By Haleigh Miller ’12, News Section Editor.

Maroon 5’s newly released album, Hands All Over, has earned the right to be played on repeat on my iPod. It’s one of those albums that you learn all of the words to, and then sing them extremely loudly in the car. It’s catchy and entertaining, but not kitschy or overly mainstream. Adam Levine still plays rhythm guitar, and their bluesy roots remain discernable, but this album differs enough from their previous two to be identifiable as separate.

Hands All Over, released September 21, includes songs both upbeat and mournful, but they’re all enjoyable. Whatever song you’re listening to, you can definitely tell without a doubt that you’re listening to Maroon 5, as their unique sound is still present. Hands All Over is probably closer to It Won’t Be Soon Before Long than Songs About Jane. Its emphasis is on songs in major keys, even when they’re a little more depressed. It’s more alternative with blues and jazz influences than Songs About Jane, where I’ve always though the blues shines through more than anything else. Either way, their style is still discernable and very identifiable, and Levine’s voice, unique as it is, certainly eliminates any doubt as to who you’re listening to.

Personally, I love Hands All Over. There are two songs in particular that I’ve listening to a frightening number of times, including “Stutter”, “Never Gonna Leave This Bed”, and “How”. “Stutter” is definitely my favorite off the album; I learned all the words within the first two hours of owning it (not because they’re overly simple, just because I really like it). The whole album is magnificent, but those are the three that particularly standout.

My only complaint about the album is that the blues roots I’ve always loved about Maroon 5 aren’t as apparent as I might’ve hoped. It Won’t Be Soon Before Long has the same problem, and I had hope that Hands All Over might’ve resolved that issue, and returned to something more in the vein of Songs About Jane. Other than that little snag, I have no issues with the album.

For diehard Maroon 5 fans, purchasing Hands All Over is a must. It’s a great album, and I can’t imagine a true fan not liking it. Even if someone wasn’t necessarily all that familiar with their past work, I would still recommend it. People who appreciate music with more vintage roots, but a modern sound, should definitely be fans of Hands All Over.

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