Overexposed

Music allows us to express our deepest emotions, desires, troubles, and triumphs. It can serve as a getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday life or as inspiration. The versatility of music is unbelievable. Music can be used to put a crying baby to sleep or amp a team up before a championship game. It can make us feel good or sad or for the romantics out there all warm inside. Now, it is not just the sound of music that is so captivating but the words linked to the sound. They go hand in hand. Each note is perfectly linked to a corresponding lyric. Together, a simply melody can be transformed into a powerful and inspirational message. There are absolutely no limits to what music can do.

People always seem to gravitate towards certain songs depending on their mood. For example, when going on a trip to the beach, feel good tunes are obnoxiously blasted while people sing at the top of their lungs to the lyrics. On the other hand, after ending a relationship for whatever reason, the classic breakup songs are usually accompanied by tears and a tub of a persons favorite ice cream. With that being said, the connected between people and music is driven by human emotion and the tone of the song.

According to scholars, when people listen to music perceived and felt emotions must to separated to explain the impact a song has on someone (Tabei). Felt emotion is whatever emotional response is caused by the song (Tabei). Perceived emotion, however, is what the listener pegs the song as that they are listening to (Tabei). For example, in Maroon 5's album "Overexposed", when a listener sees the song Sad is up next on the playlist they can rightly interpret that the song will be well sad. These two concepts act as the foundation for understanding the link between people and music.

Now I am sure you are wondering what all of this has to do with Maroon 5? Well, Maroon 5's album "Overexposed" is jam packed with songs that invoke strong emotional reactions. Pop Matters calls "Overexposed" "not a great album, but that doesn't mean it's not interesting" (Sawdey). I would have to agree with this. Overall, the album is nothing special compared to previous, but it does show that Maroon 5 is trying new things with their music or "the band actually learning to have fun again" (Sawdey). Each song has its own story and mood, which can be heard through its unique sound fitted to express the correct emotions for the audience. Exploring the album will allow for more insight on this phenomena.

"Payphone" is one of the more popular songs on the album. Maroon 5 brings in the help of Wiz Khalifa to spice the song up a bit. The dynamic between him and Levine make for a new sound not heard from the band yet. In a track-by-track review of the album, Billboard calls "Payphone" a "heartstring-puller" (Maroon 5, 'Overexposed': Track-by-Track review). The mix between the soft melody and hard rap should be weird but it works out in the songs favor. Combined with the lyrics I can see why "heartstring-puller" applies. "Where are the plans we made for two?" You feel bad for Adam because he was ready to fully commit himself to this relationship and he got blindsided.

"One More Night" is the realization that not everything is cut and dry. Billboard sums up this song perfectly as an"upbeat, faintly reggae-tinged track about a bad influence Adam Levine can't seem to shake" (Maroon 5, 'Overexposed': Track-by-Track review). The funky beat and steady drums make the song somewhat infectious. Adam is stuck in limbo, he wants to leave this girl but he cannot quite get himself to. The uncertainty about breakups come from one partner being vague about their stance (Dailey). "So I cross my heart and I hope to die, that I'll only stay with you one more night." The funky sound reflects his inner turmoil.

"Daylight" is one of those songs that just makes you want to spend time with the people you love the most. It's bittersweet; everyone gets to a point in their life where they have to move away. The epic chorus captures the meaning of the lyrics to a tee. This song is pure soft rock packed with emotion. At concerts, the crowd usually waves their phone lights in the air as they fawn over Adam's performance. Something about the music behind the lyrics resonates with all who listen. It is the sadness that loves ones are left behind, but also the hope that new opportunities will bring prosperity and happiness that can be shared with the ones you love. Everything comes full circle.

"Overexposed" is all about exploring the bands creative license and different music styles.The band put everything on the line for this album. Ballads to pop funk and anything in between are showcased on this album. There is no real one sound or one message for the album, which is why a lot of critics were not so fond.  When interviewed by LA Times, Adam Levine says "It's how you respond to failure that make you successful".  Maroon 5 I like to think of it as a conglomeration of chaos. At the same time, the fact that there is no unity within the album, it makes sense. Experimentation is about stepping outside one's comfort zone. Sure it may fail at first, but what is taken away from the failure only helps in future aspirations. If you fail, try, try, and try again. Maroon 5 may have had a hiccup with this album, but since then they have released some fantastic albums.

The ability for an album or song to change the mood of someone is absolutely uncanny. In my own experience, when I am having a bad day I wallow in my playlist of depressing songs just because I want to feel sorry for myself. But once I put on an inspirational song I immediately want to be productive or go to the gym and make my bad day into a productive day. My change of mind was dependent on a song...A SONG! When scholars make hypothesis that music triggers an emotional reaction in the brain I believe it because it happens to me. And reading the research to back up their claims is eye opening.

Without going into super scientific terms and concepts a study was conducted where people got MRI's while listening to music to prove that there is a connection between music and emotional responses in the brain (Tabei). The results were as follows: The precuneus region (behind the frontal lobe of the brain) is responsible for these emotional responses (Tabei). This makes sense because according to researcher Tabei this part of the brain "is known to be the area responsible for 'self-representation'" (Tabei). He goes onto explain that this region is activated when judgmental tasks are needed to be performed, like someones feelings while listening to music (Tabei). These feelings could come from the instrumental, beat, rhythm, or the lyrics. It all depends on what is the key factor of the song that hits home with the person listening to it. For me, I think the sound of the singer's voice is what I connect to. I pay attention to the emotional strain in his or her voice because I feel as if the singer is not invested into the lyrics then they are just words.

Take the song "Can't Help" by Parachute, for example. The catchy upbeat intro hook the listener and then the singers delivery of the lyrics hit home. Everyone is telling him this girl is toxic but he can't stop falling in love with her. The message is that some things are just out of your control, you cannot choose who you fall in love with. Some people may take this literally, but others could just connect this to letting go and living life without trying to control every aspect of it. Music is always open to so much interpretation because everyone has different life experiences and ways of thinking.

I understand it is different for everyone, but regardless there is a connection and the phenomena that music had the ability to alter people's emotions is valid. Music is one of the most influential things in the world because it is so relatable. What one person sings about can apply to thousands. That is the beauty of being an artist. No matter what they produce someone out there will love the song. There is always someone their work connects with. Critics were not a fan of the "Overexposed" album, but fans seemed to enjoy it. I know I did. I will admit some songs were better then others, but it was not a bad album. It was just different. And "different" can still appeal to listeners. Like I said before, what works for one may not for the other. This album is such an ideal example to showcase this idea.

Works Cited

Dailey, Rene M., et al. "On-Again/Off-Again Dating Relationships: What Keeps Partners Coming Back?." Journal Of Social Psychology 151.4 (2011): 417-440. Academic Search

Complete. Web. 18 Nov. 2015.

Interview with Maroon 5. LA Times. Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2010. Web. 18 Nov. 2015. 

Maroon 5. Overexposed. A&M/Octane Records, 2012. MP3.

Maroon 5, ‘Over-exposed’: Track-by-Track Review. Billboard. Billboard Inc., 26 June 2012.Web. 18 Nov. 2015.

Parachute. “Can’t Help”. Metro Lyrics. Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group, 2013. Web. 18 Nov. 2015. 

Sawdey, Evan. Maroon 5 Overexposed. Pop Matters. Popmatters.com, 9 July 2012. Web. 18 Nov. 2015.

Tabei, Ken-ichi. "Inferior Frontal Gyrus Activation Underlies The Perception Of Emotions,While Precuneus Activation Underlies The Feeling Of Emotions During Music Listening." Behavioural Neurology 2015.(2015): 1-6. Academic SearchComplete. Web. 18 Nov. 2015.

Revised Songs About Jane

This week we are taking it way back to the beginning of Maroon 5. “Songs About Jane” was the bands first ever album released in 2002. The band hit this one out of the park with five singles hitting the charts including “This Love," “She Will Be Loved," and “Harder to Breathe." Whenever mentioning this album to friends they always melt at the name of it. “Songs About Jane” seems to be the fan favorite. I like to think of this album as the album of love because these songs touch deep into the raw emotions of Adam’s relationship with Jane.

Relationships are never easy; they are filled with compromise and meeting someone half-way even though it is not your personal preference. Even I know that, and I am only 18. For those who are lucky this balance occurs naturally, but for others it takes months. Now, there are both good and bad relationships, obviously. “Good” relationships revolve around the love that connects two individuals. This love only grows stronger with each passing day. When two people are in love, they can do no wrong. It is almost like a twisted obsession. However, some obsessions have an expiration date and a once fairy tale love can turn into an utter catastrophe in the blink of an eye. It still amazes me how quickly young people fall in and out of love. I have seen someone so in love their boyfriend or girlfriend is all they can think about and then one day they will wake up and say “I’m bored”. This phenomenon is mind-boggling to me. Today’s generation is so caught up in the next best thing that they sometimes jeopardize their own happiness to say they have the “best” whatever. In the world of relationships, that can be the seemingly “perfect man or woman” just to flaunt the coveted image. 

“Songs About Jane” deals with many of these concepts, especially the heartbreak of a relationship on the brink of breaking apart. When Adam wrote these, he was to very young, which is why younger people can relate to this album so much and really appreciate it for what it is. Adam is head over heels for this girl Jane, but the feeling, unfortunately, is not mutual. It is evident Jane falls out of love with Adam, which leaves him in shock, heartache, and denial. This album is the story of their time together from Adam's perspective, including both his emotions while he was still with her and a reflection of his relationship months after the breakup. It is an interesting set up, but an effective one. It gives the audience both sides of love in a relationship and how it effects a person’s mannerisms and feelings.

To say “Sunday Morning” is a feel good song is an understatement. Adam was so in love while writing this song. The sweet melody automatically reflects his deepest feelings for his love. She was his bliss, his shining light in a sea of darkness. She embodied everything he wanted and needed. “Sunday morning, rain is falling; Steal some covers, share some skin; ...You twist to fit the mold that I am in."The sexual undertone of these lyrics can make anyones insides melt. The piano in the background of the song just sets the mood even more. I can picture this scene so vividly, and hear the rain hitting the roof. He is infatuated with her, and never wants to leave. “In darkness, she is all I see; Come and rest your bones with me; Driving slow on Sunday morning; And I never want to leave." His smooth voice paired with the piano in the background delivers these lines to perfection. He cannot imagine a day without having her by his side. All he wants to do is come home to her and love her and call her his. Every time he is with her his love only grows stronger and stronger. “Sunday Morning” embodies what every girl wants her man to feel about her.

The beginning stages of a relationship are always the most memorable. That is when couples start referring to themselves as “us” or “we”. It is the time of firsts and moments that drive the relationship from there on out. It is where the love between people begins and only grows with every second spent together. It is those memories that make trying to make things work in a relationship so important. “She Will Be Loved” is Adam’s confession of love to this girl that has left him in the past, but he is willing to do anything to get her back. “I don't mind spendin' everyday; Out on your corner in the pourin' rain…Ask her if she wants to stay awhile; And she will be loved, and she will be loved." His soft voice pairs perfectly with these lyrics and gives me that warm fuzzy feeling inside. He is putting himself out on the line for her. His feelings are so strong for this girl he is willing to do anything for her to make her happy and feel loved. He will do anything in his power to not let her go again. “It's not always rainbows and butterflies; It's compromise that moves us along yeah; ...You can come anytime you want yeah." Relationships are never easy, but love makes people do things they would not normally for anyone else – including stand in the pouring rain.

Denial and pain directly following a breakup are so emotionally draining it puts you into a spiral of depression and heartache. “This Love” is Adam’s way of putting his pain into words that leaves fans crying for him. “This love has taken its toll on me; She said Goodbye too many times before; And her heart is breaking in front of me;...” The steady beat of the drums in the background stay consistent throughout the song and make the listener to really pay attention to the lyrics. This relationship put him through hell and back. It sounds like Jane has separated from him more than once and he has reached his breaking point. Her inability to stay with him may be breaking her heart, but it has completely obliterated his. This last goodbye was harder for him than her because before he always had hope of rekindling their love, not anymore. “I tried my best to feed her appetite;...So hard to keep her satisfied; Kept playing love like it was just a game." He tried to keep her happy every way he could in and out of the bedroom, but it was not enough. He knows that once she walks away from him, he will not see her again, he cannot keep playing this game with her. He cannot handle her keep leaving on him, and then returning expecting everything to go back to normal. 

The post breakup feelings are always such a joy. Anger, contempt, and absolute disregard for everything regarding that excuse for a human being that broke up with you just scratches the surface. “Harder to Breathe” wraps all that anguish into a song. Adam lets nothing behind as he tells Jane to basically go screw herself because he is the best thing that has ever happened to her. Right off the bat the mood is set, “How dare you say that my behavior is unacceptable; So condescending unnecessarily critical;..." I can hear the angst in his voice as the electric guitar sends out harsh notes.  I have a feeling Jane might have said this to him in her breakup speech - harsh. She obviously felt that his behavior was tarnishing her image, so he could either fix it or she was done. “What you are doing is screwing things up inside my head; You should know better you never listened to a word I said”. Seems like she put all the blame on him, even though Adam makes it quite clear she had a mind of her own. Taking the easy way out instead of trying to work together to reach a compromise just is not some people’s style. I always get pissed when I listen to this song, it almost amps me up. The rock guitar solo in the middle of the song always sets me off. At least Adam got a good song out of it, thanks Jane.

“Songs About Jane” is a whole lot of emotional highs and lows wrapped into one. I felt drained after listening to this album. It was like I was in the relationship myself feeling every moment of happiness and then every moment of complete disappointment and despair. Relationships take time, energy, and commitment. A person cannot jump into a relationship without being willing to hear what the other has to say. Listening is crucial in establishing communication because without communication everything is doomed before it even started. You want your significant other to bring out the best qualities in you and accept the weird. If that is not attainable then the person will always feel trapped and tension will build until someone bursts. Then comes the arguing, isolation, blame game and breakup. What a mess. 

Love makes people do crazy things and act in ways they never have before, but sometimes it is worth it. When you find that right person that just gets you nothing else matters. The relationship is not work or burdening it is effortless. Being in a relationship with someone you love is like being with a best friend. The lucky ones find love like this on the first or second try. For others it takes a couple failed relationships to realize exactly what you do and do no want. Jane was not Adam’s match, but had not problem finding the right one a couple years later. All it takes is just a little bit of patience and hope.

Revised V

“What the f****, I got nothing to lose” Welcome to the newest installment of Maroon 5. V is risqué and raw. It embodies people’s greatest desires and deepest thoughts. The band does not hold back and puts everything out on the line for their fans. Each song has its own identity dealing with a different emotion – desire, love lust, anger, desperation, excitement, regret. Maroon 5 gets creative in truly showing the emotion by making parallels to beliefs of pop culture to further connect to listeners of any background.

“What the f****, I got nothing to lose” is a line from the song "New Love." The theme is pretty self-explanatory given the title. Nevertheless, it expresses the common occurrence of falling into love too hard, too fast. People tend to jump whole-heartedly into a relationship without even thinking. Adam clearly exhibits similar tendencies, and he is especially reckless because he has “nothing to lose." Thirty years ago such behavior would have been highly frowned upon, but in today's day in age people do not even acknowledge it. However, "New Love" deals with superficial attraction – “I'm a slave to the way that you move; I'm an addict for all that you do; you're the only drug I wanna do yeah." Adam likes the thrill of being with this girl which is portrayed through the strong consistent beat of the drums throughout the entire song. Interestingly, the lyrics never mention and emotional connection, but it makes sense because pop culture makes people first look at people’s appearances instead of who the person is. Everyone is so wrapped up in appearance’s and body image they unfortunately continuously forget that looks aren’t everything. A relationship is built on trust, responsibility, and an emotional connection, but who has time for that?

"Maps" delves into societies desperation for reciprocation of love.  “So I’m following the map that leads to you” explains Adam’s need to find this girl he so desperately needs love from. He feels lost and confused, “When I was at my worst; down on my knees; and you said you had my back; So I wonder where were you?” Left out alone hurt in the dark about where this girl is all he has to go by is his moral compass, which leads to her. Wanting someone to love you as much you love them has become a new obsession in the younger generation due to unrealistic romance movies and media. Popular culture feeds society fantasized outcomes and expectations, such as love at first sight and living happily ever after. The upbeat tempo of the song clearly illustrates these fantasies of happily ever after. Even though he is disappointed, the catchy tune reassures his blind faith in this map to lead him back to his love.

The band channels their wild side while writing "Animals" - “Baby I’m preying on you tonight; hunt you down eat you alive just like animals” starts off this infectious song. The predator-prey relationship has been around since the beginning of time. Predators rely on prey to live and evolve, much like people need each other to fulfill their needs and desires. Predatory animals do whatever is necessary to complete the hunt, whether that be speed, agility, camouflage, smell, hearing, or poison. Regardless, they get the job done. The hard hitting beat reflects the thrill of the hunt and anticipation of the kill or in Adam's case getting the girl. In the song “Animals," Maroon 5 uses this relationship to explain Adam’s hunt for this girl he so desperately needs to survive. The lyrics “Maybe you think that you can hide; I can smell your scent from miles” makes the connection from an animal’s sense of smell to a mans ability to seek out his love. Current culture acknowledges a man’s animalistic tendencies while seeking out a woman.

The song Sex and Candy is the black sheep of the album. The cover shows the most sensual thoughts of person’s mind. Raw and vulnerable are the perfect way to describe the lyrics.  The chorus starts with, “I smell sex and candy here; Who's that lounging in my chair; Who's that casting devious stares in my direction." The slow jazz music makes the lyrics feel more sexual with every word. His insecurity shows as the chorus continues “Mama this surely is a dream; Yeah mama this surely is a dream; Yeah mama this surely is a dream." People see someone that is their “perfect type” and they can use their imagination for what they want to do. However, in reality, they do not think they are good enough to deserve that person’s love. Everything in Adam’s mind and heart is telling him to go for the girl, but he doesn’t feel like he has a shot. The push and pull between sexual wants and doubtful thoughts bring out the pure emotional struggle that many face on a daily basis.

V is a magnifying glass into popular culture. The themes of the songs reflect those most seen in society today. Maroon 5 did so to connect to fans of all ages. They tapped into the uncontrollable tendencies people exhibit without even knowing they do so. This includes animalistic, sexual, mental, and physical tendencies. People are so wrapped up in their own lives in society they love hearing songs that they think apply to them. In reality, what they are experiencing is happening to hundreds of thousands of others. It amazes me how easily people fall into the exaggerations put forth by popular culture, but it works in artist’s favor because they are more likely to enjoy the album and therefore purchase it. Pop culture influences can be over done sometimes in regards to other artists trying to make it in the business or stay current. Being a mainstream band, it is obvious Maroon 5 must keep up with the times, but it is pertinent they stick to the brand they established a decade ago. With that being said, they do a good job crafting V and maintaining a balance between pop culture influences and originality.

Revised It Won't Be Soon Before Long

To say the genre of "pop" is broad is an understatement. So many artists signify themselves with pop, including Taylor Swift, Justin Timberlake, and Demi Lovato to name a few. However, each have crafted their own unique sound to separate from other artists. Starting off as a small garage band and working through the ranks, Maroon 5 developed a rocker edge as their look and brand. In It Won't Be Soon Before Long, Maroon 5 fully channels their inner rockers and completely integrates it into their pop sound. This makes for a fantastic fresh album with a bad boy vibe.

Before we delve into the nuts and bolts, let's start with something a bit more trivial. It Won't Be Soon Before Long was released 2007, after the bands extremely successful first album Songs About Jane. It Won't Be Soon Before Long debuted at number one on the Billboard Top 200 and sold 430,000 copies in the first week - not too bad for a little California band. "Makes Me Wonder", "Wake Up Call", and "I Won't Go Home Without You" are the top three singles of the album. I remember every time I turned the radio on at least one of these songs played, and without shame I would rock out and sing along with the band. However, there are other a couple songs I want to especially highlight for their rocker feel.

"If I Never See Your Face Again" is definitely the closest thing to a rock song on the twelve track album. The starting chords and the bass of the drum sent me back to the rock era. Though I am no rock expert, I have listened to enough of The Police, Sting, and U2 thanks to my dad's insistence to know when a song has some rock in it. The infectious beat and overlay of sound almost gives it a retro rock vibe. The band took an old concept and modernized it to make it their own sound. In doing so, they can also appeal to the younger audiences.

"Kiwi" is another song with a rock undertone, but with an exciting twist. Maroon 5 gets adventurous and adds some techno pop elements to spice it up a bit. Keyboard enhancements make it almost impossible to not tap your foot along to the beat. The slow to fast beat and soft to strong volume adds to the songs dynamic and is something different then the average pop song. The instrumental towards the end of the song is like a mini rock concert in and of itself. Its loud, obnoxious, and has the ability to amp up even the most modest person. It catches the audience off guard at first but in a good way. Don't be surprised if you break out the air guitar and jam along with the band, I know I did. The song has such a groovy sound, it is hard to believe it was made in the 2000's.

"Makes Me Wonder" is another song with yet again a rock sound. However, it is a different sound then the previously mentioned "If I Never See Your Face Again" and "Kiwi" because it has more pop elements. The song starts with a guitar solo, and then drums come in to act as an opening act for the lyrics. This build up is very common amongst rock songs of the past, yet the beat is very consistent with pop. The song is very cut and dry in its overall meaning; Adam tells his girl goodbye and thanks for wasting his time, to put it nicely. His emotions behind the lyrics are subtle yet powerful at the same time. It is the kind of song that never gets boring and monotonous. The more it is replayed the better it gets, which is not to be said about a lot of the current pop songs. 

Just by explaining a couple of the songs of the album it is clear this album has such a unique listening experience. Each song has its own sound, yet all fall under that pop rock genre. I am not really sure how the producers and band managed this, but hats off to them. The compilation keeps me wanting more. Once I finished the album, I played it over and over again. I forgot how good it was. I am so used to the artificial pop songs on the radio today, it was a treat to listen to some real music that indulges in the classical sound of rock and roll. 

The reason why Maroon 5 has stayed to consistently popular is because of their ability to keep producing music that is different than what everyone else is producing. Every time I am listening to the radio, Pandora, or Spotify I always know when Maroon 5 comes on. It is not because I know the songs, but because it just sounds so different from everything else I was previously listening to. For this exact reason, Maroon 5's songs and albums appeal to teenagers, young adults, and adults. I have been to two Maroon 5 concerts, and at both the number of adult fans almost outweighed the kids! The adults are drawn to their music because it reminds them of their childhood during the era of rock and roll. The kids and teens are drawn to the bands infectious beats and energy as well as the emotional and relatable lyrics seen in todays pop songs. 

The meaning behind this album and the brand of Maroon 5 is not about trying to put out music to please the changing times and being "the next best thing", but putting out music that expresses their true style. Rock infused pop is their trade mark. This trade mark is what rocketed them from nothing to a household name. Sometimes stepping outside the social norm and setting yourself apart is more beneficial then one thinks. Making a unique sound with dynamic instrumentals and an infusion of the all mighty rock yet still being pop all wrapped into one can cause anyone at any age to fan girl. 

Revised Hands All Over

Maroon 5’s Album, Hands All Over, was released in 2010. Radio listeners could not get in the car without hearing “Give A Little More," “Misery," or “Never Gonna Leave This Bed." These songs are infectious and many found themselves singing the lyrics in the shower or while doing homework. This album had big shoes to fill after its chart topping predecessor It Won’t Be Soon Before Long. The album made it to #2 on the Billboard Top 200.

Hands All Over is so unique is because of the meaning behind the lyrics and what message the album is trying to portray as a whole - heartbreak and breakups stink, but they allow you to grow as a person because what doesn't kill you, only makes you stronger. It is so important for bands to put out music with meaning, not just a catchy chorus. Albums are almost becoming a thing of the past, especially with the extreme take over of iTunes and downloading songs via the internet. Albums and even songs now lack soul, emotion, and purity.

Soulful is the perfect word to describe Hands All Over. The band tweaked their alternative rocker sound a little bit this time, which shows their versatility. None of the songs are extremely up beat, which may not be for everyone, but everything cannot be unicorns and rainbows. It allows the listener to get a true understanding of the theme of dealing with the heartaches of a relationship and learning from it. Each song feeds off each other about cheating, breaking up, running away, denial, etc. This is why so many felt an instant connection to the songs and album as a whole. Hands All Over seems to strike a cord in everyone no matter how old they are or how serious a relationship they were in. This is exactly what makes the album so versatile.

I would almost call listening to Hands All Over like listening to a story. Each song has its own message and meaning that somehow intertwine to make this story of a man's struggle in his current relationship. The nice thing, though, is that he never wines or wallows in his self-pity like Taylor Swift. When you think about it, it is a very clever way to set up an album.

 “Just a Feeling” and “Runaway” are the last two songs in the album and the most quintessential part of the listening experience because they tie everything together. Every time I listen to these songs I feel remorse. These song deals with the aftermath of a breakup including confusion, sadness, and denial. In my opinion, they are the most genuine and impactful songs within the album. 

The soft melody of "Just A Feeling" is gut-rechingly beautiful. Adam's tenor vocals pairs perfectly with the piano in the background. Combined with the lyrics of heartache, I feel for him. " When he sings "No I can't believe that's it over" and "I'm still lying in the dark no sunshine", it gets to me every time. I hear the pain in his voice and I feel awful for him. This song represents the initial heartache when you leave someone, and Adam did a fantastic job expressing that heartache through his music.

"Runaway" is the ultimate way to end this album. "I'm petrified," "So out of control," and "I'm a broken man" are always the phrases that resonate with me in this song. The steady rhythm of the drums stays consistent throughout the song, which reflects Adams state of confusion. Time is standing still like the beat, he cannot get out of his head and over the breakup. He is in denial. He misses her and want to know how she is doing, but he cannot get himself to ask. He keeps going in loops trying to figure out what to do.

Hands All Over provides both a meaningful and enjoyable listening experience.  The more serious heartfelt tone most of the songs give off may not be for everyone, but I loved how the raw emotion of the lyrics matched the melody of the song. It is very personal and intimate to say the least, which scares some people because they prefer listening to upbeat songs that deal with sunshine and rainbows. I don't disagree with these people, upbeat songs are great, but music can't always be that way. Nevertheless, I think the band did a fantastic job in getting their feelings heard through the lyrics and composing such an emotional album and really delving into the depths of

Next week I will be reviewing the band's very popular album It Won't Be Soon Before Long!

Revised About Me

Welcome to a blog all about Maroon 5! A.K.A one of the best bands ever. I live and breathe Maroon 5, which explains why the majority of my iTunes is spammed with almost every single Maroon 5 song imaginable. I've been listening to their songs since before I can remember. I am a fan girl when it comes to this band and I have no shame admitting so. Expect album reviews from It Won't Be Soon Before Long to Hands All Over to V. I will be doing a lot of reviews of their chart topping songs as well as some of my favorites that are not as well known.

The main purpose of this blog is to share my undying infatuation with Maroon 5. So if you are not a fan, I can tell you right now this blog is not for you. Once in a while, I will get off my Maroon 5 bandwagon and introduce a song or artist that I believe ties into Maroon 5 one way or another. That could be a song that lead singer Adam Levine was featured in like "Locked Away" or a band that has the same kind of feel as Maroon 5 like Parachute. This way it adds some freshness to the blog, and will keep things interesting- or at least that is the plan. In order to appreciate music and sound, you must do so in all it's forms.

If you are a fan, but do not know a lot about the bands background, let me hit some key points. Starting out as a pop rock garage band in 1994, Maroon 5, previously Kara's Flowers, worked its way through the ranks until they became a household name in 2002. The rest is history. Band members include Adam Levine, lead singer, James Valentine, lead guitarist, Matt Flynn, drummer, Mickey Madden, bass guitarist, Jesse Carmichael, keyboard, guitar, and back up vocals, and newest member PJ Morton, keyboard and back up vocals.  This group of guys has received many Grammy Awards, American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, and Teen Choice Awards. Now if that doesn't speak for itself, I don't know what will. The band continues to put out songs that appear as number one's on the Billboard Top 100, their first being "Make's Me Wonder". It is quite obvious Maroon 5 has made its mark in the music industry and will continue to for years to come.

I really want to focus on the feel of the music. There is nothing like a catchy beat that plays in your head for weeks and you embrace it. Music acts as an escape from the day to day grind. For me, that escape is Maroon 5.  For one reason or another, no matter how bad of a day I am having their songs just put me into this instant state of bliss and calamity. It makes me feel like even in my loneliest days I am never really alone because there is someone who went through the same thing as me and survived to tell the tale.

As an audience, my main goal is to create a space where you all feel comfortable communicating your thoughts as well as making recommendations that will make this blog the best it can be. I want this to be casual like two friends discussing music over coffee, or whatever your drink of choice is. That way together we can really delve into the meaning behind Maroon 5 - including their message, tone, sound, and brand. It's all about the music, not what is happening in the band member's personal lives, the greatest scandals, or any petty Hollywood gossip because all of this will deter from the pure appreciation of the great band - Maroon 5.

So Welcome to Maroon 5 Mania! Enjoy!