It Was Always You
Maroon 5 · 2014
3 min · 1 track · alternative rock
A polished blend of pop rock and funk-infused melodies that captures the essence of longing and romantic nostalgia.
Top tracks — play these first
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It Was Always You — As the titular track, it encapsulates the album's themes of love and regret through its infectious melody and introspective lyrics. The song represents Maroon 5's polished pop sensibilities while still retaining emotional depth.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The song showcases solid writing and production but remains within familiar pop territory.
What we noticed
- The song features a steady mid-tempo beat with a prominent bass line that drives the rhythm.
- Vocals are layered with harmonies in the chorus, creating a rich texture that contrasts with the verses.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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 — This single marked a significant shift in Maroon 5's sound and mainstream appeal.
- Themes
- romantic nostalgia· unrequited love· polished pop melodies
- Career context
- Released in 2014, It Was Always You marked a transitional phase for Maroon 5 as they shifted from their earlier rock roots into more mainstream pop territory. This single was part of their fifth studio album, V, which followed the commercial success of their previous record, Overexposed. At this point, the band was solidifying their identity as a top-charting pop group.
- Stylistic neighbors
- OneRepublic· Panic! at the Disco· Train
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 It Was Always You 3:58
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
The 20/20 Experience
Justin Timberlake
Shares a polished pop sound with funk elements and explores themes of love and longing.
Paradise Valley
John Mayer
Combines romantic nostalgia with a smooth blend of pop rock and heartfelt lyrics.
In the Lonely Hour
Sam Smith
Features emotional themes of unrequited love wrapped in polished pop melodies and soulful delivery.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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