Anyone who knows me knows three things; one is that I love my coffee, two is that I love my friends and three is that I love Maroon 5. While Songs About Jane will always be my favorite album and “She Will Be Loved” will always be my favorite song, Maroon 5 is still releasing music that is just as good. Maroon 5 released Red Pills Blue, their 6th LP album, Nov. 2 and all I’ve been doing is listening to the album nonstop. That is a lie, obviously I had to sleep but I swear in my dreams I was listening to “Wait”.
Adam Levine said in an interview while promoting the album, that “it’s not about making a hit but making the right hit.”
Red Pill Blues offers a hit for every mood; you have the party song, the slow song, the sad song, the romantic song, and of course all the singles that they have been releasing over the months.
Many fans, like myself, were worried that we were never going to go back to good ol’ Songs About Jane era but I think many will be pleased to hear that old Maroon 5 does some subtle throwback moments while still showcasing new and fresh beats.
“Don’t Wanna Know” ft Kendrick Lamar and “Cold” ft. Future are songs that were released while I was still a senior in High School and I’ll admit I forgot that they were going to be a part of the album but they fit right in.
“Wait” is an upbeat song about Adam Levine asking his girl to wait and let him apologize. Which I mean, if I had Adam Levine apologizing to me and asking me to “wait”, you bet your tuition dollars I’m waiting for him. The hook in “Wait” gives a similar “Moves Like Jagger” vibe.
My personal favorite, “Lips on You”, is definitely the romantic song in my opinion. And if you based on the title I think you’ll agree. With Charlie Puth lending some of his talent on the producing side as well as being a co-writer, it’s definitely a song that many people can relate to and feel. The song is hypnotic and slow with a crescendo building up with each passing second. This song reminds me most of old Maroon 5 on the album offering more of a serious vibe and slow beat. Adam doesn’t use his famous falsetto throughout the song but offers more of a low serious tone in his voice. My one advice when listening to this song, keep your phone away from you and don’t text your ex or crush. Out of all the songs, I hope “Lips on You” becomes a single. Don’t ask me why, but “Lips on You” also reminds me of an 80s-esque song and I can’t quite place it.
“Closure” is the longest track on the album rounding out to 11 minutes long. While the vocal part of the song lasts around 3-minutes the band goes into a freestyle instrumental part lasting 7-minutes. Most bands can’t pull this off but with Maroon 5, it’s refreshing and upbeat.
I believe those looking for Songs About Jane will be happy with this album. Yes, it’s still pop-rock but it’s good. Maroon 5 debuted over a decade ago, times have changed, music has changed and unfortunately that means Maroon 5 cannot stay the same. Things that will stay the same are; Adam’s falsetto, the catchy lyrics, the moments in a song where you think “#relatable”, the repetition of words for an entire verse, and you listening to Maroon 5 on the radio because they aren’t going away anytime soon.
While I do wish that Maroon 5 didn’t have as many featured artists as they did like Julia Michaels on “Help Me Out”, Future on “Cold”, Kendrick Lamar on “Don’t Wanna Know” and A$AP Rocky on “Whiskey”. I believe the songs would’ve been just as strong without some rap verses thrown in, but the artists gave something new to Maroon 5. If anything this album gives you a glimpse of what the future is of Maroon 5.
Give it a listen, if you like it great! We can be friends! If you don’t like it that’s okay because music is universal but I’ll think twice before inviting you to a Maroon 5 listen party.
Overall, I love it and I can’t wait to go to their concert when they come to Pittsburgh Sept. 29.
Tweet us at @hcpointpark and tell us why you like the album or not, your favorite song, or just if you agree that Adam Levine is perfect!