GenQ - For the not so straight individual

I've been a fan of Maroon 5's unique sound for a long time, their first CD "Songs About Jane" staying in my CD rotation for quite a while. Their sophomore release "It Won't Be soon Before Long" (released May 22nd, 2007 on A&M / Octone Records) keeps that unique sound going strong while adding to it, creating something very familiar feeling and yet scintillating. Oh yea, I'm pulling out the big words now!

Their single out right now is called "Makes Me Wonder," a song with a rather discoteque feel to it. I haven't seen the music video yet, but I'm expecting a profusion of disco balls somewhere in it. Even though it has that slightly hokey feel, Maroon 5's distinctive lyrics, as usual tinged with a hint (or a flat out declaration) of sexuality, drive it home and make it a great song:

I wake up with blood-shot eyes
Struggled to memorize
The way it felt between your thighs
Pleasure that made you cry
Feels so good to be bad
Not worth the aftermath, after that
After that
Try to get you back

The song that really has caught my ear and made it onto the latest in my series of mix CD's is the track "Can't Stop" towards the center of the album. It has an aggressively driving beat and electric sound that literally has me dancing around in my cubicle as I type. Out of the whole CD, it's the forefront track that has me dancing and singing along, which in my mind is an indication of a great song in any genre.

In the end, Maroon 5's "It Won't Be Soon Before Long" will probably expand their listener base by leaps and bounds. They have expanded their sound beyond their previous limits, which will likely appeal to more listeners as a result. The driving energy behind a lot of the tracks is balanced by their characteristic slower ballads, making for a great cd for any day of the week.

Audiogasm is part of the Mediagasm project