Pop-rock group Maroon 5 released its suitably-titled fifth studio album V on Tuesday (Sept. 2). Instead of treading new ground, the Adam Levine-led act continues to explore the synth-pop behind 2012's Overexposed, a sound which really sold well. Among the 11 tracks, though, it's the moments where the band veers in a different direction that really count.
Each of Maroon 5's past four albums sound like distinct bodies of work but V mostly sounds like a re-hash of the singles that sold on Overexposed. While the 2012 album carefully treaded between rock and synth-pop tracks, V is almost completely an electronic affair with the unfortunate cost of Levine's soulful vocals sometimes coming off as cold due to overproduction. There are still some gems that salvage the new record.
Starting off with the best, “Sugar” hits all the right spots. Feathery synths and slick Prince-like bass back Levine as he puts his sensual falsetto croon to good use. Calling out the girl of his dreams, he sings, “Sugar / Yes, please / Won't you come and put it down on me?” The album's sexiest moment is an absolute highlight. The funky “Feelings” also strikes a similar chord, one that evokes disco lovin' on the dance floor.
With “Maps,” Maroon 5 ventures into rockier territory reminiscent of The Police. Levine wails away about a lady who left him behind. “All the roads you took came back to me / So I'm following the map that leads to you,” he sings over wild guitar licks. The sparse yet folk-like production on “Maps” is a breath of fresh air compared to the other over-processed tracks on V. “Animals” is another ferocious standout. Mixing hip-hop beats with its brand of pop-rock, the band creates a “Hungry Like the Wolf” for a new generation. This jam packs the most bite on the album, especially with Adam's mean howl.
No Doubt's Gwen Stefani is the album's only featured artist on the ballad “My Heart is Open.” The piano-driven track was penned by Levine, Australian singer-songwriter Sia, hit-making producer Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins and a few others. The two pop-rock titans trade verses about making one last-ditch attempt to make someone love them. They pour their hearts into the vulnerable song and the result is something extraordinarily anthemic.
Elsewhere, Maroon 5 tries to supply more massive anthems on V with the synth-pop songs like “Leaving California” (co-written by fun.'s Nate Ruess) and “New Love” but they end up falling flat under their own weight. The aforementioned tracks are missing the key ingredient of emotion with Levine's vocals processed to hell. Other tunes like “It Was Always You” and “Unkiss Me” just seem like they've been done before, sounding similar to previously released Maroon 5 hits.
Maroon 5 could have been more adventurous on V instead of just taking the if-it-ain't-broke-don't-fix-it route. The familiar sound will most certainly rack up the sales but the lack of growth from the last album to this one is painfully apparent. Levine and co.'s risks are the real pay-off moments on V.
AXS Rating: 2.5/5
