For as long as the chart-topping band, Maroon 5, could remember, their fans have been anticipating their next album since they released their 5th studio album, “V”, in 2015, which surpassed the sale of one million copies in just one week. On November 3rd, fans cheered because the wait was finally over.

The band, with the help of their labels, 222 and Interscope Records, released their newest album, “Red Pill Blues”, but that’s not all. With guest features from Kendrick Lamar, ASAP Rocky, SZA, Future, and LunchMoney Lewis, the contemporary R&B 15-song project is sure to satisfy a broad audience. Maroon 5 also announced the first leg of their album tour on October 26th.

The 2018 tour is set to take place in North America, beginning on May 30th in Tacoma, Washington. The band, with opener Julia Michaels, is set to play 32 more shows throughout the United States and Canada, finishing up on October 15, 2018, at New York’s Madison Square Garden, with prices ranging from $395 to $750 on ticketmaster.com. Unfortunately, the American Express cardholder pre sale has ended, creating a boost in prices for the general public.

Pascack Hills Sophomore Kathryn Garvey shares her opinion on the album. “My favorite song on the album is “Help Me Out” featuring Julia Michaels. I just bought tickets for their New Jersey show a year in advance and I cannot wait.”

On South China Morning Post, lead vocalist, Adam Levine, shares his goals for the album, as well as the message he wants his fans to receive while listening. “I think that pop music has a level of sophistication that sometimes goes undetected. Releasing the right songs at the right times is an extremely and underappreciated art form – in my humble opinion.”

The band’s desire to reach a more “sophisticated” audience can be further portrayed in the album’s name itself, which is derived from the science-fiction cult classic, The Matrix. In the series, the protagonist is offered a choice between the “red pill”, which represents knowledge, and the “blue pill” of ignorance.

Levine says that people today are “reluctantly informed – sometimes incorrectly informed – but I think there is a lot of reality rearing it’s ugly head.”

The band tried to veer away from any political standpoints in their music, as they believe outside conflict should not interfere with art.

The album’s unique standpoint and various messages are resulting in an increase in ticket sales for various shows throughout the U.S. and Canada, and many shows are projected to be completely sold out.

With hot vocals and catchy, innovative beats, Maroon 5’s “Red Pill Blues” is now available on all music platforms, including Spotify, ITunes, and Apple Music.