Maroon 5's "V" - Album Review

   ★ ★ ★ ★ out of 5

   Since their 2004 debut album, Maroon 5 have been surviving the constant shift in the music industry by incorporating today's sound with their trademark alternative rock beginnings. From the incredible Songs About Jane to the pop explosion that was Overexposed, the Adam Levine-fronted band releases their fifth studio album, V, which seems to be the perfect mix of past and present influences.

   Preceded by the top ten hit "Maps", as well as current single "Animals", the new effort features a range of production from the pop and rock genres, seductive vocal performances and a featured appearance from Gwen Stefani. Maroon 5 has been criticized the last few years for chasing past success, but the talented group go back to their roots while still having their eye on immense chart exposure. As long as the finished product is good, it does not matter what genre it's planted in.

   When lead single "Maps" premiered it was clear the band was still experimenting with mainstream pop noise, but not to the extent of some of their past chart toppers. If one were to ignore the three albums which followed their debut, the single seems like a natural, logical progression for Maroon 5. As Levine ventures on his search for a lost love, with convincing vocal delivery, the rest of the band serve up commendable instrumental performances for the hopeful track.

   "Animals", chosen as the album's official second single, is a high energy, fast-paced, sensual song where the lead singer compares two lovers in bed as unleashing the beasts buried inside. "Baby I'm preying on you tonight, hunt you down, eat you alive, just like animals," Levine belts on the catchy, radio-ready chorus. The song is a no-holds-bar, rock anthem of seductive with some added howling thrown in for good measure.

    "It Was Always You" immediately highlights the always glowing vocals of Levine, at times sounding like a 2014 reincarnation of Phil Collins, as he sings of staring into hazel eyes after waking up for a dream. Presumed to be written about his relationship with now-model wife, the track, which hopefully becomes an official single in the future, is an adorable love song with continues to broaden the band's range and inspirations.

   The vulnerable, tranquil vibes continue on "Unkiss Me", a touching, mid-tempo pop ballad where Levine sings of what needs to happen following the end of a relationship. "I lied to my heart 'cause I thought you felt it, you can't light a fire if the candle is melted," the lead singer croons as he tries to gather the pieces of his love life from the shattered remains. It's a personal, heartfelt creation that will have no problem finding the right target audience.

   Apparent sadness comes to an end, at least for a moment, on "Sugar", an overly sweet, pop confection which bares some production similarities to a recent Katy Perry track. The love song contains a bit of funk, a dash of soul, a top down vibe and lyrics that would make any woman melt. While the track is far from the highlight of the new album, one could tell it was crafted with mainstream/contemporary success in mind.

   Nate Ruess of .fun is a credited writer on the ballad-esque "Leaving California", so it's not entirely shocking to hear noticeable similarities to his work, especially in the vocal performance. Levine is once again experiencing an unfortunate breakup, who would want to leave him, as his lover is packing up and leaving the Golden State. With a broken heart, the band has crafted a short, simple song of sentiment and despair. Well done.

   The lead singer is done with being the brokenhearted, done with being cheated on as he demands his girl's phone on "In Your Pocket". Evidence of little black books are always found through text messages, Levine seems to understand this. "It should be really easy, if you have nothing to hide, show me that phone in your pocket, girl," the singer demands on the uptempo, thumping hook as his angry side starts to show for once.

   Levine is already planning for his future screw ups on "New Love" as he sings of how much better he will be the second time around. The lead singer's vocals may be altered to sound like those of a whiny teenage, but somehow they work with the heartache Levine must have been feeling when he penned the track. The finished product appears to be sincere, is slightly explicit at times, and would definitely win back any lover.

   With his demanding role as a superstar celebrity, Levine is probably away from his girl for long periods of time. "Coming Back To You" is another heartfelt mid-tempo ballad that should ease any worry about his return. The singer's vocals glide effortlessly across a slick beat, sounding to have some 80s influence buried underneath, but the track comes together thanks to the optimistic, loving lyrics and Levine's apparent charm.

   "Feelings" opens up with a retro-funk beat during the intro and keeps the party going with dance-worthy production throughout as Levine sings of satisfying a woman better than her previous man ever could. The singer's ego may come out at times in the track, however, it's in an enduring manner. With what has been dominating radio the past year, the song may be trailing behind on trends, but it's definitely a bright, catchy addition.

   No Doubt frontwoman Gwen Stefani makes a welcomed, grand appearance alongside Levine for "My Heart Is Open", the piano-driven closing duet. Without ever overpowering each other, the two talented vocalists trade off verses as a happy couple who doesn't need anyone else. When Stefani finally makes her entrance, it's as beautiful as one would have expected. It's a sincere, simplistic love song that ends the new era on a high note.

   For the deluxe edition, three more tracks are included for listening pleasure. "Shoot Love" contains more of an upbeat feel than most of the standard edition, but stands out of the crowd for all the right reasons. The high notes, the catchy nature, this is a song that deserves attention. A cover of "Sex and Candy" by Marcy Playground is a smart move for the band, and they handle it very well, it just doesn't sound too fresh or different. Plans for a Levine solo album have been tossed around for years, funny how "Lost Stars" is a track highlighting him as a solo artist. The song is a throwback-sounding ballad that doesn't do much to justify these supposed plans.

   V is, first and foremost, an improvement for Maroon 5. After the pop beats of their last effort drove away their early fans, the new effort does a great job at combining the music the band is most know for today, the rock styling of their debut with the infectious production that dominating radio the last two years. The band's fifth studio album is carried by the way lead singer Levine can dance around a song with his always-impressive vocal performances. Whether it is a rock classic, a poppy hook, a funky guitar riff or a contemporary ballad, the band shows they can try and succeed at it all. There may not be a "Payphone" or "One More Night" buried within, but maybe that's a good thing this time around.

Tracks to Hear: "It Was Always You", "Unkiss Me", "In Your Pocket", "My Heart Is Open" and "Shoot Love"