It Won't Be Soon Before Long

My first reaction to the new Maroon 5 CD was, Songs About Jane it is not…and that’s a good thing. A common thread we see so often in the music industry is for a successful first commercial release to be followed up by a usually not-so-successful carbon copy. But as many of us know, Songs About Jane was a phenomenon. A rarity that produced charted singles for 4 years. And an album that will likely be praised as a classic for decades.

But with such a musical marvel comes the difficult task of what to do next. One of the best things I think Maroon 5 opted to do was take some time and put some distance between themselves and their previous release.

The first single, Makes Me Wonder, was a surefire attention grabber to put the boys back into the consciousness of mainstream radio. However the song seems a bit out of place among the other tracks on the album. Much of the same could be said about Harder to Breathe on Songs About Jane. Don’t take this as a bad thing. If Harder to Breathe led you to Songs About Jane and you are thankful then It Won’t Be Soon Before Long by way of Makes Me Wonder isn’t a bad path to take if it leads you to the same conclusion.

It Won’t Be Soon Before Long is the type of album that might not hit the ball out of the park with the first pitch. With my experience it took time to savor the subtle complexities and appreciate what a fine album this really is. I knew I was onto sometime when I woke up one morning with Won’t Go Home Without You dancing in my head. And when I would pop the CD into the car stereo and didn’t automatically FF to Makes Me Wonder but to songs like Wake Up Call, Kiwi, and Back at Your Door.

IWBSBL doesn’t simply stop with the 12 album tracks, there are at least 7 bonus tracks available in some form or fashion. I have heard most of these and they are all worth adding to your collection. Too bad it takes so much effort to get them. I would have easily paid extra for a deluxe edition that included all of these.

Bottom Line: A nice addition

If you enjoy this album, I implore you to check out The Yahoo Nissan Live Sets Performances.

Additional links:
AOL Music Sessions
Star 98.7
Wal-mart’s Soundcheck

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This blog is a spin-off of the www.80smusicbeat.com website which is devoted to the music and artists we grew to love in the '80s and the music that still flourishes from them today. The site is very much a work in progress and I have many many things planned for it. So stop by sometime.

However this blog extends beyond the website.

I am a music lover! There is simply no other way to put it. It intoxicates me. I am completely fasinated by the power of it. How it can completely transform a mood, resurrect a forgotten memory, or inspire a mountain of people to come together, rejoice, and ascend in celebration.

My love of music did not begin nor does it end with the '80s. My primary admiration is for guitar rock with an emphasis on singer-songwriters and evolves from there. I am always on the lookout for a new musical discovery. If you have a recommendation. I would love to hear it!