Maroon 5
Love Is Like
222 / Interscope
Maroon 5 have been soundtracking our lives for over two decades now, weddings, breakups, karaoke nights, road trips, you name it. And somehow, the band keeps finding ways to reinvent themselves without losing that instant hit-making touch. With Love Is Like, their eighth studio album, the Los Angeles pop-rock giants pull off a tight, glossy, and surprisingly playful collection that feels both nostalgic and brand new.
At just under 30 minutes, the album is lean, polished, and addictive. Think of it less as a sprawling meal and more like a perfectly curated tasting menu: every course lands, every flavour lingers, and before you know it, you’re already reaching for seconds.
The opener, “Hideaway,” sets the tone immediately, blending Maroon 5’s classic guitar shimmer with sleek 2025 production. It’s a vibe-y curtain-raiser that feels like sunshine bottled up, a perfect reintroduction to the band’s knack for marrying pop precision with a soulful core. Adam Levine’s falsetto floats above the mix effortlessly, reminding us why his voice remains one of the most recognisable instruments in pop music.
Then comes the title track, “Love Is Like,” with none other than Lil Wayne dropping in to add grit to the band’s sheen. It’s a collaboration that could have felt mismatched in the wrong hands, but here it clicks: Wayne’s wordplay balances Levine’s heart-on-sleeve crooning, making the track feel like a conversation between smooth romance and sharp swagger. It’s pure radio gold.
But the real wild card is “Priceless,” featuring Lisa of BLACKPINK. The synergy between Lisa’s charisma and Levine’s melodic instincts is electric, proof that Maroon 5 knows how to tap into global pop currents while keeping their own DNA intact. It’s sleek, sexy, and destined for playlists worldwide. On the other side of the spectrum, “I Like It” with Sexyy Red is rowdy and mischievous, a fun, chaotic burst of personality that loosens up the album’s polished edges in the best way.
Still, Love Is Like isn’t just about flashy features. The mid-album stretch shows Maroon 5 flexing their core strengths. “Yes I Did” is punchy and defiant, while “Burn Burn Burn” layers distortion and groove into something darker and edgier than we’ve heard from the band in years. “Jealousy Problems” strips things down to bass and confession, landing as one of the record’s most honest, understated moments.
-bm Then there’s “My Love,” a tender ballad that feels almost old-school in its simplicity. Levine’s vocals shine against the band’s restrained backdrop, delivering a track that feels personal and timeless. Finally, the closer “California” brings it all home, sun-kissed, nostalgic, and celebratory. It’s a postcard from the band’s roots, a reminder of where it all started and why they’re still here.
What makes Love Is Like so engaging is its balance. It’s short but packed with variety. It’s glossy but grounded. It leans into pop trends without chasing them desperately. More than anything, it sounds like a band having fun again, a group of seasoned hitmakers reconnecting with their spark.
With Love Is Like, Maroon 5 prove that staying power isn’t just about playing the same hits over and over. It’s about growth, surprise, and knowing when to keep things simple. Twenty years in, they’re still making pop feel fresh, and that’s a rare kind of magic.
