It Won't Be Soon Before Long – Maroon 5
Published Date:
30 May 2007
A lot of bands storm the charts upon initial release and then burn out fast. With their first album, 'Songs About Jane' (2002), Maroon 5 did the exact opposite. Singles such as 'Harder To Breathe' climbed to its number one spot over weeks rather than dropped, indicating the band's music was a grower.
But, five years later, could that pattern have changed with their second album?
'It Won't Be Soon Before Long' jumped straight to number one with its unashamedly pop homage to classic artists such as Jackson Five and Prince, but what of its offerings to the listener?
Most tracks are of the same tone as initial release 'Make Me Wonder,' tipped by Radio One as a future chart topper.
The blend of keyboards, guitars and percussion is very similar to 'Not That Kind Of Girl' from Anastacia, but lyrics are perhaps a little more explicit than anything which would come from the Rich Voice of Chicago.
The first four tracks of the album are all high-energy pop/dance hybrids in the vein of older Justin Timberlake material, followed by 'Won't Go Home Without You' which marks a slight turn in the album.
Vocals are richer and more yearning though the musical rhythms are a little too rigidly structured to allow lead singer Adam Levine's voice to really shine. In fact by the end of the track, a time warp seems to have dragged you back to a 50s prom dance – with more keyboards.
'Nothing Lasts Forever' sounds like a future release, but doesn't quite control its saccharine tendencies - it's hard to believe Levine used to front a grunge band.
But 'Can't Stop' once again lifts the album up. The scattered electronic guitars reflect the tone of the lyrics and the energy from the beat is body invading.
The highlight of the album comes close to the end – 'Kiwi' is music the love child of Jamiroquai and the Jackson Five would produce. Funk permeates through lyrics that are explicitly suggestive, particularly in the chorus, but it's the bursting guitar solo at the end that raises it to new heights.
James Valentine is let loose and he takes full advantage to give a quick taste of exactly what he's capable of.
After the adrenaline rush of 'Kiwi,' 'Better that we break' is badly placed. As a heartbreak ballad without enough heartbreak, 'Better That We Break' is one of the weaker tracks as it is, but by positionin after 'Kiwi' makes it seem positively depressing.
However it does pave the way for 'Back At Your Door,' which, with its exploration into soul territory, proves are far more successful ballad.
'It Won't Be Soon Before Long' is, in general, a very easy listen. The boys from California are never going to share in the cool element held by contemporaries such as Kings of Leon, they are far too overtly pop, but they do hold their charms.
Although five years has not done a great deal to change the band's style it has been long enough to feel as though they're not just re-hashing the same old music they produced in their debut.
Fans of the band will not be disappointed by their new offerings and those that enjoy music from the likes of the Scissor Sisters should definitely seek out this album.
This CD is available to buy now in Woolworths.
The full article contains 572 words and appears in n/a newspaper.
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Last Updated:
30 May 2007 12:10 PM
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Location:
Stornoway