Forming in 1995, US rockers Maroon 5 settled on their current line-up in 1999. They’ve played at the Viper Room and supported Sheryl Crow and The Counting Crows without earning recognition for an unusual style that mixes west coast rock with R&B. Perhaps that’s because they seem more like a fledgling band than an experienced act that’s comfortable with their sound. There’s a lot to like; the guitars are funky and Chili Pepper breezy, whilst the drumming of Ryan Dusick is clever without being ostentatious. But it’s the vocals of songwriter Adam Levine that does most to upset the balance.
Levine sounds strained and uncomfortable with his style and it’s no surprise to learn he’s made a conscious effort to incorporate R&B influences. However, his attempts to emulate the vocal stylings of Jay Kay and Justin Timberlake are deeply unconvincing. Songs About Jane is beiing promoted on the back of the hit US single ‘Harder to Breathe’, but it’s tracks like ‘Must Get Out’ and ‘Sweetest Goodbye’ that stand out simply because the band cease indulging in self-conscious lyrical trickery and instead concentrate on crafting the songs.
Although they should be applauded for trying to create a unique style Maroon 5 should also realise there’s such a thing as over-stepping the mark.