Review
So, let’s chat about Maroon 5’s "Red Pill Blues," which dropped back in 2017. This isn’t just your typical pop-rock platter. Nope, it's got some serious R&B vibes and a star-studded guest list that would make any music fan swoon— Kendrick Lamar, Julia Michaels, SZA, ASAP Rocky, LunchMoney Lewis, and Future all make killer appearances. The title, a nod to "The Matrix," dives into the harsh truths of reality versus blissful ignorance. Musically, Adam Levine and the gang mix up their typical sound with some experimental twists and moody undertones. Songs like "What Lovers Do" dish out the relationship feels while "Plastic Rose" serves a hefty portion of Levine’s weariness.
However, don’t worry! There's no shortage of feel-good tunes here—remember "Girls Like You"? That track has a dancehall beat that’s just impossible not to groove to. Even though critics were split—some loving the polished pop, others craving more edge—the album rocked the charts, hitting number two on the US Billboard 200. Singles like "Don’t Wanna Know," "Cold," and the bubbly "Girls Like You" were all over the airwaves. In the end, "Red Pill Blues" is a testament to Maroon 5's knack for adapting to the ever-shifting music scene while keeping us hooked. - Madi
Artist Bio
Maroon 5 is a Los Angeles-based pop rock band that started out as Kara's Flowers in the mid-90s before rebranding and debuting as Maroon 5 with the addition of guitarist James Valentine in 2001. They found major success with their 2002 album *Songs About Jane*, leading to a string of chart-topping hits and Grammy awards. Blending pop, rock, soul, and R&B, their sound has gradually incorporated more contemporary pop and electronic elements over years and across multiple albums, including *Overexposed*, *V*, and *JORDI*. Lead singer Adam Levine is also known for his television appearances and collaborations outside the band. Fans of OneRepublic, Train, and The Script might find Maroon 5's music familiar and appealing.
