2. Makes Me Wonder
This record-breaking song was the band’s first domestic chart-topper, and it debuted It Won’t Be Soon Before Long in 2007. It made one of the largest leaps to the top position in history, rising from No.64 to No.1, and winning another Grammy for Best Pop Performance along the way. The soul-funk elements were obvious, and “Makes Me Wonder” surprised observers who had previously concluded the group was solidly committed to the pop-rock industry. Maroon 5 has again demonstrated their ability to keep audiences guessing.
1. Girls Like You (featuring Cardi B)
Sometimes timing is everything, and this snappy cut—Maroon 5’s fourth domestic chart-topper, recorded with rapper Cardi B—was taken from Red Pill Blues to massive radio support in 2018. It seemed like the ideal celebration of women at a time when so many instances of long-hidden violence were now being revealed. A cool video with celebrity appearances helped, but this annoying, hook-heavy earworm is the type of song you can’t get out of your head. And its incredible sales are still increasing.
Aside from commercial success, why does this smash reign supreme on a rigorous list of Maroon 5’s finest songs? Because, at the end of the day, “Girls Like You” is just a great pop song, and despite the band’s spectacular visual presentation, classic songs are what they are genuinely about.
