What makes Whiskey by Maroon 5 notable?

The song gained attention for its smooth production and lyrical depth, contributing to Maroon 5's continued presence on the charts. It also sparked conversations around themes of love and longing, resonating with listeners amid a backdrop of pop music's ever-changing landscape. When 'Whiskey' was released in October 2017, Maroon 5 was transitioning into a new phase following their commercially successful album 'V', which came out in 2014. This single marked a return to their roots with a focus on more organic sounds, showcasing the band's evolution while retaining their pop sensibility.

How many songs are on Whiskey?

Whiskey has 1 track, running approximately 3 minutes.

Released 9 years ago this October

Whiskey

Maroon 5 · 2017

3 min · 1 track · alternative rock

A blend of funk-infused melodies and soulful vocals creates an engaging atmosphere on this reflective single.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Whiskey — This title track encapsulates the album's themes of nostalgia and emotional vulnerability, highlighted by its catchy chorus and relatable lyrics.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

40 /100

Lowland

Higher than 1% of albums we've rated

The song has solid writing and production but lacks significant impact or uniqueness.

What we noticed

The track features a steady mid-tempo beat with a prominent bass line that drives the rhythm.
Vocals are layered with harmonies, creating a rich texture throughout the song.
The arrangement includes a bridge that introduces a shift in dynamics before returning to the chorus.

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

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: Deep Cut — A solid single that contributes to Maroon 5's catalog but isn't a major highlight.
Themes: nostalgic reflections· barroom confessions
Career context: When 'Whiskey' was released in October 2017, Maroon 5 was transitioning into a new phase following their commercially successful album 'V', which came out in 2014. This single marked a return to their roots with a focus on more organic sounds, showcasing the band's evolution while retaining their pop sensibility.
Stylistic neighbors: OneRepublic· Panic! at the Disco· Train