Maroon 5 has dominated the pop-rock landscape for over two decades, delivering chart-topping hits that have defined modern popular music. From their funky debut album to their latest releases, the band led by Adam Levine has consistently produced songs that resonate with millions of fans worldwide. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the 20 best Maroon 5 songs that showcase their evolution from funk-rock pioneers to global pop superstars, featuring both classic anthems and recent releases that continue to captivate audiences in 2025.
This Love
“This Love” remains one of Maroon 5’s most iconic and emotionally raw tracks from their breakthrough album “Songs About Jane.” The song’s distinctive guitar riff and Adam Levine’s falsetto vocals create an unforgettable blend of vulnerability and passion that defined the band’s early sound. Released in 2004, this track became a worldwide phenomenon, establishing Maroon 5 as serious contenders in the rock-pop arena and earning them their first Grammy nomination. The song’s exploration of a toxic yet addictive relationship struck a chord with listeners, making it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with fans across generations.
She Will Be Loved
A tender ballad that showcases Maroon 5’s softer side, “She Will Be Loved” is an achingly beautiful love song that topped charts globally. The track features delicate piano melodies intertwined with Levine’s heartfelt vocals, creating an atmosphere of romantic longing and unconditional devotion. Its music video, set in a dramatic love triangle, added another layer of storytelling that helped the song become one of the band’s most recognizable hits. This song perfectly demonstrates the band’s ability to craft emotionally resonant pop songs that appeal to a broad audience while maintaining artistic integrity.
Moves Like Jagger (feat. Christina Aguilera)
“Moves Like Jagger” marked a significant turning point in Maroon 5’s career, embracing a more electronic and dance-oriented sound. The collaboration with Christina Aguilera brought additional star power to this infectious track that dominated radio airwaves and dance floors worldwide. With its whistled hook and irresistibly catchy chorus, the song became one of the best-selling digital singles of all time. The track’s playful homage to Mick Jagger’s iconic stage presence and its innovative production helped Maroon 5 transition from a rock band to a pop powerhouse capable of producing versatile hits.
Sugar
“Sugar” is a feel-good anthem that perfectly encapsulates Maroon 5’s ability to create uplifting pop music with universal appeal. The song’s accompanying music video, featuring the band crashing real weddings across Los Angeles, became a viral sensation and one of the most-viewed music videos on YouTube. Its infectious melody and positive lyrics about finding sweetness in a relationship made it an instant wedding favorite and radio staple. The track’s production blends pop, funk, and disco elements, showcasing the band’s evolution while maintaining the melodic sensibility that made them famous.
Payphone (feat. Wiz Khalifa)
“Payphone” represents Maroon 5’s successful fusion of pop-rock with hip-hop elements, featuring a memorable verse from rapper Wiz Khalifa. The song’s nostalgic theme about trying to reach a lost love through a payphone resonated with audiences in an increasingly digital age. Its powerful chorus and emotional lyrics about heartbreak and regret demonstrated that Maroon 5 could create radio-friendly hits without sacrificing emotional depth. The track’s commercial success further solidified the band’s position as one of the most consistent hitmakers in contemporary pop music.
Maps
“Maps” showcases Maroon 5’s maturity as songwriters, delivering a heartfelt plea about being there for someone in need. The song’s stripped-back production allows Levine’s vocals to take center stage, supported by atmospheric synths and a driving beat that builds throughout the track. Its emotional vulnerability and relatable lyrics about devotion and support struck a chord with listeners worldwide, making it one of their most beloved songs. For more insights into creating emotionally powerful songs, check out our comprehensive songs category for expert analysis and breakdowns.
Animals
“Animals” brought a darker, more primal energy to Maroon 5’s discography with its provocative lyrics and aggressive production. The song’s controversial music video sparked discussions about its imagery, but the track itself became a massive hit due to its catchy hook and bold sonic departure. Its falsetto-heavy chorus and pulsating beat created an intense atmosphere that showcased the band’s willingness to take creative risks. The song’s success demonstrated that Maroon 5 could explore edgier themes while maintaining their commercial appeal.
Sunday Morning
“Sunday Morning” captures the blissful, carefree feeling of waking up next to someone you love with its breezy melodies and laid-back production. Originally written as a love letter to a romantic interest, the song’s universal appeal comes from its ability to evoke feelings of comfort and contentment. The gentle acoustic guitar and Levine’s smooth vocals create a warm, inviting soundscape that has made it a fan favorite for over two decades. This track exemplifies the band’s early funk-rock sound that helped them stand out in the early 2000s music scene.
One More Night
“One More Night” explores the complicated emotions of returning to a relationship you know isn’t healthy, a theme many listeners found deeply relatable. The song’s production features a perfect blend of electronic elements and organic instrumentation, creating a contemporary sound that dominated radio in the early 2010s. Its repetitive chorus and infectious beat made it one of Maroon 5’s longest-charting singles, spending nine consecutive weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. The track’s commercial success proved that Maroon 5 had fully embraced their evolution into pop superstars.
Girls Like You (feat. Cardi B)
“Girls Like You” became one of Maroon 5’s biggest global hits, featuring a memorable collaboration with rapper Cardi B. The song’s simple yet effective structure, combined with its empowering message celebrating strong women, resonated with audiences worldwide. Its music video, which featured cameos from dozens of influential women, became a cultural moment and one of the most-viewed videos in YouTube history. The track’s massive commercial success demonstrated Maroon 5’s ability to create universally appealing pop songs that dominate streaming platforms and radio simultaneously.
Memories
“Memories” marked a return to emotional songwriting for Maroon 5, serving as a tribute to loved ones lost and celebrating cherished moments. Built around a sample of Pachelbel’s Canon in D, the song’s familiar melody immediately connects with listeners on a nostalgic level. Its heartfelt lyrics and uplifting production made it an anthem for remembrance and celebration, perfect for both joyful and somber occasions. Released in 2019, “Memories” proved that Maroon 5 could still create deeply meaningful songs that resonate emotionally while achieving massive commercial success.
Don’t Wanna Know (feat. Kendrick Lamar)
“Don’t Wanna Know” explores the pain of seeing an ex-partner move on with someone new, a universally relatable experience. The collaboration with Kendrick Lamar added a hip-hop edge to the track while maintaining Maroon 5’s signature pop sensibility. Its tropical-influenced production and catchy chorus made it a streaming favorite, accumulating billions of plays across platforms. The song’s success in 2025 continues to demonstrate the timeless appeal of Maroon 5’s catalog and their ability to craft songs that remain relevant years after release.
What Lovers Do (feat. SZA)
“What Lovers Do” features R&B sensation SZA, creating a smooth, sultry collaboration that showcases Maroon 5’s versatility. The song’s relaxed groove and flirtatious lyrics capture the excitement and uncertainty of new romance perfectly. Its production blends contemporary R&B elements with Maroon 5’s pop-rock foundation, creating a sound that feels both fresh and familiar. The chemistry between Levine and SZA’s vocals elevates the track, making it one of the standout collaborations in the band’s extensive discography.
Harder to Breathe
“Harder to Breathe” was Maroon 5’s explosive debut single that introduced the world to their unique funk-rock sound. The song’s aggressive energy and raw emotion contrasted sharply with the polished pop dominating radio at the time, helping the band carve out their own niche. Its driving rhythm and passionate vocals about a suffocating relationship demonstrated the band’s musical prowess and songwriting abilities from the very beginning. This track laid the foundation for everything that followed, proving that Maroon 5 could create radio-friendly rock music with genuine edge and attitude.
Beautiful Mistakes (feat. Megan Thee Stallion)
“Beautiful Mistakes” represents one of Maroon 5’s recent releases, featuring the dynamic rapper Megan Thee Stallion in an unexpected yet successful pairing. The song explores the concept of cherishing past relationships despite their flaws, acknowledging that even “mistakes” can be beautiful in retrospect. Its contemporary production and catchy hook demonstrate that Maroon 5 continues to evolve their sound while maintaining the melodic sensibility that fans love. Released in 2021, this track showcases the band’s ability to remain relevant by collaborating with current stars while staying true to their core identity.
Daylight
“Daylight” serves as a powerful album opener from “Overexposed,” featuring explosive production and an anthemic chorus. The song’s message about emerging from darkness into light provides an optimistic counterpoint to some of the band’s more melancholic material. Its energetic instrumentation and soaring vocals create an uplifting atmosphere that makes it perfect for motivational playlists. The track demonstrates Maroon 5’s skill at crafting arena-ready pop-rock anthems that inspire and energize listeners, solidifying their reputation as masters of the genre.
Cold (feat. Future)
“Cold” explores the painful experience of emotional distance in a relationship, with Future’s guest verse adding a hip-hop perspective to the heartbreak. The song’s atmospheric production and melancholic melody create a chilling soundscape that perfectly matches its lyrical content about growing apart from someone you love. Its introspective nature shows a more vulnerable side of Maroon 5, proving they can balance commercial appeal with genuine emotional expression. For bands looking to understand this emotional depth, explore our bands category for more analysis of successful musical groups.
Wait
“Wait” is a plea for a second chance wrapped in an infectious pop package with gospel-influenced vocal arrangements. The song’s production features hand claps, layered harmonies, and a building crescendo that creates an irresistible energy throughout. Its message about fighting for love and asking a partner to reconsider leaving resonates with anyone who has experienced relationship struggles. The track showcases Maroon 5’s continued relevance in the streaming era while maintaining the songwriting quality that established their career.
Misery
“Misery” brought a punk-influenced energy to Maroon 5’s sound with its driving guitars and aggressive vocal delivery. The song’s sarcastic take on a toxic relationship, where the narrator finds himself oddly drawn to the pain, showcases the band’s ability to inject humor into heartbreak. Its uptempo production and memorable chorus made it an instant radio hit, proving that Maroon 5 could rock harder when they wanted to. The track stands as one of their most energetic offerings, demonstrating versatility in their musical approach.
Middle Ground
“Middle Ground” is one of Maroon 5’s newest releases, showcasing their continued evolution in 2025 with contemporary production and mature songwriting. The song addresses the challenges of finding compromise in relationships, a theme that reflects the band’s growth both personally and professionally. Its polished production and relatable lyrics demonstrate that even after decades in the industry, Maroon 5 continues to create fresh, relevant music that connects with both longtime fans and new listeners. This recent addition to their catalog proves that the band’s creative well remains far from dry.
Maroon 5’s enduring success stems from their ability to evolve while maintaining the core elements that made them special from the beginning. Their journey from funk-rock upstarts to global pop icons represents one of the most successful transformations in modern music history. Whether you are a musician looking to understand their songwriting techniques or simply a fan celebrating their greatest hits, these 20 songs represent the pinnacle of what makes Maroon 5 one of the defining bands of the 21st century. For those interested in learning more about creating music like this, visit our guides category for comprehensive tutorials and insights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Maroon 5’s biggest hit song of all time?
“Girls Like You” featuring Cardi B is arguably Maroon 5’s biggest hit, spending multiple weeks at number one and becoming one of the most-streamed songs in history. The song’s massive commercial success, combined with its record-breaking music video views, makes it their most successful single to date. However, “Moves Like Jagger” and “Sugar” also compete for this title depending on the metrics used, as both achieved extraordinary global success and cultural impact.
When did Maroon 5 release their first album?
Maroon 5 released their debut album “Songs About Jane” in 2002, which eventually became a massive commercial success after a slow start. The album featured breakthrough hits like “Harder to Breathe,” “This Love,” and “She Will Be Loved,” establishing them as one of the most promising bands of the early 2000s. The album’s success was built gradually through constant touring and radio play, eventually selling over 10 million copies worldwide and winning a Grammy Award.
How has Maroon 5’s musical style changed over the years?
Maroon 5 began as a funk-rock band with a sound heavily influenced by groups like The Police and Stevie Wonder, featuring prominent guitar work and live instrumentation. Over time, they transitioned toward a more electronic pop sound, incorporating hip-hop collaborations, dance beats, and synthesizers into their production. This evolution has allowed them to remain commercially relevant while sometimes dividing fans who prefer their earlier rock-oriented material, but it demonstrates their adaptability and willingness to experiment with different genres.
Who are the current members of Maroon 5?
The current lineup of Maroon 5 includes Adam Levine on vocals and guitar, Jesse Carmichael on keyboards, James Valentine on guitar, Matt Flynn on drums, PJ Morton on keyboards, and Sam Farrar on bass. While the band has experienced some lineup changes over the years, Adam Levine has remained the constant frontman and primary creative force. The addition of touring musicians and collaborators has helped expand their sound while maintaining the core identity that fans recognize and love.
What makes Maroon 5 songs so catchy and popular?
Maroon 5 songs typically feature strong melodic hooks, memorable choruses, and Adam Levine’s distinctive falsetto vocals that make them instantly recognizable. The band’s ability to blend different genres including pop, rock, funk, and R&B creates a sound that appeals to diverse audiences across demographics. Additionally, their strategic collaborations with hip-hop and pop artists have helped them stay relevant across different musical trends, while their consistent focus on relatable themes like love, heartbreak, and relationships ensures broad emotional connection with listeners.