What makes Cold by Maroon 5 notable?

Cold reached the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100, showcasing Maroon 5's continued commercial success. Its blend of pop and funk elements resonated with audiences, leading to significant radio play and a strong presence on streaming platforms. The song also contributed to discussions around the evolving sound of contemporary pop music. Released on Valentine's Day 2017, Cold marked Maroon 5's return to the music scene following their 2014 album V. At this point in their career, the band was transitioning into a more electronic sound while still maintaining their pop-rock roots. The single was part of their ongoing evolution as they sought to stay relevant in the ever-changing musical landscape.

How many songs are on Cold?

Cold has 1 track, running approximately 3 minutes.

Cold

Maroon 5 · 2017

3 min · 1 track · alternative rock

A slick fusion of pop and funk rock, anchored by a catchy hook and layered synths that create an airy atmosphere.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Cold — As the album's lead single, Cold exemplifies Maroon 5’s signature sound while embracing new electronic influences, making it both familiar and fresh. Its infectious chorus and relatable lyrics about coldness in a relationship capture the essence of modern pop.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

33 /100

Lowland

Higher than 0% of albums we've rated

The single has a solid structure but lacks depth and innovation, making it less memorable over time.

What we noticed

The track features a steady mid-tempo beat with a prominent bass line that drives the rhythm throughout.
Vocals are layered with harmonies, creating a rich texture, while the instrumentation remains relatively sparse.

Composition 25% of the score: 5/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 4/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 3/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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 — Cold showcased Maroon 5's continued commercial success and resonated widely.
Themes: Valentine's Day heartbreak· modern relationship coldness
Career context: Released on Valentine's Day 2017, Cold marked Maroon 5's return to the music scene following their 2014 album V. At this point in their career, the band was transitioning into a more electronic sound while still maintaining their pop-rock roots. The single was part of their ongoing evolution as they sought to stay relevant in the ever-changing musical landscape.
Stylistic neighbors: OneRepublic· Panic! at the Disco· Train