After releasing lackadaisical single “Help Me Out,” Maroon 5 rebounds nicely on “Whiskey,” the latest teaser track from ‘Red Pill Blues.’

It’s been rough sledding for Adam Levine and Maroon 5 as of late.  That rough sledding is the promo campaign for their sixth studio album, Red Pill Blues (November 3).  Essentially, it’s been hard for the band to find that surefire hit single, after releasing a number of songs that have been merely okay. Prior to the release of “Whiskey,” the latest endeavor, the band, assisted by Julia Michaels, failed miserably with “Help Me Out.”  Thankfully, “Whiskey” is a step in the right direction, featuring the assist from A$AP Rocky.

“Whiskey” has a minimalist vibe.  After opening with mysterious piano accompaniment, the record moves along slowly, but surely.  Adam Levine offers a cool and poised performance throughout, never breaking a sweat.  While the somewhat static nature of “Whiskey” should be a con, it actually draws the listener in to see exactly where the record is going.  Even with such restrained production work, a catchy chorus plays in the band’s favor.

“Leaves are fallin’, it’s September / The night came in and made her shiver / I told her she could have my jacket / Wrapped it tight around her shoulders / And I was so young ‘til she kissed me / Like a whiskey, like a whiskey.”

As the chorus suggest, as well as the verses, this is all about young love and heartbreak.  A$AP Rocky arrives for the third verse, using various alcohol to discuss love, good and bad.

“I ain’t like the other Cognacs / Or type of cat that’d never call back / Or lose contact when you runnin’ out of rum and you make a run… / All of that tequila’s a killer, little vodka…”

Final Thoughts 

Ultimately, “Whiskey” ends up being one of the better singles Maroon 5 has released in the promo cycle for Red Pill Blues.  This still doesn’t return Adam Levine and company to their Songs About Jane days, but at this point, lifelong fans know those days have BEEN gone.  Still, “Whiskey” is definitely a cut above “Help Me Out” as well as “Don’t Wanna Know.”

Maroon 5 • Red Pill Blues • Interscope • Release: 11.3.17

Photo Credit: Interscope