Record Review

Maroon 5

Album: “Red Pill Blues”

Grade: A

When Adam Levine hits his buzzer and swivels his chair on “The Voice,” you know he recognizes talent. So is it any surprise that the Maroon 5 frontman has an excellent ear when he records with his band?

“Red Pill Blues” finds Maroon 5 doing what they do best – writing well-crafted, cleverly produced songs that instantly nudge you to the dance floor.

Maroon 5’s strong sixth studio album is co-produced by Levine, who has a hand in writing every song, and producer J Kash, who helped the band with the previous hits “Sugar” and “Cold.” Aided by some inspired guests, the 10-track album sparkles without messing around too much with the band’s slick, hook-driven sound.

There are potential hits all over the album, from the opening radio-ready “Best 4 You,” to the flirty, dance floor-friendly “What Lovers Do,” showcasing a super SZA. “Lips on You,” co-written by Charlie Puth, is a perfect slice of melancholy electronica, while the strummy “Girls Like You” sounds nicely Ed Sheeran-ish.

The spare “Bet My Heart” combines acoustic and murky electric elements and “Help Me Out,” co-produced by Diplo, gets a nice assist from an ethereal Julia Michaels. Throughout is Levin’s fearsome falsetto; there’s simply no one better at it right now.

“Whiskey” sees Maroon 5 take a bit of a risk, mixing Levine and A$AP Rocky on a stripped-down slow jam that sounds perfect to blast on the ride home late at night. The moody and beautiful “Closure” fittingly closes the album. Maroon 5 is firing on all cylinders with “Red Pill Blues.” It sounds ultra-current but with enough versatility to seduce virtually anyone.

—Mark Kennedy, Associated Press