The New Maroon 5: New Sexier, Chic Image with Funk-Driven Sound

Five years after the release of their hard-hitting album "Songs About Jane", Maroon 5 returns with a fresh new sound, one that is quite different from their original.

The album entitled "It Won't Be Soon Before Long" debuted May 22 and has already topped Billboard's Hot 100 Chart with the single "Makes Me Wonder". Despite the song's success and the success of it's music video, the band's new neo-funk and soul sound leaves them unsure on how it will go over with fans of the previous album.

"Makes Me Wonder" sets the tone for the rest of the album, laying down a funky beat for fans to dance to. The music video takes it up a notch, turning an airport into a nightclub scene complete with flashing neon lights. Throw in some leggy flight attendants, some glitz and glamour, and Adam Levine strutting his stuff down the aisles and gateway, and you have one chic and sexy scene.

The rest of the album is just as upbeat. The first track "If I Never See Your Face Again" has a similar beat to "Make Me Wonder" with a slightly slower tempo to set the mood".

While the album serves to be more dance-oriented, some songs provide a transition in sound. "Wake Up Call" and "Can't Stop" serve to be reminiscent of the rock sensibilities of the band's last album. Similarly, the ballad "Better That We Break" sets itself apart from the album's overall hype and energy.

The band however-despite following their instincts in going in a different direction-remains somewhat apprehensive of how it will affect their fan base. LiveDaily.com reports Adam Levine only hopes it will go over well with fans and that they will "continue to respect" the band's art.

While it is true the new album doesn't quite live up to the edge of "Harder to Breath" or the soft swaying rock of "Sunday Morning", it may only show how Maroon 5 has grown over the past five years. "It Won't Be Soon Before Long" is sure to top the charts such as the band's previous hits "Sunday Morning" and "This Love".

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