So, um…I kinda don’t want to like the new Maroon 5 song, but I kinda do.
The guys are certainly taking advantage of Adam Levine’s success as a mentor on the reality show “The Voice” and have embraced a poppier-than-usual sound for their upcoming fourth album Overexposed, due on June 26th. First single “Payphone” has a pretty immediate hook. I can picture this one all over the radio this spring and summer (and I’m sure the folks at “The Voice” will play it into oblivion to ensure that it finds a near-permanent home on the radio airwaves.) Wiz Khalifa’s rap towards the end doesn’t really add much to the proceedings, but isn’t particularly annoying, either.
My one real issue is that this (and “Moves Like Jagger”) are being tagged as “Maroon 5” songs when something in me doubt that the remainder of the band members are being tasked to do much on the songwriting/instrumental tip. You practically need bionic ears to pick out any non-synthesized instruments on “Payphone.” Why not just call a spade a spade and launch an Adam Levine solo career?
I will say, though…this is one of the better lyric videos I’ve ever seen.