Maroon 5 skips sophomore slump

After the success of Maroon 5’s debut album in 2002, fans hoped it would not be long until the band’s next album was released. After a five-year wait, Maroon 5 successfully returns with its second album, “It Won’t Be Soon Before Long.”

While some might have expected a sophomore slump after the Grammy Award-winning album, “Songs About Jane,” “It Won’t Be Soon Before Long” displays the sleek and somewhat different sound of Maroon 5 and will not disappoint fans of the first album.

“It Won’t Be Soon Before Long” quickly showcases the energy found throughout the album with the catchy opening track, “If I Never See Your Face Again.” The track seems to match the personality of lead singer Adam Levine, who is known for his love ’em and leave ’em tendency. Following is the lead single, “Makes Me Wonder,” with its surprisingly explicit lyrics for a pop song.

Other tracks that stand out are “Little of Your Time,” “Not Falling Apart” and “Can’t Stop.”

Maroon 5 toured extensively after its first album and saw a lineup change. Original band member Ryan Dusick left the band and was replaced by Matt Flynn. Band members on the second album are Levine, (lead vocals, guitar), James Valentine (guitar, backing vocals), Jesse Carmichael (keyboards, backing vocals), Mickey Madden (bass guitar, backing vocals) and Flynn (drums).

While featuring mostly upbeat songs, “It Won’t Be Soon Before Long” has a few slower tracks such as “Nothing Lasts Forever,” which uses the same chorus from the Kanye West song “Heard ‘Em Say,” which featured Levine.

“It Won’t Be Soon Before Long” continues the trend found in “Songs About Jane” with some explicit language and sexually suggestive lyrics. In the track “Kiwi” Levine sings, “Sweet kiwi, your juices dripping down my chin, so please let me, don’t stop it before it begins.”

The album closes with “Back at Your Door,” and leaves the listener back at Maroon 5’s doorstep hoping it will not take another five years for the next album.

Maroon 5’s sophomore effort might not have any deep, thought-provoking material, but “It Won’t Be Soon Before Long” strings together 12 solid tracks without a major bump in the road.

David McNeely can be reached at [email protected].