I mentioned a few entries back that I got my hands on this album, and after about a week of listening to it I think I'll review it. I think it's going to be one of my better purchases this year, with Nine Inch Nails' Year Zero on the list for the future.
I'm sure I'm not the only person who was starting to get worried about these guys after 5 years of nothing from them, but I think it was worth the wait. I read somewhere that the production values on this were "immaculate" and I have to agree. Maroon 5 has also improved musically, they just sound so much more confident in doing more complicated things with the music.
I played this album for my dad when we were running errands today, and he was impressed (no small feat with my dad). It's very much pop music, but it's good pop music. I especially like a few throwbacks to The Police (just listening to the first few seconds of I won't go home without you makes their influences obvious) and Motown on the last track (Back at your door) with some 70s influence in later places.
I always have loved West Coast style rock, and these guys just ooze it. They also make good use of conga drums and percussion, they actually have a new drummer since their previous one was injured on tour, and unlike 3 Doors Down, who drew back their drummer on their second album, these guys wisely chose to bring him out. Everything on this album is insanely catchy, too, and I was hooked as soon as I heard the opening guitar rift. Bottom line: These guys are good, and 5 years was definitely worth the wait.
And as a bonus, here's the first track, featuring several of the things I mentioned:
If I Never See Your Face Again on Sendspace.
I'm sure I'm not the only person who was starting to get worried about these guys after 5 years of nothing from them, but I think it was worth the wait. I read somewhere that the production values on this were "immaculate" and I have to agree. Maroon 5 has also improved musically, they just sound so much more confident in doing more complicated things with the music.
I played this album for my dad when we were running errands today, and he was impressed (no small feat with my dad). It's very much pop music, but it's good pop music. I especially like a few throwbacks to The Police (just listening to the first few seconds of I won't go home without you makes their influences obvious) and Motown on the last track (Back at your door) with some 70s influence in later places.
I always have loved West Coast style rock, and these guys just ooze it. They also make good use of conga drums and percussion, they actually have a new drummer since their previous one was injured on tour, and unlike 3 Doors Down, who drew back their drummer on their second album, these guys wisely chose to bring him out. Everything on this album is insanely catchy, too, and I was hooked as soon as I heard the opening guitar rift. Bottom line: These guys are good, and 5 years was definitely worth the wait.
And as a bonus, here's the first track, featuring several of the things I mentioned:
If I Never See Your Face Again on Sendspace.