The Bottom Line
The most refreshing aspect of Maroon 5's 3rd single from the album It Won't Be Soon Before Long is that it is an aural change of pace from the violence implied by the previous single "Wake Up Call." Adam Levine sings sweetly and the song promotes an easy singalong. However, the Police-inspired bassline introduces a mildly disquieting paranoia.
Pros
- Pleasingly nuanced vocal performance from Adam Levine
- Easy, singalong chorus
Cons
- Lack in depth
Description
- Throbbing Police-inspired bass line
- Sweet, upper register lead vocals
- Chiming guitars on the chorus
Guide Review - Maroon 5 - Won't Go Home Without You
The bass line from the classic "Every Breath You Take" by the Police is one of the most instantly familiar instrumental lines in pop music of the past 25 years. In its original use it is used to underscore the obsessive nature of the song's lyrics. Diddy used it to suggest the passing of time in experiencing grief in the hit "I'll Be Missing You." This time around the reason for the use of the bass line is not obviously clear, but it does provide both an instant familiarity and a disquieting counterpoint to Adam Levine's sweet-sounding vocals.
"Won't Go Home Without You" is instantly radio friendly due to an expansive pop chorus that will have many music fans singing along. However, by the end of the song, a certain meaty depth to the music is lacking. The song is radio programmer friendly but unlikely to be particularly memorable over the long term.
However, pop music fans will want to see the accompanying video. It continues a streak of stylish, if disconcerting, approaches to visualizing the group's songs. This time around the song plays to underscore an obsessive search by lead vocalist Adam Levine. A twist in the plot at the end leaves the viewer wondering what may happen next, particularly if you have seen the video that accompanied "Wake Up Call."
