Trust me, I’m aware of the baggage I’m bringing to the table. If you’re fortunate enough not to know what I mean, opinions on Maroon 5 are as divided as American politics. To complicate matters, lead singer Adam Levine has attracted significant media attention in recent years. Ask any middle-aged woman about him, and you’ll likely hear an overwhelming amount of over-sexualized praise. But, if you ask Sumner Stroh, you might be shocked at the “game” a man over 40 can have. However, since it’s Throwback Thursday, let’s set aside Levine’s questionable taste in tattoos and take a trip back to a simpler time — the 2000s.
Maroon 5 is well-known for their numerous hits, particularly in the early 2010s. Tracks like “One More Night” (2012) and “Sugar” (2014) define an unforgettable era of Obama’s presidency and playing games on the Wii. These classics are embedded in pop culture, representing a sound that Maroon 5 would carry on for the rest of their career. While some criticized the repetitiveness and predictability of their later branding, as a Maroon 5 lover, I can attest that it wasn’t always this way.
After the lackluster release of their first album, the band, originally called Kara’s Flowers, disbanded in 2001 to focus on their studies. However, that same year, the addition of guitarist James Valentine revitalized the group, leading to the creation of their redemption project — “Songs About Jane,” under their new name, Maroon 5. Released in 2002, this debut album embraced a heavier, neo-soul funk-rock style that just sounds like the early 2000s. While some lighter songs from the album found their way onto the radio, many of the leftover tracks showcase a version of the band that has since faded away. One song that encapsulates this lost artistry is this Thursday’s highlighted track — “Through with You.”
“Heartache, heartache, I just have so much /
A simple love with a complex touch /
And there is nothing you can say or do /
I called to let you know I’m through with you, oh.”
From the start, the layered guitar rhythms highlight the band’s unique musicality, setting a gritty tone for Levine to explore the theme of an emotionally absent ex-lover. One admirable aspect of their earlier work is its simplicity. Even if the song’s premise doesn’t resonate with you personally, many verses contain universally relatable themes, making it both musically and lyrically captivating. Although the song repeats its chorus with little variation, Levine’s vocal progression, paired with an increasingly dynamic guitar rhythm, keeps the energy passionate rather than monotonous. This builds into a stunning guitar-drum solo that will inspire you to take fashion tips from Diary of a Wimpy Kid’s, Rodrick Heffley.
“You ain’t ever coming back to me /
And that’s not how things were supposed to be /
You take my hand just to give it back /
No other lover has ever done that.”
Whether or not I’ve changed your mind about the band, this week is more about commemorating what Maroon 5 once was. I’m not suggesting that they became incapable of making good music after leaving the funk-rock scene — they’ve certainly produced some catchy pop hits. However, their over-saturation in a competitive genre, along with a reluctance to return to their roots, has led to several forgettable projects and even a song with Cardi B. This would make anyone wonder: What could have been if they had revisited neo-soul?
And I know, considering Levine’s interesting past and rocky marriage, that there is PLENTY to sing about.
