is, but either way, it is one heck of an amazing album. I have become addicted to the album. Maroon 5 are my drug at the moment. I can't listen to one song, without having to listen to the rest. It has incredible power.

Would I recommend this album? Most certainly yes! I love it. Better than their last album and a close contender with Songs About Jane. If you love Maroon 5's original songs, then you will love this album (despite the one song). It isn't as depressing as their last albums either, and that's what makes them even better. My top album of the year, easily!