Disclaimer: Excessively irrational fangirly review ahead.

Maroon 5 - It Won't Be Soon Before Long

i consider Maroon 5 as one of my uber-favorite bands of all time. their debut album Songs About Jane released in 2003 caught my naked attention and pretty much the rest of the world, with their infectious melodies, beautiful ballads and that strange unique creative flavor that's amiss in the music scene. hip, functional funk is what they're all about.



i never get tired listening to SAJ. whenever i feel bored or lousy, i'd just pop it in the player and my mood instantly lightens up... it's like you're hearing them again for the first time and you get a kick of it. every song was glorious, from start to finish. the boys from california strike it big, baby. i predicted they would be famous -- and they did!



and so after four years, Maroon 5 treats fans and listeners alike with their highly anticipated sophomore offering, It Won't Be Soon Before Long. there might have been some changes (drummer Ryan Dusick being replaced by Matt Flynn because of an arm injury) and a proclamation that this album will be "sexier and stronger" than SAJ, but then it's still Adam and co. (Jesse, Mickey, James) with their trademark lush goodness and then some. giving us a preview with their first single, the smoldering "Makes Me Wonder", they're out there to prove they still got the hot stuff!



ever since getting a copy of It's Wont Be.. this past Sunday, i've been listening to it on repeat (on the stereo, on WMP, on the iPod)... it's INCREDIBLE and I LOVE IT! i swear i'm won't get tired of this anytime! (some retreat from jazz huh?) can't help but get drawn to Maroon 5's catchiness, awesome songwriting (wonder where Adam gets that) and their lovely sound overall. almost every song is a gem, starting from the opener "If I Never See Your Face Again". admittably, there are a lot of really good 'fast' songs here that can gain potential airplay (and not to mention new fans): couldn't stop humming to "Can't Stop", love the cool vibe of "Kiwi", "Little of Your Time" and "Wake Up Call". but being the senti ballad sucker that i am, i'll crown "Nothing Lasts Forever" as my favorite track. it reminds me a bit of "Sweetest Goodbye" (my fave from Songs About Jane). beautiful melody, bittersweet message. there's also "Goodnight Goodnight" and "Better That We Break" (another one of my picks). man, Adam writes the saddest breakup songs i can't help but sing along and empathize -- even if i have no prior experience in 'em! =p ... a worthy close for this LP is "Back At Your Door", very elegantly produced with some soul-inspired touches. some CDs got a bonus track, "Infatuation" which for me has some shades of their previous songs but nonetheless a nice addition anyway. i haven't much to nitpick... the more i listen to it, the more i come to love it. daresay It Won't Be Soon Before Long is Maroon 5's best work to date. i think the band's approach to this 2nd album is to be able to branch out to other listeners through more solid, heavier tunes but still keeping their fan base irresistibly satisfied... i know i am! =)



Rating: 5 out of 5 (isn't that a given?)

Libellés : music

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