Adam Levine and Maroon 5 release a remix of the enjoyable ‘Red Pill Blues’ song, “Girls Like You,” as a single featuring ubiquitous female rap phenom, Cardi B. 

In 2017, pop collective Maroon 5 released their sixth studio album, Red Pill Blues.  Red Pill Blues wasn’t exactly the most highly-anticipated album by Adam Levine and company.  In advance of the sixth LP, the band seemed to be struggling to find that surefire hit.  Finally, “What Lovers Do” (featuring SZA) sealed the deal, even if the record wasn’t on the same level as previous hits.  Why so much talk about the past? There’s a new remix/single on the horizon – “Girls Like You” featuring ubiquitous rap phenom, Cardi B.

Originally, “Girls Like You” appeared as the ninth track on Red Pill Blues.  Revisiting my review of the album, of “Girls Like You,” I previously stated that it was a decent song – “slick, well-sung, and feel-good.” All of those characterizations remain true.  This record exemplifies the trendy, ultra-slick, modern pop sound that’s dominating the airwaves.  Hearing “Girls Like You” after Red Pills Blues has waned from my listening cycle, it’s actually more appealing now out of context compared to back then.

Besides the production and sound, Adam Levine continues to shine vocally.  No, he doesn’t have a deep, heavy, or robust voice, but he remains as compelling (or nearly as compelling) as he did back during his Songs About Jane days.  The stylistic shifts are highly debatable, but the voice isn’t.  As for Cardi B, she delivers a short verse – merely a taste – that keeps things interesting but doesn’t bring profundity you might say.  Revisiting my Red Pills Blues, I summed up “Girls Like You” asserting, “However, it’s not ‘next level,’ which is one of the issues of Red Pill Blues.” Like the aforementioned commentary, that’s still very much true.

Final Thoughts 

All in all, “Girls Like You” is enjoyable and inoffensive enough – for the most part.  Maybe Adam Levine’s s-bomb will bother some, or perhaps Cardi B’s closing statement – “I play with this kitty like you play with your guitar.” Regardless, “Girls Like You” is a great choice for a single, and Maroon 5 definitely have the right idea to get one of the hottest rappers in the game as the featured guest.

Maroon 5 • Girls Like You (Remix) (Ft. Cardi B) – Single • Interscope • Release: 6.1.18

Photo Credit: Interscope