Ever since Adam Levine and his bandmates opened for John Mayer in 2003, Maroon 5 has been pumping out hit after hit. You’ve definitely found yourself singing along to their catchy songs on the radio or at a party at some point. With so many great tracks to choose from over the years, it’s tough to pick favourites. But we’re going to give it a go and rank what we think are Maroon 5’s top 10 best songs.
From their earliest pop-rock tunes to their most recent dance floor anthems, this list has a little bit of everything. Get ready to go down memory lane and revisit some of the songs that made you first fall in love with Maroon 5. Whether you’re partial to their older stuff or can’t get enough of their latest collaborations, we’ve got you covered. As usual, you are welcome to drop your thoughts in comments box below:
“This Love” (2004)
This early 2000s classic still gives you all the feels. With the slow, melodic tempo, Adam Levine’s falsetto, and lyrics like “I was so high I did not recognize / The fire burning in her eyes”—it’s no wonder “This Love” launched Maroon 5 into stardom.
Released as the lead single from Songs About Jane, this pop-rock ballad topped the charts in 10 countries. It showcases Levine’s vocal range and talent for writing emotionally resonant songs.
“She Will Be Loved” (2004)
This classic ballad from Maroon 5’s debut album is one of their most well-known and acclaimed songs. “She Will Be Loved” is a timeless tune that showcases Adam Levine’s vocals and songwriting at their best.
The melody is simple but unforgettable. The lyrics tell a bittersweet story of lost love and longing that resonates with listeners. Between the piano-driven instrumentation and Levine’s falsetto in the chorus, “She Will Be Loved” has a dreamy, wistful quality that tugs at the heartstrings.
“Misery” (2010)
The quintessential breakup song, “Misery” is peak Maroon 5. Released in June 2010 as the second single from Hands All Over, this pop-rock tune gave us an anthem for getting over a lost love.
The catchy melody and Adam Levine’s vocals are instantly recognizable. “Misery” hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and brought Maroon 5 back to the forefront of popular music after a three-year hiatus. It went on to become their most successful single at the time, gaining over 200 million Spotify streams and 500 million YouTube views.
“Payphone” Featuring Wiz Khalifa (2012)
Released in 2012, “Payphone” was an instant hit, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100. The song featured rapper Wiz Khalifa and became Maroon 5’s fourth top 10 single.
The melody of “Payphone” is incredibly catchy. The song’s chorus, “I’m at a payphone trying to call home, all of my change I spent on you” is one that gets stuck in your head for hours. Adam Levine’s vocals soar over the pulsing beat and synths. Wiz Khalifa’s rap verse provides a nice change of pace, giving the song extra flavour.
“One More Night” (2012)
The Overexposed era produced some of Maroon 5’s biggest hits, but “One More Night” stands out as one of their best. Released in 2012, this reggae-infused pop track topped the Billboard Hot 100 for nine consecutive weeks.
Adam Levine’s instantly recognizable falsetto is on full display here, blending seamlessly with the syncopated beats and pulsating bassline. The lyrics depict the internal struggle of getting out of a toxic relationship, knowing it’s bad for you but craving “one more night” together. We’ve all been there, torn between heart and head, reason and passion.
“Animals” (2014)
Animals (2014) is one of Maroon 5’s most well-known and controversial songs. The lyrics and music video received criticism for promoting toxic ideas about relationships and sexuality. However, the catchy tune and Adam Levine’s vocals propelled “Animals” to become a major hit.
The song peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100, making it one of the band’s biggest successes. The music video racked up over 850 million views on YouTube, showcasing the song’s widespread popularity and fame. “Animals” is a staple at Maroon 5 concerts, with fans singing and dancing along to the familiar beat.
“What Lovers Do” Featuring SZA (2017)
One of Maroon 5’s more recent hits, “What Lovers Do” featuring SZA, is a standout from their 2017 album Red Pill Blues. This sultry, synth-driven track peaked at number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100, proving Adam Levine and co. still had the magic touch.
The mellow beat and Levine’s falsetto are reminiscent of older Maroon 5 songs like “She Will Be Loved.” SZA’s smoky vocals on the pre-chorus and chorus complement Levine’s perfectly, showing why collaborations were such a strength of this era. The lyrics depict two lovers sneaking around behind someone else’s back, adding an extra layer of mystery and drama.
“Girls Like You” Featuring Cardi B (2018)
The Memories…Do Not Open era gave us “Girls Like You” featuring Cardi B, an upbeat pop song that hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2018. This catchy tune is all about finding that special someone who accepts you for who you are, flaws and all.
“Girls Like You” is an energetic anthem of empowerment and self-love. The lyrics highlight the search for a partner who loves every part of you—the good, the bad, and the ugly.
“Won’t Go Home Without You” (2007)
“Won’t Go Home Without You” released in 2007 as the third single from their second studio album, It Won’t Be Soon Before Long (2007). The song was written by frontman Adam Levine and producer Mark Endert. The song has a relaxed, midtempo feel and instrumentation consisting of piano and guitar.
It also reached the top 10 in countries like Canada, Germany, Italy and Spain. The music video, directed by Sophie Muller, stars Adam Levine and a woman in a troubled relationship. Overall, “Won’t Go Home Without You” showcases Maroon 5’s knack for creating catchy, romantic pop songs driven by Levine’s soulful vocals. It remains a fan favorite and one of their most memorable singles from the 2000s.
“Wake Up Call” (2007)
“Wake Up Call” is the second single from their album, It Won’t Be Soon Before Long. Co-written by Adam Levine and labelmate Kanye West, “Wake Up Call” has a distinctive soulful funk sound. The lyrics tell the story of a man who cheats on his girlfriend and gets caught after calling her on the phone. The narrative style of the lyrics is inspired by hip hop music.
The song’s catchy beat and Levine’s smooth yet emotive vocals made “Wake Up Call” a standout track. The use of real phone audio during the bridge further brought the story to life. Maroon 5 demonstrated their versatility on this hit single.
There we have it, our list of 10 best songs by Maroon 5. What do you think about our picks? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below: