Maroon 5's Overexposed

It seems that, much like fine wine, Maroon 5 only gets better with each album, and that statement holds true for their latest album, Overexposed.

Tracks like “Payphone, “One More Night,” and “Love Somebody” stay true to the band’s characteristic sound, so fans will definitely not be disappointed with this album, but a lot of the album also consists of experimentation. Adam Levine’s vocals have a lofty feeling in soft rock ballad “Daylight,” a track that portrays a man’s reluctance of the ending of a one-night stand, and though the song is more reminiscent of artists like Coldplay or Howie Day, it doesn't feel odd or forced.

“Fortune Teller” reveals the degradation of a relationship as the narrator tries desperately to hold it together. Once again, Levine’s vocals have more of a lofty ambience as their strength builds towards the chorus. Though the song covers a touching subject, the quicker tempo works to balance out the sense of despondency in the lyrics, giving the song a bit of optimism that makes the situation feel more realistic.

Another track that really stood out to me was the second single from the album, “One More Night.” This song describes a melodramatic, bordering on abusive relationship held together by lust as the narrator claims that he’ll only stay with his significant other for “one more night.” I enjoyed this song because it had many of the characteristics and the vibe that many of my other favorite songs by Maroon 5 possess. Desire seeps through the song as the melody sways, with Levine’s vocals complementing each curve of the music perfectly.

The regular edition of the album includes twelve tracks, while the deluxe edition has eighteen, with the additional tracks including a live cover of Prince’s “Kiss,” the studio version of “Moves Like Jagger” with Christina Aguilera, remixes of the album’s first single “Payphone,” and a few B-sides.

Overall, I really enjoyed this album. Though I typically enjoy the band's more sexually-driven songs, it was refreshing to hear some variation in the topics covered on Overexposed, and I can't say that I was disappointed.

Suggested Listening: “Daylight,” “One More Night,” “The Man Who Never Lied.”