leak of the week

Maroon 5 Album Leaks, Radio D.J.’s Retreat to Secret Bunkers

Courtesy of A&M/ Octone Records

What’s new on the file-sharing networks this week.

Maroon 5, It Won’t Be Soon Before Long

Official release date: May 22

The Internet loves it! “This album is hip and fresh. Maroon 5 have definitely found their voice and style. Adam Levine’s vocals are soulful and powerful, where [they were] once amateur and inexperienced.” [Whudahexup]

The Internet hates it! “It’s not the most inspired album ever. I don’t think that it will be remembered as much as their previous effort, which is a little disappointing considering how long it’s been in the making.” [Diary of a Nut Job]

We think: It probably won’t knock Justin Timberlake off your iPod, but the L.A. quintet’s second album is a solid collection of catchy, well-constructed pop songs. 2002’s Songs About Jane suffered from front man Adam Levine’s delusions of Jamiroquai, but here the hooks are sharp enough (check out the single “Makes Me Wonder” or the Kanye West–sampled “Nothing Lasts Forever”) to avoid any such comparisons. Enjoy these songs now before they dominate radio into 2009. —Lane Brown

Maroon 5 Album Leaks, Radio D.J.’s Retreat to Secret Bunkers