Album assessment: Maroon 5 - Hands All Over

I've listened to the new album from my beloved Maroon 5 three times now and I already feel I know it intimately. This can be taken one of two ways - one is that it's no huge departure from their previous material so seems instantly familiar. The other is that they are just so good at what they do (creating immediately catchy pop tunes and endearing slowies) that if you are a fan, they win you over straight away. It will come as no surprise that for me it's the latter option. I must say though, I was expecting something different due to the Robert "Mutt" Lange collaboration. It's more like his involvement with Shania on "up" (ie, an ability to bring out the best of what people are already good at - melodies, strong chorus and catchy tunes) rather than helping them create an out and out rocker like Pour Some Sugar On Me. No worries though - i'm more than satisfied with the latest diversion into Maroon town...

The album:


For all his swagger and bluster, Adam Levine just wants to be in love. He's analysed every aspect of relationships over 3 albums and recorded all his thoughts in many different ways. It's not a problem - it's entirely likeable and works well in confines of the band's latest effort. You'll be more than familiar now with the lead off single from the album, Misery. One of their poppiest efforts today, for me it was the defining song of the summer over Katy Perry's California G"u"rls. Forthy, catchy, but with a lyrical edge to it. Will be interesting to see how it performs in the UK this week. Second single rushed out is the more intense Give A Little More. Built around a decidedly funky rhythm guitar, Adam's vocal weaves it's way around the seductive licks creating an incredibly sensual experience. It makes one feel a little bit dirty, but that's always been a trademark of Maroon 5 songs (see Harder To Breathe; Wake Up Call). Other fast paced pop based tracks include Stutter with it's syncopated drum beat and all too sweet piano riffs balanced out by a harder edged guitar. Adam's all enticed by a new vixen in his life and the nervousness that she brings out in him - it's a rollicking chorus culminating in the slightly awkward s-s-stutter. It should be a bit cheesy, but Adam's charm and confidence make it believeable. Next up is Don't Know Nothing - a galloping rocker with some great "whoo-oo-ooos" in the chorus and a nice vocal climb up the musical scale in the middle 8. Hands All Over is a similar rocking vibe, but despite all it's bravado it's actually a sweet plea for companionship and acceptance. It's probably their most musically aggressive track and the influence of Mutt Lange is most evident on this. Get Back In My Life continues the theme of pursuing the lady wanted in his life and features some creative vocal acrobatics from Adam as he works his way from falsetto to the tenor part of his register. The chorus has more "whoos" in the background, a michael jackson-esque "ow" from Adam and some incredibly tight instrumentation from the group. If you're looking for some catchy running music, then the uptempo selection on the album will fare you will and have you singing along with your pounding feet.

But of course Maroon 5 also excel at their mid-tempos and ballad selections. Never Going To Leave This Bed is the former. It's reminiscent of a slightly more uptempo She Will Be Loved and Won't Go Home Without You and screams "future single". There's also a lovely acoustic version on one of the special editions of the album. It's got big booming production values and sounds perfect for some grand tv-drama moment on the CW. I Can't Lie is another song that sounds top 40 bound, but oddly enough I think it would work better as an Olly Murs single, though it's fine as a Maroon 5 album track. Tinged with a very slight reggae rhythm in the verses and a soaring chorus, it's a lilting, laid back pop moment from the group and I can see this being a live favourite, much like my beloved Sweetest Goodbye. How is the big 80s ballad and probably the second track on the album that shows off the Mutt Lange influences (mostly from Foreigner) to best effect. It's all about understanding love, relationships and making it work. Quite lovely indeed. More of a standard representation of the old Maroon 5 is Just A Feeling - gorgeously constructed, lovely vocal delivery with Adam's vocals layered over each other to sound like he's duetting, much like Janet on Love Will Never Do Without You. And finally, there's a foray into country radio with a heavenly duet with Lady Antebellum (just the thought of Adam in the studio with the foxy Lady Ant dudes is enough to give me the vapours!). Out Of Goodbyes closes the album with a dignifed whisper as opposed to the big pop bang that opened it. It's a gentle, insiduous song that seems forgettable but weaves it's way quickly into your brain with some lovely harmonies and a languid, lazy hook that reels you in.

Ultimately, like any maroon 5 album, there's a variety of styles, sounds and paces in here to keep things entertaining for multiple listens. I was a devoted fan before and this has done nothing to change my mind.
Potential singles: Misery, Give A Little More, Never Going To Leave This Bed, Stutter, How
Potential country singles: Out of Goodbyes