Maroon 5
It Won't Be Soon Before Long
Release Date: May 22, 2007
Genre(s): Rock, Pop, Adult Alternative
Record label: A&M / Octone
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Album Review: It Won't Be Soon Before Long by Maroon 5
Excellent, Based on 3 Critics
Based on rating 9/10
In every respect, It Won't Be Soon is a bigger album than its predecessor: hooks pile up one after another, there's not an ounce of fat on the songs, the production is so immaculate that it glistens. If there were lingering elements of Maroon 5's alt-rock past on Songs About Jane -- primarily in its lazy, hazy vibe -- they're gone now, replaced by the sleek, assured sound of a band that's eager to embrace its status as the big American mainstream pop band of the decade. But Maroon 5 isn't desperately grasping at the brass ring, they're playing it smart, building upon the core strengths of their debut and crafting a record that's designed to appeal to many different listeners, from teens crushing on Nelly Furtado's R&B makeover to adults looking for something smooth and melodic.
Based on rating 4.0/5
Review Summary: "It Won't Be Soon Before Long" is the establishment of Maroon 5 as an institution in the pop world; a sophomore record that equals its breakout predecessor, and sometimes surpasses it.Do you want rock? Do you want insane hooks? Do you want jaded lyrics? Do you want tight denim jeans, girls? Do you want to get laid, boys? If you said yes to any of those, then It Won’t Be Soon Before Long is for you. If you didn’t say yes to any of those prepositions…what the hell is wrong with you dude, does it not work or something?Maroon 5 are, simply, the best pop rock act around today. Incredibly accessible, with a pronounced dark edge, they mix a real alternative ethos with moments so catchy that even ABBA should be proud.
Based on rating B
Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine may or may not be the carousing ”man-whore” that Page Six pegs him to be. (Did the beady-eyed soul singer really speed-dump Jessica Simpson via text message? Who knows? Who actually cares?) But judging from his band’s sophomore album, it certainly seems like he views romance as terribly fleeting. It Won’t Be Soon Before Long is a fast-moving collection of fizzy but entertaining come-ons, get-offs, breakups, and makeups.