Maroon 5 Research Paper

Gabby Crank
P.2 Honors English
4/20/15
Music Paper
Adam Levine featuring Maroon 5
For the past twenty-one years, Maroon 5 has been epically thriving and amplifying in the music business. Maroon 5 originated in Los Angeles, California. The group was known as Kara’s Flowers in 1994, and then became Maroon 5 in 2001. This was not the only change for the sprouting band; their sound went from grunge to lively pop rock. Maroon 5’s most well-known artist, Adam Levine pours his heart and emotions into the album that sky rockets their career. Songs about Jane was based on Adam’s tragic love story with his high school sweetheart, Jane. Adam says in an interview with MTV News, “there was at least one line in every song about her (Jane).” Just within
“Harder to Breathe” really brings in an angry or irritated aspect to Adam’s heartache with its ‘rock and roll’ and edgy jazz sound. “How dare you say that my behavior is unacceptable / So condescending unnecessarily critical” (1-2) is how Adam starts his bitter rant. These lines have a rather incriminating feel to them. Adam is asking someone, presumably an ex-lover, how they could accuse him of having “unacceptable behavior,” when he feels the accuser is the one to blame. This hypocritical role-reversal is common in failing relationships; one half of the couple may be frustrated with the other for something they are both doing. He uses the words “condescending” and “unnecessarily critical,” which shows a rather toxic relationship. Adam continues on to say “I have the tendency of getting very physical / So watch your step 'cause if I do you 'll need a miracle” Adam shows us a violent side to him as he is now physically threatening this girl. He knows that if she crosses the line, no one is safe from his fury. This is an indicator of an abusive relationship, which could explain the hostile tension that is felt in this opening verse to the song. “Harder to Breathe” brings a hostile and resentful agitation to the album, Songs About
Adam’s incredible vocals and the rest of the band’s slow, romantic way of bringing this song together makes it sensitive and charming. “Beauty queen of only eighteen/ She had some trouble with herself” (1-2) Adam opens the song which summarizes the story of “She Will Be Loved.” At such a young age, the girl has allowed men to take advantage of her and instead of evaluating her romantic choices; she believes that her problems stem from her own flaws. This song could be about a prostitute, which would fit with the meaning of these lyrics. The girl is young and beautiful, but because of her troubles, she’s had to face adult realities that make her feel worthless and insecure. “I don 't mind spending every day/ Out on your corner in the pouring rain/ Look for the girl with the broken smile/ Ask her if she wants to stay awhile/ And she will be loved” Adam writes for the chorus. Adam highlights his dedication to this girl in the first line of the hook. The reference to the pouring rain means that even when life is less than beautiful, he’ll still be there waiting for her if she needs him much like in “Sunday Morning”. He will keep his distance if that’s what she wants, but he’s always just around the corner if she changes her mind. Adam uses “Broken smile” and this shows that while the girl puts on a face of happiness, she’s really broken inside. Because Adam is a