Maroon 5 – Overexposed

Following a lacklustre third album, Maroon 5 return to their fast-paced ways that made us fall for them in the first place. Overexposed is initially exciting, however repeat plays reveal it is nothing particularly new, suggesting that this band’s lack of magnetism is somewhat terminal. 

The first track on Overexposed is three minutes of generic pop, yet is the most imaginative track on the album. One More Night sports a pleasing stuttering rhythm, skittering beneath layered vocals. The predatory stride of One More Night  may seem like a rallying gear-shift into a record of quality, but disappointingly, the rest of the album seems to be on cruise control. 

Armed with an elegantly aloof attitude, Overexposed features twanging guitars and a panache for retrograde stylistics. Although Maroon 5 retain the cool cleverness of pop icons, the LA quintet’s good-boy-turned-bad demeanour eventually ends up sounding dull. 

Ladykiller packs an emotional punch with impeccable vocals underscored by synths. It’s perky electro-pop with a rocky lilt. However, these synths that whitewash the album can sound cold and clinical, making even the better tracks on the album sound sterile and blank.

Closing track Wipe Your Eyes battles against verses plundered straight from the mid-90s. Whilst cleverly constructed; effects, guitars, and electronic drums seem jagged and jar awkwardly. 

There are plus points to this album, such as front man Adam Levine’s vocals. He boasts a conversational, colloquial singing voice, but too often the compositions are clogged. A focus on the songs themselves and not just the crowded arrangments would serve Lavine’s vocals better. 

There’s probably a great pop-rock group inside Maroon 5, but sadly, Overexposed is lacking in any genuine spark. 

Standout track – Ladykiller

Naomi Couper

Overexposed is released on 25^th June 2012.

Listen to Ladykiller here: