YourFaveIsAFlop
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Post by YourFaveIsAFlop on Sept 2, 2014 18:04:50 GMT -5
I gave the album another listen on my way home from work today. What really struck me is how unremarkable the album is. Nothing on it stands out to me. It's just so...generic?
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SHOOTER
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Post by SHOOTER on Sept 2, 2014 18:44:03 GMT -5
I gave the album another listen on my way home from work today. What really struck me is how unremarkable the album is. Nothing on it stands out to me. It's just so...generic? That's my other issue; none of the songs aside from the singles and UM are very memorable to me.
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popbox
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Post by popbox on Sept 2, 2014 19:22:13 GMT -5
Well Maps and Animals were 1000% the right choices for the first two singles. I think the only other two that have any chance at hits are Unkiss Me and It Was Always You (which I'm still not totally sold on as a single either). Actually not really sold on anything being a real hit after Animals. Like others have said, very forgettable album. This will not be another Overexposed for them success wise.
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Kurt
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Post by Kurt on Sept 2, 2014 19:29:44 GMT -5
For what it's worth, I was reading Billboard yesterday and an exec is quoted as saying their plan is another 18-month, five-single cycle (though unless they counted "Lucky Strike," Overexposed only had four).
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maine
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Post by maine on Sept 2, 2014 19:36:13 GMT -5
For what it's worth, I was reading Billboard yesterday and an exec is quoted as saying their plan is another 18-month, five-single cycle (though unless they counted "Lucky Strike," Overexposed only had four). Prediction: 1. "Maps" 2. "Animals" 3. "Unkiss Me" 4. "It Was Always You" 5. "Coming Back For You" It'll be interesting to see how they pick the singles since a lot of the tracks sound similar to "Animals" and "It Was Always You" (obvious singles). Too many downtempos, while the uptempos aren't good enough for singles. They'll probably overlook "Feelings" as they did with "Doin' Dirt" from last album.
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kmbgs
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Post by kmbgs on Sept 2, 2014 21:17:19 GMT -5
For what it's worth, I was reading Billboard yesterday and an exec is quoted as saying their plan is another 18-month, five-single cycle (though unless they counted "Lucky Strike," Overexposed only had four). Prediction: 1. "Maps" 2. "Animals" 3. "Unkiss Me" 4. "It Was Always You" 5. "Coming Back For You" It'll be interesting to see how they pick the singles since a lot of the tracks sound similar to "Animals" and "It Was Always You" (obvious singles). Too many downtempos, while the uptempos aren't good enough for singles. They'll probably overlook "Feelings" as they did with "Doin' Dirt" from last album. Doin Dirt was an absolute smash, still don't understand why that wasn't released.
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Post by Live Your Life on Sept 2, 2014 23:08:50 GMT -5
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Hurricane Lee
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Post by Hurricane Lee on Sept 3, 2014 9:13:38 GMT -5
I'm torn. I don't really remember the songs except for Maps and UM, which I both LOVE...however, the production is STELLAR and Adam sounds better than he has ever sounded sooo...I definitely like it better than Overexposed and Hands On Me at the moment, but it will probably be my favorite album of theirs when all is said and done. Some bands were meant for pop stardom. Maroon 5 has proven time and time again that they are.
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foxxden
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Post by foxxden on Sept 3, 2014 9:48:48 GMT -5
I can't say I am the biggest fan of the song either but "My Heart Is Open" with Gwen Stefani is currently #80 on iTunes...one of the highest ranking album tracks from "V".
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Kurt
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Post by Kurt on Sept 3, 2014 13:17:03 GMT -5
Underwhelmed after the first listen, but I have a feeling it'll grow on me as Overexposed did. Adam sounds kind of bored a lot. Highlights are "It Was Always You," "Animals," "Sugar," and maybe "Coming Back For You." "Unkiss Me" sounds like the "Daylight" of the album, so I won't be surprised if it's the third single. Also, the chorus of "Feelings" keeps making me think the chord's going to resolve and become "American Boy," but it doesn't. :/ Well, that didn't take long - the production and melodic choices have drawn me in. Add "Feelings" to my favorites; least favorite is "My Heart Is Open," but it isn't bad either.
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SHOOTER
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Post by SHOOTER on Sept 3, 2014 14:24:53 GMT -5
HITS predicts a #1 debut with 145-155k.
Sales history:
Songs About Jane peaked at #6 with 72k (5.149m sold to date).
1.22.03.Acoustic debuted at #63 with 16k (699k sold to date).
Live - Friday the 13th debuted at #61 with 16k (113k sold to date).
It Won't Be Soon Before Long debuted at #1 with 430k (2.379m sold to date).
Live from Le Cabaret debuted at #117 with 5.9k (20k sold to date).
Call and Response: The Remix Album debuted at #73 with 16k (136k sold to date).
Hands All Over debuted at #2 with 142k (1.383m sold to date).
iTunes Session EP has sold 10k.
Overexposed debuted at #2 with 222k (1.586m sold to date).
Total US Sales: 11.745m
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BDGeek
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Post by BDGeek on Sept 3, 2014 17:35:50 GMT -5
"My Heart Is Open" has one of the laziest choruses I've ever heard. I mean, seriously? Five writers (including Sia) and that was the best they could do?
Album as a whole is pretty dull, but I haven't really loved anything since their 2nd album (which is by far their best). I do like "Animals" and "New Love" though. I just wish they'd just start branding Adam as a solo act. The other members have had such minimal roles on their last few albums that it's laughable to call them a "band" at this point.
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Hurricane Lee
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Post by Hurricane Lee on Sept 3, 2014 17:44:43 GMT -5
Nope. All members are involved and fully present, whether or not they sound that way. This is more evident in their live performances. Adam solo would be no different than Maroon 5 over the last couple albums. It's not like he can go EVEN poppier - they've even collaborated with a rapper, LOL.
Anyway, I know given the current climate, albums don't go past 5 or 6 singles and even then, it's extremely rare, but this album presents so many single choices. The only songs that aren't single worthy are Coming Back For You and My Heart Is Open (even though I think the latter is sublime, tbh). Coming Back For You sounds like it should've gone to Foster the People. I also don't think I would want to see It Was Always You as a single. So, I guess I would like to see:
- Unkiss Me -Sugar (this should probably be replaced with Feelings because...well, we already had Birthday, but that FEEEEELINGS in the chorus is a little...grating) - New Love
It would be really weird to leave Leaving California on the cutting room floor, given the fact that Nate Ruess was involved but I feel like Unkiss Me would be the better sappy song with a more maximum impact so they would probably go with that.
This is definitely an album that can just be left on to play. Very sleek.
No shade, but two things about the Gwen collab: what is up with people singing over Sia's demoes? No one can replicate her style. There are parts where Gwen is definitely trying to sound like her. Also, the laziness of the chorus reminds me of some trick that Alicia Keys would pull. You know, that whole "let's be anthemic" thing? I dig though. It's really easy to sing along to "YAAAAAAAAAAAAAA" or whatever.
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Jack
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Post by Jack on Sept 3, 2014 18:43:08 GMT -5
Singles I'd go for:
1. Maps 2. Animals 3. Sugar 4. My Heart Is Open 5. Unkiss Me
I think they could try and go for a Say Something/Just Give Me A Reason kind of vibe by releasing the Gwen collab as a single. It's not as strong as those songs, but I can certainly see it working with the right push.
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darko95
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Post by darko95 on Sept 3, 2014 21:29:40 GMT -5
"Unkiss Me" definitely stood out from the rest too.
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Web
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Post by Web on Sept 3, 2014 21:34:51 GMT -5
It Was Always You, Animals, and Coming Back For You are the only songs I even remotely enjoyed. In Your Pocket is terrible, and the rest is generic, bland and completely forgettable. I really can't see a single they'll miss on releasing this time around (like Lucky Strike last cycle) I think they'll have to stretch to try and fill out the cycle.
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SoMuchToSay
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Post by SoMuchToSay on Sept 3, 2014 21:59:15 GMT -5
Singles: 1. Maps 2. Animals 3. Unkiss Me (only b/c ballads are good for 3rd singles + it would be good in winter) 4. It Was Always You (an obvious smash) 5. Coming Back for You OR Leaving California
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RainMan94
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Post by RainMan94 on Sept 3, 2014 23:39:13 GMT -5
I really like both "Animals" and "It Was Always You." I like the beat and overall production of "Feelings" but he goes too high in the chorus for my taste and I think that could be a turn off for radio. I think after "Animals," they should release the Gwen Stefani duet for a nice change of pace followed by "It Was Always You." After that, it doesn't matter what they go for because most of the rest of the album (based on the iTunes 30-second clips) was pretty bland.
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Post by Live Your Life on Sept 4, 2014 11:50:31 GMT -5
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dbhmr
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Post by dbhmr on Sept 4, 2014 13:34:28 GMT -5
What a blah album. After the first two tracks/singles, they all sort of blur together. Some have some nice production/melodies ("In Your Pocket"), and some are really obnoxious ("New Love"--those vocals ), but overall nothing really compelled me to open up Spotify to see which track was playing so I could listen to it again. A lot of people have called out "Unkiss Me" but I found that a bit obnoxious too, plus I don't think that phrase works at all. I enjoyed the majority of their last album but figured, given that material, this is where they were headed, and I'm disappointed to see that it's exactly where they've arrived. MOTR, overproduced, unmemorable pop music with the band shrinking behind the celebrity power of Adam Levine.
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14887fan
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Post by 14887fan on Sept 7, 2014 16:39:36 GMT -5
Just listened to the album. All I've really got to say about it is that I miss Songs About Jane-type Maroon 5 now more than I ever have before. Such a bland Pop album. "Lost Stars" is the only song I'd consider buying.
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tsr
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Post by tsr on Sept 7, 2014 21:20:27 GMT -5
I'm a little eh on this album as well. There are some good songs definitely, but nothing really grabbed my attention on the first listen. I really like "Sugar" and "My Heart Is Open" though.
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SHOOTER
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Post by SHOOTER on Sept 7, 2014 21:25:22 GMT -5
I gave the album another listen on my way home from work today. What really struck me is how unremarkable the album is. Nothing on it stands out to me. It's just so...generic? That's my other issue; none of the songs aside from the singles and UM are very memorable to me. After a couple more listens, Sugar can be added to the list. I remember a couple other tracks but not positively.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 7, 2014 23:53:08 GMT -5
Wait is this out or has it just leaked? I was planning on purchasing this. I never enjoyed their pop sound until this era-- everything I've heard just clicked.
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elementd5
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Post by elementd5 on Sept 7, 2014 23:53:18 GMT -5
Love Coming Back for You.
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Kurt
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Post by Kurt on Sept 7, 2014 23:56:03 GMT -5
Wait is this out or has it just leaked? I was planning on purchasing this. I never enjoyed their pop sound until this era-- everything I've heard just clicked. It came out on Tuesday.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 7, 2014 23:58:16 GMT -5
Wait is this out or has it just leaked? I was planning on purchasing this. I never enjoyed their pop sound until this era-- everything I've heard just clicked. It came out on Tuesday. Ok wow I've been shopping twice this week and literally never saw it wow Will have to pick it up ASAP.
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dbhmr
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Post by dbhmr on Sept 8, 2014 10:30:32 GMT -5
Ok wow I've been shopping twice this week and literally never saw it wow Will have to pick it up ASAP. ...stream it first.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 8, 2014 12:12:56 GMT -5
Ok wow I've been shopping twice this week and literally never saw it wow Will have to pick it up ASAP. ...stream it first. Ok, mom. First impression and I can see why you'd suggest this-- aside from the obvious common sense "try before you buy". Half of the album is good (really like 'Feelings', and 'Sex and Candy' is solid if you relegate it to background noise) but the rest is pretty uninspired. Not that anything here is bad, it's just totally uneventful. I was fully prepared for this to be an impulse buy, but I'm going to have to sit on this before I commit to a purchase. Completely devastated by how little I care for the Gwen collab.
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Agent Yoncé
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Post by Agent Yoncé on Sept 8, 2014 12:38:09 GMT -5
From what I've been reading (haven't heard the album, ¿yet?), 'Unkiss Me" & "It Was Always You' are the best album tracks thus far, yes?
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