Maroon 5’s New Album “Love Is Like” Fails to Impress

Maroon 5 has released their latest album, titled Love Is Like, but early reviews indicate that the band may have missed the mark. Critics have described the album as a return to the band’s less favorable sound, characterized by bland and uninspired tracks. This follows a period of experimentation in their previous album, Jordi, released in 2021, where they attempted to diversify their musical style.

The band’s lead vocalist, Adam Levine, faces criticism not only for the music but also for the perception of Maroon 5 in the broader music landscape. Notably, British rock stars Noel and Liam Gallagher have publicly expressed their disdain for the band. Noel Gallagher has been quoted as calling them “f**king shit,” while Liam added that they “sucked.” Although the Gallagher brothers are known for their feuds, their remarks reflect a wider sentiment among some music fans regarding Maroon 5’s appeal.

In an era where many artists find redemption and new fans, Maroon 5 seems to struggle with their identity. They initially led the charge in the pop-rock crossover genre, influencing bands like One Republic and The Script. Yet, their current offering is viewed as a regression rather than an evolution. Critics argue that Levine’s persona, which some find smarmy, detracts from the band’s music.

The opening track, “Hideaway,” sets the tone for the album with its R&B crossover sound, but it fails to captivate listeners. Critics suggest it resembles a blend of Coldplay and Justin Timberlake, yet lacks originality. As the album progresses, tracks like the title song, “Love Is Like,” and “Jealousy Problems,” are described as uninspired, with lyrics that feel clichéd and lack depth.

The album continues with “Burn Burn Burn,” which critics argue does not align with either pop or rock genres, leaving listeners with a sense of confusion regarding the band’s direction. Maroon 5 appears to be in what some describe as mid-career purgatory, navigating a sound that fails to resonate with their audience.

Notably, the album features collaborations with artists such as Lisa from Blackpink and Lil Wayne, but these contributions do not elevate the overall quality of the work. Critics point out that Lisa’s talent is underutilized on the track “Priceless,” while Lil Wayne’s input on “Love Is Like” does not leave a lasting impression.

As the music industry continues to evolve, Maroon 5 may need to reassess their approach. While some bands become targets for criticism, Maroon 5’s latest release has elicited a more muted response, characterized by a sense of disappointment rather than outright disdain. The result is an album that, while not catastrophic, is ultimately forgettable, leaving fans and critics alike longing for a stronger return to form.