Customer Reviews

1.22.03.Acoustic

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(16)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

Hello everyone! I've been reading some of the reviews and I had to comment on what I've been seeing, since I was there that (amazing) night.

For starters, note the recording date - 1.22.03. In 2003 barely anyone knew who Maroon5 was (I did, thankfully, and was able to attend the acoustic set!). So the complaints that the songs aren't "spiced up" shouldn't apply to a recording so old.

If there is one thing I'm upset about with this CD, it's that at one point in time this music was FREE on a website run by octone records, to promote the band. The web address was M5live dot com. However now it just points to Maroon 5's main website. It upsets me that they had it on a free media player for over a year, but tried to recoup their expenses for that night in the recording studio by releasing it on CD. It doesn't highlight the best of Maroon5 live at all, although it's still a nice recording.

For a little background information about the CD. It was never going to be released- The acoustic set was an idea that the band came up with because every radio station interview they did had to be accompanied by a performance. Rather than lug gear everywhere, why not throw a big party and do a live set in a recording studio then just take the CD to the stations with you?! It started out as a great idea, although I'm not quite sure it ended up working out for them. I think radio DJ's prefer actual live music than CDs.

I got there about an hour early that night, every member of the band was sweet and courteous. They had issues with setting up their monitors and such, but pulled it together just in time. There were maybe 60 people in attendance (John Mayer was in the control room for much of the night, but showed himself later). After the set the band just hung out with everyone, and gave out hugs freely as people left.

I hope this helps give you an idea of how and why this CD was recorded. If you like my review please vote for it!! - Michele

I really love Maroon 5, and I love acoustic songs, so I decided to pick up this limited edition acoustic EP, and I was quite happy with it. Adam's voice is smooth and natural, just like it is on the album Songs About Jane (which I also recommend!). The songs are in a raw state, very simple and very mellow. I particularly love the vocal on Harder to Breathe and She Will Be Loved. Can't get enough of it! The whole band plays a big part in making these acoustic songs great.

The only complaint is the last song, Highway To Hell, which actually isn't an acoustic track, it's a bonus track. Adam doesn't sing lead vocals, I believe it's the drummer Ryan, but I could be mistaken. Anyway, it's not the best cover. The vocals are a little over the top, and you just can't beat the original. It's not terribly bad, but I always skip over it. The lead singing should really be left to Adam.

Overall, despite the last song, this acoustic CD definitely shines and will keep me happy until the next album!

I discovered Maroon 5 not soon after their first release of "Harder To Breathe" and was soon hooked after. In concert they are even better than on the album, which is a feat itself nowadays. This album highlights some of the magic that happens at their live shows, only acoustically.

"This Love" and "Sunday Morning" are standout tracks on the album, as well as the new single "She Will Be Loved" in a much more toned-down personal version. The album also features two cover songs, one by The Beatles "If I Fell In Love With You" which highlights frontman Adam Levine's silky vocals, however the second cover song "Highway to Hell" by AC/DC is sung by another member of the band and is not one of their best cover songs. They'd have done well to put their cover of Nine Inch Nails "Closer" that they often perform live. This album is definitely a recommendation for fans of Maroon 5 or even those who enjoy Acoustic performances.

Okay... my first review got pulled probably due to a commercial ad for something you ought to be buying instead of this album (and let's hope, not due to certain unnamed record companies). And as much as I enjoy Maroon 5's music I'm going to attempt once more at saving your hard-earned money for something more worthwhile.

So as I was saying...

Maybe I would spend money on this if it came with a DVD (see Coldplay's worthwhile Live 2003). But as it is, it seems too much like a ploy by the record company to make the most money with pretty much no effort.

Basically, the acoustic tracks don't strike me as better than the original. Vocals sound pretty much the same. The bonus tracks are pretty lame at best, and annoyingly grating on the ears at worse. At least they're at the end so you can skip easily.

So go to a live concert. Check out a similar band. But unless you're ultra die hard and must have every single and release ever put out by an artist (and yes, I've been there), surf away from this page.

I really liked this album, even though it was pretty short as other reviewers had commented. But each song is done very well! I highly recommend this for anyone that can appreciate the pure acoustic sound. Many of the songs are just a hand drum (bongos maybe?) and a guitar. Very pure, very awesome!

I think this album should've been longer... but since it's live it gets more stars than I usualy give albums. The only song I don't care for on the cd is Highway to Hell. The best song is She Will Be Loved.

Nice acoustic versions of the songs. This shows Maroon 5 has some real talent. Album is great except the last track. They should have NEVER covered AC/DC's "Highway To Hell". The guitar is very good, but the vocal's suck! Bonus Track? What is bonus about it. Bonus denotes ADDED value. This track just takes away from the cd. I was excited when I first heard the intro guitar riff but then I heard the vocals. Collective Soul also tried to cover this at a live show with no success either.

...but if you enjoy actually hearing the lyrics and riffs (for a change) without slick studio editing this is a great departure from radio versions

Someone special in my life recently introduced me to Maroon 5 as this band was her all time favourite group - and I can see why. I have fallen in love with this band and I Maroon 5 ins fast becoming one of my favourite listened too bands next to The Calling, Staind and Lifehouse. Listening to the acoustic versions of the hits from Maroon 5 like This Love, Sunday Morning, She Will Be Loved, shows how talented this group of young men are. The lead vocalist has an amazing voice that is heard to its glory in the acoustic version of the album.

This is a must for any fan of Lifehouse, 3 Doors Down or Audioslave. All the songs are special but the one's I mentioned are my favourites, sung with a deep melancholy and a strong sense of passion.

Some bands should not do acoustic. The lead singers voice do not sound strong at all. It cracked and he was off key. On one song I thought he had a lugee in his throat. The bongo's and guitar were pretty tight, but overall, I'm glad I didn't waste my money on this cd. Listening to this was a complete waste of my time.