IE: It took forever to make

IT WONT BE SOON BEFORE LONG ~ Maroon 5

In 2003 Maroon 5 exploded onto the scene with “Harder to Breathe” and I’ve been a fan of theirs ever since. Their first album “Songs About Jane” was a superb debut. The songs were pure fluff yet catchy, the album had a perfect length and it still gets plenty of play on my stereo. Backed up by Adam Levines immediately recognisable voice, the band created a very distinct sound.

The expectation that usually comes with a bands sophomore album was compounded by the fact that they made us wait a whole three years for new material (with two live albums sandwiched in-between).

Sadly, “It Wont Be Soon Before Long” didn’t exactly rock my world. The album kicks off with a bang alright, and manages to keep the juices flowing for at least the first three tracks. But after that, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. A good few of the songs on the album COULD be great, but they lack that extra bit of “umph” to push them over the top.

My mine gripe would be that a lot of the songs on the album are quite samey. Given that it’s their second album, I had hoped the band would make an attempt to evolve their established sound (or change it up completely) and maybe take a risk musically. Instead, many of the tracks feel rather bland and uninspired. A couple of the songs actually sound like cast offs that didn’t make their first album.

I think the most disappointing aspect of the album is that very few of the songs really push Levine vocally, which is such a shame, since his voice is what makes the band that little bit unique. Certain tracks are just calling out for more adventurous notes to be sung. But each time they cop out and take the safer route instead.

But I will admit that the album IS growing on me, albeit very slowly. There’s certainly some good singles to be found on it but it still feels a bit half-arsed :P And whoever came up with the album title should be hung, drawn and quartered!

Standout Tracks:

• If I Never See Your Face Again
• Makes Me Wonder
• Little of Your Time
• Nothing Lasts Forever
• Kiwi