Full disclosure, this is the reaction of someone whoโs heard a total of zero Maroon 5 albums, and outside of their most well known songs I couldnโt even tell you what they sound like. But as Iโve been covering more and more music videos their stuff kept popping up, and I was finally curious enough to find out what an entire project sounds like from them.
โParties with shots and powder
But youโd rather sleep eight hours
And I know you got your doubts
โCause I canโt turn this life around, baby
Thought it was just a phase
โTil I woke up a thousand days laterโ
Needless to say Adam Levine (the only recognizable figure from the band) is front and center, and his exceptional pop voice is instantly recognizable and itโs as good as you remember. At this point itโs pretty much the pop standard as it bends and adapts to nearly any sound. Which is good, because I donโt know what actual genre or sound Maroon 5 is mostly known for. Onย Red Pill Blues at least, their sound is highly varied and pulls in inspiration from all manner of genres. What surprised me, although it probably shouldnโt, is just how smooth, professional, and polished the band sounds as a whole. So much so though that it polished away a lot of the character and distinctiveness I like to hear in my bands. Aside from the absolutely horrendous guest features (including Kendrick and excluding SZA), thereโs not a whole lot here to complain about. Itโs a very well made album thatโs enjoyable to listen โ even the lead singles that I initially wasnโt feeling. But it doesnโt leave much of a mark either, incapable of evoking any genuine emotion.
Have you heardย Red Pills Blue? Whatโd you think about it? If youโre familiar with Maroon 5, where would you rank this among their catalog? Let me know in the comments below and be sure to leave your own ratings and reactions to the album.
