About the Song
This Love: Maroon 5’s Heartfelt Anthem to the Agony and Allure of Destructive Relationships
There are pop songs, and then there’s “This Love.” Maroon 5’s 2004 hit wasn’t just a chart-topping earworm; it was a raw, visceral portrayal of love’s dark side, a ballad that resonated with anyone who’d ever faced the intoxicating, destructive allure of a toxic relationship.
From the opening piano riff, a sense of longing sets the stage. Adam Levine’s vocals, imbued with smoky heartache, paint a picture of a love gone stale, where passion has curdled into resentment and control. The lyrics are unflinchingly honest, capturing the push-and-pull of wanting to leave and wanting to hold on, the desperate hope that maybe, just maybe, this time will be different.
“This love, this love has brought me to my knees,” Levine croons, his voice trembling with vulnerability. “I’m starvin’ for your lies, I’m beggin’ for your cheat.” The repetition of “this love” is a mantra, a self-flagellation, highlighting the paradoxical hold this toxic relationship has on him.
The song’s strength lies in its unflinching portrayal of the emotional rollercoaster, the way it flips between anger and longing, pleading and desperation. The bridge erupts with a surge of defiance, Levine roaring, “Hey J, look at me. After you left, it ain’t the same. I’m not what I used to be. It hurts so much, you know?” It’s a moment of raw vulnerability, a glimpse of the pain beneath the bravado.
But even in the midst of agony, the song whispers a dangerous allure. There’s a dark beauty in the repetition of “This love, this love,” a perverse kind of satisfaction in being consumed by another. It’s a reminder that sometimes, love isn’t just about butterflies and rainbows; it can be a dark, twisting vine that binds you even as it suffocates you.
“This Love” isn’t a happily-ever-after anthem. It’s a brutal honesty about the emotional wreckage of a love gone wrong. It’s a song for those who’ve stumbled in the labyrinth of love, who’ve been bruised and broken by the one they held closest. But it’s also a song of resilience, a reminder that even from the ashes of such love, we can rise, stronger and wiser.
So, crank up the volume, belt out the lyrics, and let yourself feel the bittersweet sting of “This Love.” It may not be a love song in the traditional sense, but it’s a powerful reminder that even in the darkest corners of the heart, music can illuminate the truth.
Fun Fact
The iconic guitar riff that opens “This Love” by Maroon 5 was actually a happy accident. James Valentine, the band’s guitarist, improvised the riff during a rehearsal, and the band decided to incorporate it into the song, turning it into one of the most recognizable and memorable elements of the track. The song’s iconic piano riff was actually inspired by a keyboard jingle Adam Levine heard in a grocery store! He quickly went home and recorded it, sparking the foundation for the song. “This Love” won Album of the Year at the 2005 Grammy Awards, beating out heavyweights like Kanye West and Outkast. This surprised many, including the band themselves!
About the Artist
Maroon 5 isn’t just a band; it’s a sonic journey that spans genres, eras, and continents. Their evolution, from Los Angeles garage jammers to chart-topping pop icons, is a testament to their musical versatility and enduring charisma.
The story begins in 1994, when high school friends Adam Levine, Jesse Carmichael, Mickey Madden, and Ryan Dusick formed “Kara’s Flowers.” Despite a grunge-laden debut album, the group disbanded, leaving Levine to pursue solo endeavors. In 2001, the spark reignited, and with guitarist James Valentine joining the fold, Maroon 5 was born.
Their 2002 debut album, “Songs About Jane,” fueled by the melancholic soul of “This Love” and the sun-kissed pop of “She Will Be Loved,” propelled them to global stardom. The next decade saw a whirlwind of chart-topping hits like “Makes Me Wonder,” “Moves Like Jagger,” and “Sugar,” each showcasing their ability to blend soulful balladry with infectious grooves.
