Maroon 5 bring back something they've been missing for years

I've been a fan of Maroon 5 since their early days, and I'm not alone. When I told friends and family I was going to see them live at BST Hyde Park on Friday night, the reaction was a mix of confusion and nostalgia. 'Oh?', they'd reply, with a rather perplexed look. One friend even confessed they'd forgotten the band existed. But as I watched Adam Levine and the gang take to the stage, I was delightfully surprised. Within three songs, I was gazing at Adam remembering that he was, in fact, a talented musician long before his stints on The Voice and American Horror Story.

Maroon 5 brought all the nostalgia to BST Hyde Park with their setlist, which featured some of their most iconic tracks. They kicked off with 'Harder to Breathe', but it was their third track, 'This Love', that really got the crowd going. Adam's vocals were spot on, and his guitar riffs were a far cry from the sugary pop of their later hits. It was a reminder of the band's earlier days, when they were all about the raw, soulful sound that made them critically acclaimed. PJ Morton, the band's keyboardist, was a standout, bringing a level of energy and enthusiasm that was infectious.

As the night wore on, it was clear that Maroon 5 had brought back something they'd been missing for years, their soul. Adam's vocals were impeccable, even as they closed the evening with 'Sugar' and its soaring high notes. He managed to keep the crowd engaged until the very end, and his interactions with the audience were a highlight of the night. The older songs they performed, like 'Sunday Morning' and 'She Will Be Loved', were rooted in nostalgia, but Adam's vocals made them feel fresh and exciting again.

Maroon 5's performance on Friday reminded me just why they were critically acclaimed in their pre-'Moves Like Jagger' radio era. They've achieved success with an instantly recognisable and singular style, but it's clear that they've been missing something, a spark, a energy, a sense of purpose. With PJ Morton and James Valentine leading the charge, they've rediscovered their soul, and it's a welcome return. As I watched them take their final bow, I was left feeling nostalgic for the band's earlier days, but also excited for what's to come.

Maroon 5's BST Hyde Park setlist was a masterclass in nostalgia, but it was also a reminder that they're not just a band of the past, they're a band that's still got it. With their unique sound and infectious energy, they're sure to be back in the spotlight soon, and I for one can't wait to see what they do next.