ON MAY 21Having been recognized as Best New Artist at the 2005 Grammy Awards, Maroon 5 will release their much-anticipated sophomore album, ‘It Won’t Be Soon Before Long’ (A&M/Octone Records) on May 21st. The follow-up to the multi-platinum, Grammy award-winning Songs About Jane will be “sexier and stronger,” according to frontman Adam Levine, who looked to 80s icons such as Prince, Michael Jackson and Talking Heads for inspiration.Recorded at home in Los Angeles with producers Mike Elizondo (Fiona Apple, Eminem), Mark “Spike” Stent (Bjork, Keane, Gwen Stefani, Marylin Manson), Mark Endert (Madonna, Fiona Apple), and Eric Valentine (Queens of the Stone Age, Nickel Creek) the album promises to be a louder take on the pop sounds of their first effort.

“It’s definitely aggressive, upbeat and pounding,” says Levine. From first single, ‘Makes Me Wonder’ (out May 14th), it is clear that Maroon 5 has once again captured all of the elements that create a universally appealing pop rock song. The song segues from a bass heavy intro to an infectiously catchy melody that soon belies the sentiment, “Give me something to believe in because I don’t believe in you anymore.”

Beneath the surface, it also incorporates what Levine calls “an increasing dissatisfaction with the direction of the world” and its leaders, imparting a new layer of meaning to an otherwise upbeat breakup song. Maroon 5 is Adam Levine (vocals, guitar), James Valentine (guitar), Jesse Carmichael (keyboard), Mickey Madden (bass) and Matt Flynn (drums).

Their debut album Songs about Jane earned the 2005 Grammy Award for Best New Artist, has been certified quadruple platinum in the U.S. and has reached gold or platinum status in over 35 countries. The album has sold over ten million units worldwide, two million of which were in the UK.

In 2006 the group earned another Grammy for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for a live recording of their international hit single “This Love.” Known for their commitment to the environment, Maroon 5 was honored at the 2006 Environmental Media Awards. For more information on Maroon 5, please visit www.maroon5.comMaroon 5

Tagged in