Oh yeah! Who said a full-time mummy can't be hip and happening at the same time?! What am I talking about? Well, I'm still feeling euphoric after being contacted by A&M/Octone Records to do a review on Maroon 5's latest album "Hands All Over" which was released on 21st September 2010!
Maroon 5 dude!
And I'm doing their latest album review!
* Smack cheeks to check whether I'm dreaming *
I enjoyed listening to their songs and to get this opportunity to review their latest album is just so freaking thrilling!
Would you just look at their droolworthy pose!
Excerpts taken from the album's pressbook:
"Hands All Over is bright and poppy, and helped the band to find its focus all over again. Levine says the album's title tracks is about "desperately trying to work something out, but at the same time, trying to wash your hands of something too. It's that desperation of wanting everything to work somehow but being frustrated by the fact that it just won't." Ultimately, Levine says Hands All Over is the sound of Maroon 5 stepping back from their influences and embracing their originality."
OK, now that I'm a SAHM catering to the whims and fancies of my toddler at all times, time is of a very important essence in my daily life. So how do I get about to reviewing this album?
My first test was to give it a quick play, about 5 seconds for each song. If the song manages to get Ben's attention, I let the song continues on. Then I try to fast forward to the middle of the song and check out Ben's reactions. If it gets his attention, then I will continue to play the song. Else, next!
After I'm done with all the 12 songs in the album, I noted down the songs that got Ben's attention and mind you, these songs actually got him DANCING along to it!
* Misery
* Stutter
* How
* Out of Goodbyes (duet with Lady Antebellum) - this is my personal favorite!
What do I think about this album? Like Ben, the above songs got me listening to them over and over again and as for the rest of the songs, it gets better everytime you hear them, so yeah, I'd say this album is for keeps!
I can feel the signature tune of Maroon 5 is still all over the album but this time, it's like they get a little more refreshing and more bubbly and upbeat.
One thing I don't quite fancy is the album cover (which is why you don't see me posting it in this review). Maybe there's some artistic meaning for the cover image they used but I feel a more decent looking image would be better.. Oh heck, maybe because I'm older a mum now so I tend to get pretty uptight uncomfortable of seeing images like this.. Heh...
I think the other images used for their album promo is just as good. Just take a look and see if you don't agree with me:
Good enough to be used as the album cover, no?
OK, this is a bit Beatle-like but still a nice captivating image!
I just love this shot! It's simplicity is just so stunning! What do you think?
In summary, I'd recommend this album for those who is looking for something to brighten up their life and those who just want to dance along to some upbeat and catchy tunes.
Way to go Maroon 5! You guys still rocks!
You can purchase the album via Maroon 5's website.
I would like to give a note of thanks to Michael from A&M/Octone Records for this wonderful opportunity to review this awesome album!
I received no monetary compensation for this review, I was provided with the authorised link to download the 12-track standard album in MP3 format to assist my review. All opinions expressed in this post are my own. Please do your own research when purchasing products, as your opinions may differ from mine.
