In 2002, Maroon 5 burst on the music scene with Songs About Jane, which delivered hit after hit with hook heavy numbers paired with Adam Levine’s blue-eyed soul and trademark falsetto.

“Mutt” Lange is at the helm of the band’s third release, Hands All Over, making it an even more polished record than previous efforts. While the production is slicker, it’s not a departure from what we’ve come to expect from Maroon 5, which is essentially a mix of up-tempo and mid-tempo seductions and tender ballads. But the true gems lie in the momentary diversions when Levine and company let their guards down and inch out of their comfort zones.

While lead single “Misery” didn’t live up to the hype that surrounded Maroon 5′s return, it’s not a bad song per se, it just didn’t show any artistic growth and came off sounding stale. Songs like “Give a Little More” and “Never Gonna Leave This Bed” suffer from the same fate. Then there’s “How,” which actually sounds like they’ve ripped the melody straight from monstrous hit “She Will Be Loved.” You can practically replace the chorus to “She Will Be Loved” during the chorus of “How.”

Maroon 5 starts to push the envelope on “Stutter” as they bring some funk with syncopated drums and matching guitar lick. The transition from the song’s sunny, accessible pop melody to minor key is crucial as Levine pines over his provocateur. Then there’s the breezy, laid-back “I Can’t Lie” that is sure to have you grooving in no time. Needless to say “I Can’t Lie” is a candidate for your farewell to summer mix as we head into Fall.

Then there’s Maroon 5′s bread n’ butter ballad in “Just a Feeling” where a vulnerable Levine comes to terms with love lost. There’s something about the way Levine sings this song that’s so beautiful – there’s layers of sound as he switches from his trademark falsetto to his natural tone – making it one of the most believable songs on the album. I’ll put it this way, “Just A Feeling” actually made me wish I was in the process of ending a relationship just so I had reason to push repeat on this one with some deeper meaning.

The album closes with Maroon 5’s play on a country inspired ballad “Out of Goodbyes,” featuring Lady Antebellum. Levine’s falsetto blends beautifully with Lady A’s Charles Kelley and Hillary Scott’s pitch perfect harmonies. While “Out of Goodbyes” isn’t meant to be a game-changer, it definitely helps Maroon 5 expand their musical influences. Besides, is there anyone Lady A’s Charles Kelley and Hillary Scott can’t harmonize with?

Word on the street is if you’re interested in picking up Hands All Over from Maroon 5, you’ll want to grab the Deluxe edition, which features several bonus cuts. Give us a shout in the comment section – we’re interested to hear what songs you consider as standouts.

Be Sociable, Share!

•