Setting the tone for ‘V’ time

Setting the tone for ‘V’ time

Image courtesy blogspot.com

Maroon 5’s new album “V” is out.

CHARLIE VANN

Staff Writer

Maroon 5 is back with their fifth studio album, “V.”  Of course, “V” is fitting for the title, since it represents the number five in Roman numerals.  The “V” on the cover of the album really stands out, lit up in eye-catching neon red.

One thing about album covers is that they can set the tone for what you are about to hear. Sometimes, they are just random art work, hoping to stand out to the listener. I’m not entirely sure what the band really wanted to accomplish with this cover, other than the fact the “V” stands for five.

I like the style they went for. If you look in the background, you can see the words Maroon 5 across a mountainside. That was kind of cool, almost like the Hollywood sign. They might have done that because they are from Los Angeles.

As for the album itself, “V” doesn’t stray too far from that familiar Maroon 5 sound. You still feel that you still get that pop rock tone with this album.  Whether or not you are a fan of the band, lead singer Adam Levine always delivers vocally.

What really helps with any Maroon 5 album, and with this one in particular, is Levine’s voice.  He has a soulful tone when he sings, which reels in the listener.

With “V” it doesn’t come across like they   are trying to experiment or trying something too different.

Some artists by their fifth album will try something new, to either branch out, grab more fans or bring some kind of evolution to their legacy. It doesn’t always work out for the best.

“V” is not one of those albums. Maroon 5 fans  will be satisfied with this new album.         

There are still love-driven, passionate songs that are so common with the band.  The band’s last album, “Overexposed,” might have been a little over-the-top pop, as it was considered to be one of the band’s “poppiest.” “Overexposed” also got mixed reviews after it was released.

Overall, “V” is a lot of fun. Most Maroon 5 fans will enjoy it, maybe a little more than casual fans.

Maroon 5 knows who their fans are. They know what they like to hear from them.

Fans won’t be shocked or surprised by what they hear, and I mean that in a good way. People who are not fans might enjoy this one, too.

Like I said before, the music is fun. Give it a listen.

Image courtesy sd.citytimes.com

Adam Levine, lead vocalist for Maroon 5, delivers another smooth performance on “V.”