Release Date: May 16, 2007
Label: A&M
Genres: Pop-Rock
Number Of Tracks: 12
Maroon 5 hits its peak when taking a breather from the ballads to explore its funky side.
It Won't Be Soon Before LongFeatured review by: UG Team, on may 25, 2007 4 of 5 people found this review helpful
Sound: Since Maroon 5 released the hit singles “This Love” and “She Will Be Loved” back in 2004, it seems like the production value of the band’s studio recordings have had a noticeable increase. The Los Angeles natives’ latest release It Won’t Be Soon Before Long immediately focuses more attention toward things like enhancing keyboard effects, and in the first few songs it pays off. It’s in those first moments where we hear the funkier tracks that are brought to life by added instrumentation. But about halfway through the album, the tracks take a mellow turn and the momentum is halted.
The opening tracks are actually pretty inspired tracks, and the band wisely chose “If I Never See Your Face Again” as the one to start everything off. Between the funky pop melody and the cool keyboard licks, it shows the band is thinking outside of the Top 40 radio world. As odd and wrong as it seems, Maroon 5 are pretty competent at performing a funk tune. They’re no Parliament, but they do have songs like “Not Falling Apart” that feature solid funk guitar work from James Valentine and the reliable keyboard skills of James Carmichael.
Where the CD takes a downward turn is when you get to “Won’t Go Home Without You” and “Goodnight Goodnight.” They are tracks in the same vein as “She Will Be Loved” and just seem a bit contrived, and almost seem to be playing to the female teen crowd. There is definitely an audience for ballads, but a love song like “Nothing Lasts Forever” doesn’t go anywhere new musically.
The band has already been making the talk show circuit playing “Makes Me Wonder,” but the CD actually shows off the band’s talent more than the live show. There are some underlying guitar and keyboard tracks that aren’t heard in the live show. Vocalist Adam Levine’s vocals are strong on both the ballads and up-tempo tracks, and are definitely a big reason why Maroon 5 has become such an identifiable band. // 7
Lyrics and Singing: The lyrics on It Won’t Be Soon Before Long seem to go in very different directions at times. Take for example the song “Makes Me Wonder,” in which Levine sings about a relationship turned sour. The topic is nothing new, but it just gets a bit weird when Levine starts spilling his innermost thoughts about sex. He sings, “I wake up with blood-shot eyes; Struggled to memorize; The way it felt between your thighs; Pleasure that made you cry.” The explicit honesty alone will probably lure listeners to it, but at the same time I know some people who will cringe hearing it.
Then there’s the other side of the Levine spectrum: a sensitive man who understands the emotions of the wounded woman’s heart. It seems a lot of Maroon 5 songs have this theme, so it’s hard to say how much is inspired by real life. He sings, “This isn't how she thought that her life would be; When they first met back in '63; And a future together was all she could see; All she could see.” Although the theme gets old at times, Levine still has the ability to word it in such a way that it does have some fresh descriptive qualities. // 7
Impression: Probably the biggest and most unexpected impression that is made on the latest record is the band’s adeptness at funk-laced pop. While you may hear some traces of it in past singles, there are more than a few instances on Won’t Be Soon Before Long that the band delivers infectious rhythms that almost a retro feel to them. Keyboardist Jesse Carmichael takes center stage a lot of the time, particularly on a song like “Wake Up Call” with it's heavy synth intro.
The album does tend to go into ballad mode over and over again, however. Ballads can be great if they are consistently sung with passion, but Levine’s delivery just sounds like it did when he originally sang “She Will Be Loved.” The single “She Will Be Loved” was one of the main reasons why the band exploded into mainstream media, so for good or bad, the latest album’s heavy helping of love songs should still please a large section of the public. // 7
It Won't Be Soon Before Long
Reviewed by:
unregistered, on july 23, 2012 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sound: Following up on a debut like "Songs About Jane" would be an intimidating task for any band - it had enough firepower to buy them a good five years, during which Maroon 5 blossomed from an up-and-coming pop/rock band to a bona fide Top 40 act who were there to stay. The tongue-in-cheek title and the fact that the band sought four different producers to work on this album also reflects the pressure on Maroon 5 to deliver on the heels of a stellar debut.
However, the moment you start listening to this record, any doubts of sophomore jitters are shattered. Maroon 5 sound more confident than ever here, and zone in on the funk and blue-eyed soul/R&B flavour that tinged "Songs About Jane". The band also takes cues from '80s pop idols such as Michael Jackson and Prince to deliver a sound that is retro, accessible and presented in a thoroughly modern and radio-friendly manner thanks to the high-gloss production. // 9
Lyrics and Singing: The lyrics are still very much from the same bag as "Songs About Jane" - heartbreak, lust, sexual obsession, etc. But this time around they're not about bemoaning an ex-girlfriend, rather they're meant to provide an envious insight into the love life of a playboy pop idol and his many conquests.
There's a steely professionalism to Maroon 5's craft on this record - which is also reflected in the tuxedos-and-glam-shoots image that the band adopted to promote this album - especially when compared to the almost empathetic sincerity that characterized much of their debut. The good news is that it works - Adam Levine is somehow more appealing as an icy loves-you-and-leaves-you manwhore than someone you'd feel sorry for.
Although this album's songwriting is a highly collaborative effort (for the most part) between the band members and their musicianship is undeniably tight, at the end of the day it is Adam Levine who is the star of this show. His distinguished falsetto fires on all cylinders here and is employed to stunning effect, especially on the ballads. There's also a more melodic, soulful R&B approach to vocal delivery (as compared to his style on "Songs About Jane"), which does a great job of showcasing his impressive pipes. // 9
Impression: The best thing about this record is that Maroon 5 have come to terms with the fact that they're a great pop band and don't feel the need to prove their rock credentials - it's a very confident, catchy and polished pop album, and virtually every song here could be a hit single. Despite having four producers on board, Maroon 5 are able to assert their own identity throughout the record. If anything, the shiny production is an asset and chisels their massive hooks - which penetrate with the precision of a sniper bullet - down to the muscle.
Most songs here are meant to stick in your head on the first listen and grow on you with every repeat listen. The uber-funky "Makes Me Wonder" is arguably their most danceable, leanest and meanest track yet. The aggressive, fast-paced "Little Of Your Time" provides the album's rockier moments, "Wake Up Call" shows the band's edgier side and "If I Never See Your Face Again" is an impressive mid-tempo collaboration with Rihanna. Ballads such as "Back At Your Door" and "Better That We Break" grow with every repeat listen and feature some of Levine's best performances on the record.
A few songs may blur into each other (especially in the middle of the album) and the band's nods to its influences (Prince, The Police) may be a bit too obvious on a few tracks, but overall this is a meticulously crafted classicist pop album that still manages to remain relevant on modern radio playlists and serves as a testament to Maroon 5's (undeservingly) oft-slighted musical integrity. // 8
It Won't Be Soon Before Long
Reviewed by:
arshi_012, on june 07, 2007 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sound: Maroon 5. What can I say about them. Remember their 1st album (songs about jane) which had all those "lovestruck" songs. Well they're back with a bang! Just like their previous album this album too is really funky yet meaningful. Usually you see that lovesongs have their own peaceful way into everyone's life. Well these songs are not that "happy go lucky" but they surely are peaceful. They mean a lot to people who mostly have a broken heart! // 9
Lyrics and Singing: Overall lyrics are as I said before for the heart broken people. In their previous album "this love","through with you" etc proved what I mean to say. In this one the songs prove the same point. Singer Adam is really skilled at putting the lyrics with the the music. A lot of times the lyrics go to a ballad mood which really make it good. He has this really high pitched voice which goes great with the lyrics as well as the music. I guess ihs voice sows a feeling of frustration in his voice which blends everything together. // 9
Impression: I thought of a lot of comparisons with Maroon 5 but I couldn't get any for band to band comparisons but for lyrics I would possibly compare them with My Chemical Romance, and this is for the sole purpose that both the bands have the same type of lyrics in a way. The best songs of the album I would say is "Makes Me Wonder", "Goodnight Goodnight". Other songs which I really liked are "Little Of Your Time", "Back At Your Door", "Wont Go home without You". One song which I really didn't like is "Kiwi". The bonus track "Infactuation" was really good too. As a whole, I liked the whole album, specially the music and adam's voice. What I did'nt like about the album is "kiwi". Otherwise The whole album rocks! If it were stolen, I that I would surely buy another one! // 9
It Won't Be Soon Before Long
Reviewed by:
unregistered, on may 29, 2007 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sound: Maroon 5's 1st CD, relased in 2002 hit record numbers and almost all of the songs on the CD became hit singles as soon as they aired. It only took them 5 years to come out with a new record and it was worth the wait. There follow up CD "It Won't Be Soon Before Long" takes a differnt turn than there originall stuff. Produced by Eric Valentine, Mark Stent, Mark Endert and Mike Elizondo they all helped bring a more "Dance Vibe" to Maroon 5's second cd. There first single "Makes Me Wonder" hit number 11 on the dance charts. // 9
Lyrics and Singing: As always the lyrics have some sexual underlining note in almost all the songs. It's nice on this CD, because one of the songs Adam actually sings in a lower voice (track 9: "Not Falling Apart") rather than the high one all the time, it shows off more of his vocal range. I do have to say that ocasionally the high notes can become annoying at times. // 8
Impression: Now while maroon 5 is not my favoirite artist I can't help but turn this CD on and listen to it over and over. When I first got the CD I quickly fliped through the songs listening to only about half of each song before flipping to the next just to see if any of them caught my ear, and one of them did. Track 3, A Little Of Your Time, is by far my favorite track on the record, it has a catchy tune and just makes you want to get up and dance. The only thing that the CD lacks is that some of their songs sound the same, or are a bit repetitve. I can't really stand the chorus of "Kiwi" it's to repetive and annoying. I think that if my CD was stolen or loss I would probably just burn it from someone rather than go out to the store and spend 16 bucks on a CD I am sure one of my friends has. // 8
i really liked their first album. it had a good lounge-funk sound to it. however this album feels over produced and the band doesn't seem to exist in it. only one good song... disappointing
When I first heard 'Makes me Wonder' all i thought was, "oh well heres another teeny bop pop song" But after the third time, I actually heard the musical talent. Very funky, not as funky as the peppers (but then who is) but still funky.
Taken as an entire album, this one isn't as good as Songs About Jane. But songs like Can't Stop, Kiwi, Makes Me Wonder, and If I Never See Your Face Again are so good it's worth buying the album.
As a metalhead, I have always hated maroon 5. but I saw a music video from them the other day, and I realized I liked it. Then I saw that it was maroon 5, so I got pissed off at myself. I'm still angry at me for liking it. but, i love funk and everything funky, so I couldn't resist, I guess.
I'm just surprised really that anybody likes them, and that their cheesiness doesn't seem quite too obvious to allow it. Just me though. I know everyone's entitled to their opinions and all.
When i first heard the album, I thought it was average with some awesome songs like "Little of your Time", after listening to it a few time (Only over the space of a couple of days) It really does grow on you.
It's different to their old stuff but it's good in a different way. And i think the negative Critique to songs such as 'Won't go home without you' was completely out of order cos its one of my favourite songs on the album.
sorry but i no you shouldn't comment on things you don't like but i had too. Maroon are **** they have no music talent and they seem to have made crapper songs as they have get older !!!!!
The album was not worth waiting 5 years man, by any means.
I mean it's understandable with there LONG tour, and a break, but as STRONG Maroon 5 fan, I can say that it was a disappointment.
Well...at first it was. There are alot fo critical points I could cover but I feel that the review up top does it really. The sound and lyrics and tone seems inconsistent to me - while the 'too cool to care' tone that Levine and co. take is very impressive as a bold move, it does not carry through with the ballads, and it just feels like the off-beat rhythms of some of the earlier songs were pulled off well, but again could not succeed in wrong sounding songs such as "Goodnight Goodnight" and "Nothing Lasts forever".
The extra tracks do nothing for their cause, I think it would have been ok for those tracks, if the justice was there for the sloppy "Goodnight Goodnight" and "Back at your door".
On the plus side I feel that the lyrics were top drawer from Levine, star of the show was J. Carmichael on the keyboards, definately. And the first 5 songs are just pure brilliance, it was just a bit drawen out in process I feel, with some of the last 6/7. To reiterate, the delivery was chalked on and chalked off I felt, just wasn't as concentrated as 'Jane'.
Still can't stop listening to the album though, Listen to about 8/9 outa the 14. Marks out of 10? errrrmmm.....7 I'd say, easily had the potential for the 10 though no doubt! Can't wait for the next album already!
I actually think this album is pretty darn good. Makes Me Wonder is an incredible song and I can listen to it over and over without getting bored. Little of Your Time is an amazing song as well, and I can't get over how awesome the chorus is. Other good songs are Wake Up Call (the second single), If I Never See Your Face Again, and Can't Stop. I know most people don't like Nothing Lasts Forever, but I strangely do. I think it's the acoustic guitar throughout that makes me like it. I haven't listened to tracks 8 through 12, but I'm sure I'll like at least one of those. That brings my "good songs" tally to about 6. Considering I only liked 4 songs on the last album, I guess I like this one better.
I am a fanatical maroon 5 fan, and i will admit, it was a bit of a disappointment compared to songs about jane, with songs just as shiver and tangled. This album also has more ballads, but, i can't stop listening to. Kiwi is an awesome song, and can't stop. I think the bonus tracks DO do them justice, Until you're over me has a kind of off beat tempo that i think really works. I love all the tracks, i think they all have potential. It was well worth the wait, adam's vocals and lyrics are awesome, there's some gorgeous guitar solos, and jesse is on top form with the keyboards. THUMBS UP FROM ME , sorry people.
Besides, if a metalhead that hates maroon 5, likes it, it must be good...
And on adam being dirty, does it really bother me?!?!
NO! HE'S GORGEOUS
I have to admit that this album isnt as good as Songs About Jane, but it is pretty damn close. I like just about every song on the album besides Back at Your Door. Goodbye Goodbye and Nothing Last Forever are Ok. The first 5 songs are Awesome, as well as Can't Stop, Kiwi, and Better That We Break. Not Falling Apart is also Ok, I like the chorus a lot though. It was worth the wait I think. I was think Back At Your Door and Nothing Last Forever could have been replaced by the bonus tracks Infatuation and Losing My Mind.
This album is brilliant, 10/10. It did take a while for them to release it which worked on my nut but I think the wait was worth it. Can't Stop is the best song on the album and Levine's vocals have improved by a milestone. Kudos to the guys for making a such a worthy album
Maroon 5's new album is tight, I kove the guitar in
every single song. KIWI and Can't Stop are the best songs on the album in my view. GREAT! GREAT! GREAT!
Frankly, I've never been a Maroon 5 fan, but damn, I love the funk and the energy several of the songs have. Those silly, lovey songs from Songs About Jane did absolutely nothing for me. On the other hand, Makes Me Wonder and If I Never See Your Face Again, as well as Little of Your Time just make you want to get up and dance. (Aside from the fact that I can't dance.)
Hey you dumb pop (shit) rock mother ****ers. Have fun in your boy band because all the fame won't last long. That's the thing about popular music, songs are only good for a couple of days until the dumbass listening audience gets tired of it. I love listening to a song that's 20 years old and still kicks the shit out of anything today. Beat that mother ****ers.
'The part of lyrics from Nothing Lasts Forever are from the The Living End song with the same title.'
Ha ha!!! I looked that up, it's a TOTALLY different song. They have two completely opposite meanings behind them, and the mention of that band was pointless.
'And on Adam being dirty, does it really bother me?!?!
NO! HE'S GORGEOUS'
Ha ha, I just had to requote that.
'Metallica Fan08 :
Hey you dumb pop (shit) rock mother ****ers. Have fun in your boy band because all the fame won't last long. That's the thing about popular music, songs are only good for a couple of days until the dumbass listening audience gets tired of it. I love listening to a song that's 20 years old and still kicks the shit out of anything today. Beat that mother ****ers.'
Dude, lose the mullet. I like the classics and standards too, but you gotta open you mind to new things. I'll agree there's a lot of **** on the radio, but I wouldn't categorize Maroon 5 as ****. Adam's got more talent then any popular male vocalist out there as far as I know. And this band has the chemistry to stick around. The only reason why they took that long period of time in between is because they are a serious band, not like people who make album after album spending two years in between. A good album takes time, and experiences worth writing about.
Anyway, I think the album was really great. It's a nice change from 'Songs About Jane'. Don't get me wrong, I love that album too. But this one just goes to show that they can do all sorts of genres and pull them all off really well. I love the guitar in a lot of the songs, and the bonus tracks are great especially Losing My Mind. If I lost this album...actually I wouldn't. =D
I'm sorry if you don't like Maroon 5. What EXACTLY is the point of commenting on it???!!!
I agree 'Songs About Jane' and 'It Wont Be Soon Before Long' have completely different feels to them but I love them both. 'It Wont Be Soon Before Long' has a more funky feel to it. The reason for this is because 'Songs About Jane' was just when they'd left university and was quite shy to the music scene (from their failed album 'Fourth World' by Kara's Flowers)
The reason for the 5 year gap is Ryan Dusick their drummer left because of arm injuries and he was un-able to drum anymore. In 2005 they got Matt Flynn to join the band so they actually spent 2 years on their album.
There are some funky songs like 'If I Never See Your Face Again' 'Little of your Time''Kiwi' 'Makes Me Wonder' and Can't Stop' then there are some ballady songs. He uses part of the chorus from Heard Em Say that he did with Kanye West in Nothing Last Forever. I personally believe that this is a great album.
Oh and... People dont complain about Maroon 5's kinkyness in this album cause it did show up in Songs about Jane aswell xD...
Plus makes it all the more enjoyable (Y)
Hey you dumb pop (shit) rock mother ****ers. Have fun in your boy band because all the fame won't last long. That's the thing about popular music, songs are only good for a couple of days until the dumbass listening audience gets tired of it. I love listening to a song that's 20 years old and still kicks the shit out of anything today. Beat that mother ****ers.
this coming from an obvious fanboy of a one-trick band with 2 good albums?
Had this album in my collection since it came out in 2007. Listened to it once. Now that I've fallen in love with Songs About Jane, and I'm more used to Adam Levine's voice, ima give it a second chance lol
