MAROON 5; "It Won't Be Soon Before Long" (A&M/Octane)***
After much anticipation, Maroon 5 has released its follow-up to 2002's soulful breakthrough "Songs About Jane."
"It Won't Be Soon Before Long," which was released May 22, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and sold more than 1 million copies in three weeks, making it the band's second platinum album.
Also, the kick-off single "Makes Me Wonder" reached No. 1 on Billboard's Hot 100.
So, the question is, does the album live up to the hype? Yes.
"It Won't Be Soon Before Long" is not a departure from "Songs About Jane" but the next logical step. The band still infuses some of its sassy soul, but "It Won't be Soon Before Long" is unquestionably a funk album.
The kick-off track, "If I Never See Your Face Again," brings to mind '70s funk anthems and takes hold of the listener right away.
"Little of Your Time" could be the band's homage to OutKast's "Hey Ya," and "Wake Up Call" is a strutting mosey that brings to mind big-production '90s soul works.
"Nothing Lasts Forever" brings to mind those '70s A.M. radio singer/songwriter pop songs, and the swing blues of "Back at Your Door" closes the album with a spiritual refrain.
One of the more subtle but addicting tunes on the album is "Won't Go Home Without You." The laid-back, matter-of-fact vocal delivery and unobtrusive arrangements will guarantee repeat listenings.
The band has managed to take different retro styles and make them its own. The song sequence flows nicely and you keep listening to hear what the style is on the next song.
E-mail: scott@desnews.com