Over the last two decades, Adam Levine, the Los Angeles native has evolved from a soulful alt-rock frontman into a certified pop titan, a reality TV staple on The Voice, and a worldwide superstar. Love him or find his signature falsetto permanently stuck in your head against your will, there is absolutely no denying Levine’s Midas touch when it comes to crafting a radio smash.
With Maroon 5, Levine has navigated a constantly shifting music industry by seamlessly transitioning from the funky, guitar-driven angst of the early 2000s to slick, chart-topping electropop. To celebrate his birthday today, we are turning up the volume and looking back at the six tracks that cemented Maroon 5’s legacy in the pop music pantheon.
Adam Levine of Maroon 5 performs onstage during the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Festival at T-Mobile Arena on September 19, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for iHeartRadio)
The Ultimate Birthday Playlist
- “This Love” (2004): Before the massive pop collaborations and stadium tours, there was Songs About Jane. This track was the undeniable breakthrough that introduced the world to Levine’s wailing falsetto and the band’s tight, funk-infused rock sound. It was edgy, aggressively catchy, and proved that a breakup song could absolutely dominate the dance floor.
- “She Will Be Loved” (2004): Showing off the band’s softer, more romantic side, this atmospheric ballad became the ultimate mid-2000s serenade. Levine’s smooth vocal delivery, paired with a moody music video featuring Kelly Preston, turned this track into an instant classic that remains universally beloved decades later.
- “Moves Like Jagger” feat. Christina Aguilera (2011): If there is one song that completely rebooted Maroon 5’s career for the modern pop era, it is this disco-pop earworm. The infectiously simple whistling hook and Levine’s swaggering tribute to the Rolling Stones frontman became a global sensation, topping charts in over 18 countries.
- “Sugar” (2015): The band struck pure, unadulterated pop gold with this 1980s funk-inspired anthem. The track’s brilliantly executed music video—featuring the band crashing real-life weddings across Los Angeles—propelled it into the stratosphere. It is sweet, joyful, and showcases Levine hitting notes that most vocalists wouldn’t even dare attempt live.
- “Girls Like You” feat. Cardi B (2018): When it comes to sheer commercial dominance, nothing touches this track. Spending a staggering seven weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, the song became a massive cultural moment thanks to its star-studded music video. It perfectly highlighted Levine’s ability to evolve the band’s sound and stay incredibly relevant nearly twenty years into their career.
- “Payphone” feat. Wiz Khalifa (2012): Kicking off the Overexposed era, this track proved Levine was fully ready to embrace heavy pop and R&B production. With its instantly recognizable piano intro, explosive chorus, and a killer guest verse from Wiz Khalifa, this song dominated the summer of 2012 and solidified Maroon 5’s status as radio royalty.
