Maroon 5 Album Leaks, Radio D.J.’s Retreat to Secret Bunkers

What’s new on the file-sharing networks this week.

Maroon 5, It Won’t Be Soon Before Long

Official release date: May 22

The Internet loves it! “This album is hip and fresh. Maroon 5 have definitely found their voice and style. Adam Levine’s vocals are soulful and powerful, where [they were] once amateur and inexperienced.� [Whudahexup]

The Internet hates it! “It’s not the most inspired album ever. I don’t think that it will be remembered as much as their previous effort, which is a little disappointing considering how long it’s been in the making.� [Diary of a Nut Job]

We think: It probably won’t knock Justin Timberlake off your iPod, but the L.A. quintet’s second album is a solid collection of catchy, well-constructed pop songs. 2002’s Songs About Jane suffered from front man Adam Levine’s delusions of Jamiroquai, but here the hooks are sharp enough (check out the single “Makes Me Wonder� or the Kanye West–sampled “Nothing Lasts Forever�) to avoid any such comparisons. Enjoy these songs now before they dominate radio into 2009. —Lane Brown