What makes Animals by Maroon 5 notable?

Animals achieved substantial commercial success, peaking at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning multi-platinum certifications in several countries. The song's provocative music video sparked discussions around themes of sexuality and animalistic instincts, further cementing its place in pop culture. Released in 2014, Animals marked Maroon 5's fifth studio album and showcased their continued evolution following the commercial success of Overexposed. This album comes after a series of chart-topping hits, solidifying their place in mainstream pop while exploring darker themes and more mature soundscapes.

How many songs are on Animals?

Animals has 1 track, running approximately 3 minutes.

Animals

Maroon 5 · 2014

3 min · 1 track · alternative rock

A pulsating blend of pop rock and funk, driven by catchy hooks and rhythmic grooves that invite listeners to move.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Animals — The title track exemplifies the album's seductive energy with its driving beat and lyrics that explore primal attraction, making it a defining single for the band.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The track combines catchy hooks with rhythmic grooves but lacks depth for lasting appeal.

What we noticed

The track features a steady, driving beat that maintains a danceable tempo throughout its duration.
The chorus employs layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, contrasting with the verses that focus on a single lead vocal.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Animals solidified Maroon 5's commercial success and mainstream appeal after previous hits.
Themes: primal attraction· nighttime seduction· animalistic desire
Career context: Released in 2014, Animals marked Maroon 5's fifth studio album and showcased their continued evolution following the commercial success of Overexposed. This album comes after a series of chart-topping hits, solidifying their place in mainstream pop while exploring darker themes and more mature soundscapes.
Stylistic neighbors: OneRepublic· Panic! at the Disco· Train