Maroon 5’s debut album, Songs About Jane, introduced them to the world and hinted at the incredible journey ahead for this innovative band of the 21st century. Unlike many groups, Maroon 5 has enjoyed a long and successful career, consistently delivering chart-topping hits while continually reinventing their sound to keep fans engaged. Their enduring success is rooted in a commitment to exceptional songwriting, the cornerstone of their remarkable discography. The best Maroon 5 songs illustrate perfectly why they have built such an impressive and seemingly effortless body of work in pop music.
Adam Levine of Maroon 5
Image of Adam Levine performing live with Maroon 5, showcasing his stage presence and the band’s dynamic energy.
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20: Love Somebody
“Love Somebody,” the final single from the Overexposed album, is a synth-driven track that evolves into a quintessential pop anthem, reaching the Billboard Top 10 in the summer of 2013. Despite being surprisingly overlooked as a single in several European markets, this collaboration with Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic became a global dance floor filler and even charted on the US club charts. Its infectious beat and catchy melody solidified its place as a fan favorite among Maroon 5 songs.
19: If I Never See Your Face Again (featuring Rihanna)
Maroon 5 has become known for outstanding collaborations, and “If I Never See Your Face Again” marked an early foray into this format. Originally an album track, it was enhanced with vocals from Rihanna and included in the re-release of It Won’t Be Soon Before Long, as well as on Rihanna’s Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded. By featuring the biggest female artist of the time, they transformed an album cut into a Grammy-nominated hit. The song’s sensual music video further cemented Adam Levine’s heartthrob status and expanded the song’s reach.
18: Maps
Chosen as the lead single for their fifth studio album, V, “Maps” propelled the album to the top of the charts. Maroon 5 had already established a reputation for captivating music videos, and the visually striking video for “Maps” is particularly memorable. Its edgy narrative, depicting a house party tragedy unfolding in reverse chronological order, creates a powerful and dynamic effect. The single achieved Top 10 success worldwide and marked the return of Jesse Carmichael to the band after a two-year break. Co-written with pop hitmaker Ammar Malik, known for his work with Clean Bandit and Ariana Grande, “Maps” became a staple of the tour supporting V.
17: Sunday Morning
It might be hard to recall a time before Maroon 5 were consistent hitmakers, but following the success of Songs About Jane, the band’s continued momentum was not guaranteed. “Sunday Morning” amplified Maroon 5’s soulful essence and deepened public intrigue in this group that defied easy categorization. The track’s smooth, mid-tempo groove resonated strongly on radio, propelling it into the Top 40 in both the US and UK. This song highlighted their versatility and cemented their position in the music landscape.
16: Wake Up Call
Enlisting Mary J Blige and producer Mark Ronson proved to be a masterstroke for “Wake Up Call,” although the song was already strong on its own. The remix version injected a sharp urban edge into a robust pop-rock track, becoming the standout highlight of the band’s Call And Response: The Remix Album, released the year after the original “Wake Up Call” debuted. Jonas Åkerlund directed the music video, which amplified the song’s drama with a dark and menacing domestic storyline, enhancing the song’s impact.
15: Misery
“Misery,” the lead single from Hands All Over, was a collaboration between Adam Levine, Jesse Carmichael, and Sam Farrar, polished with a glossy pop-rock production by Robert John “Mutt” Lange. This upbeat 2010 release achieved respectable commercial success, and while the Hands All Over era presented challenges for the band, it ultimately fueled a stronger, more resilient spirit. “Misery” showcased their ability to bounce back and continue producing catchy and popular tunes.
14: Animals
As Maroon 5 refined their sound into a contemporary pop-dance style, collaborations with leading producers were inevitable. Benny Blanco and Shellback, known for their work with Britney Spears, Adele, and Katy Perry, joined Adam Levine to create “Animals,” which Shellback ultimately produced for V. This track delivered Maroon 5 their tenth Top 10 single in the US and was heavily promoted through numerous guest appearances on international television shows. “Animals” became a high-energy centerpiece of the Maroon V Tour, which spanned nearly three years as the band’s global popularity soared.
13: Cold (featuring Future)
The music video for “Cold” is a strong contender for the title of greatest Maroon 5 video, enhancing a solid mid-tempo pop groove into something truly exceptional. Taken from the Red Pill Blues sessions, the single reached the US Top 20 and was further boosted by a series of remixes, with the Gucci Mane remix being a particular standout. The song and video together demonstrated Maroon 5’s ability to innovate visually and sonically, keeping their sound fresh.
12: What Lovers Do (featuring SZA)
“What Lovers Do” presents Maroon 5 at their most lighthearted, showcasing Adam Levine’s effortless talent for classic pop songwriting. Incorporating elements from Neiked’s “Sexual,” it signaled Red Pill Blues‘s strategic positioning to capitalize on the thriving pop-dance market. The song highlighted the band’s ability to blend urban and rock influences while maintaining mainstream appeal. Featured artist SZA achieved her first US Top 10 hit with this catchy and radio-friendly track.
11: Daylight
A later single from Overexposed, “Daylight” steadily climbed the Billboard charts, entered the US Top 10, and has since proven to have lasting appeal. Jonas Åkerlund directed a clever video made with the band’s fans, adding a personal touch. Adam Levine has cited “Daylight,” co-created with legendary hitmaker Max Martin, as his personal favorite track from the Overexposed album. Its anthemic quality and relatable lyrics have contributed to its enduring popularity.
10: This Love
“This Love” is the song that propelled Maroon 5 to household name status and is undoubtedly their first classic hit. Written by Adam Levine and keyboardist Jesse Carmichael, it became the third most played song of 2004 and earned a Grammy for Best Pop Performance. The song encapsulated everything that defined early Maroon 5: soulful vocals, a gritty rock undercurrent, and unforgettable hooks. Even the music video garnered awards. While not their debut single, “This Love” marked the true beginning of the Maroon 5 phenomenon.
Still image from the “This Love” music video, capturing the raw emotion and intimate atmosphere of the song.
9: Payphone (featuring Wiz Khalifa)
Rapper Wiz Khalifa added a dynamic verse to this melodic gem, and the music video elevated Maroon 5 into the top tier of visual artists. With a significant budget, the “Payphone” video demonstrated how effectively the band could use visuals to enhance a great song. “Payphone” resonated equally well on radio, achieving platinum sales and reaching No. 2 in the US, while becoming the band’s first UK chart-topper. The collaboration expanded their audience and solidified their global appeal.
8: Sugar
“Sugar” is a song that consistently brings joy. The band opted for a simpler yet brilliantly executed concept for the music video: Maroon 5 as the ultimate surprise wedding band. Taken from 2014’s V, “Sugar” became its biggest hit. Co-written with Mike Posner, it remains a radio staple, even years after its release in early 2015. Its upbeat tempo and universally relatable theme of love and celebration have made it a timeless favorite.
7: Don’t Wanna Know (featuring Kendrick Lamar)
The bizarre, Pokémon-inspired video for “Don’t Wanna Know” is memorable, though guest artist Kendrick Lamar notably did not appear in it. This demonstrated the band’s willingness to embrace humor and unconventional visuals. TV show Ellen hosted the debut live performance of the track, which became a Top 10 hit in both the US and UK in late 2016. Produced by Benny Blanco, the studio version was released as a standalone single ahead of Red Pill Blues. The song showcased their ability to stay current and experiment with playful themes.
6: She Will Be Loved
Most iconic bands have a signature ballad in their catalog. For Maroon 5, “She Will Be Loved” was the first of many. Following the massive success of “This Love,” “She Will Be Loved” was an early indication of the band’s ambition for artistic growth, showing confidence in evolving their formula early on. It also became one of their first chart-toppers, reaching No. 1 in Australia, three years before they achieved the same position in their home country. This ballad established their range and emotional depth.
5: One More Night
Maroon 5’s charismatic frontman, Adam Levine, is undeniably central to their appeal. “One More Night” arguably brought his sex appeal to the forefront, in a music video depicting a turbulent domestic drama. While their visually striking videos sometimes threaten to overshadow the songs themselves, the band consistently delivers on both fronts. “One More Night” was the second single from Overexposed, recorded while Jesse Carmichael was on hiatus, with PJ Morton stepping in after touring with the band. The song’s rhythmic pulse and Levine’s vocal performance made it a standout hit.
4: Memories
“Memories” caught many by surprise with its sudden release in September 2019 and quickly established itself as a quintessential Maroon 5 song. This stripped-down, gently swaying pop track features a beautiful melody and became ubiquitous on radio. Evoking a serene, end-of-summer evening on a beach, “Memories” resonated deeply with listeners through its nostalgic and heartfelt lyrics, showcasing a more mature and reflective side of the band.
3: Makes Me Wonder
“Makes Me Wonder” was a record-breaking song, becoming the band’s first US chart-topper and launching It Won’t Be Soon Before Long in 2007. It achieved one of the biggest jumps to the top spot in chart history, leaping from No. 64 to No. 1, and earned another Grammy for Best Pop Performance. With clear soul-funk influences, “Makes Me Wonder” surprised critics who had pigeonholed the group as purely pop-rock. Maroon 5 once again demonstrated their ability to defy expectations and evolve their sound.
Image from the “Makes Me Wonder” music video, highlighting the song’s vibrant energy and the band’s dynamic performance style.
2: Moves Like Jagger (featuring Christina Aguilera)
“Moves Like Jagger” is now recognized as one of the most iconic songs of all time. This hit duet with Christina Aguilera was initially released as a standalone single after Hands All Over. Aguilera, Levine’s fellow judge on The Voice, joined him on this homage to The Rolling Stones’ legendary frontman. Its success stems from a hypnotic pop-dance groove, unforgettable melody, and clever yet simple lyrics. The collaboration between two powerful vocalists and the song’s infectious energy made it an instant classic.
1: Girls Like You (featuring Cardi B)
“Girls Like You,” Maroon 5’s fourth US chart-topper, featuring rapper Cardi B, was lifted from Red Pill Blues and received massive radio support in 2018. Its release coincided with a cultural moment of celebrating female empowerment, resonating as an anthem of appreciation for women. The music video, featuring numerous celebrity cameos, further amplified its message. However, beyond its cultural relevance and commercial success, “Girls Like You” is fundamentally a classic pop song. It exemplifies Maroon 5’s enduring strength: crafting timeless songs that connect with a global audience, regardless of trends or visual presentation. Ultimately, for all their visual flair, Maroon 5’s core strength lies in their ability to write and perform classic pop songs, and “Girls Like You” stands as a testament to this.
Looking for more? Discover our essential Maroon 5 album guide.
