Swagger Like Jagger: The Story of Maroon 5's 'Moves Like Jagger'

When Maroon 5 came up with their smash hit “Moves Like Jagger,”
they knew Jagger was a name that would resonate with listeners.
And in 2011, Maroon 5 definitely knew what their fans wanted to
hear.


But it wasn’t always that way.


Have you ever heard of the ‘90s alt-rock band Kara’s Flowers? If
you haven’t you’re not alone. They were one of the more
forgettable bands of their time. Kara’s Flowers did catch the
attention of Rob Cavallo, who you may remember as the guy who
produced Green Day’s American Idiot. He saw a lot of potential in
Kara’s Flowers and produced their second album, the
power-pop-tinged The Fourth World. Upon its release in August
1997, the album only sold 5,000 copies.


In 2001 Kara’s Flowers resumed band activity, changing up their
sound by trying a number of different styles, including country
and folk, before settling on becoming what they deemed "a soul
band, but with five white dudes.” They cut a demo for MCA
Records, but the label rejected it. However, they did find an
interested label in Octone Records, whose co-founder Ben Berkman
had worked at Warner Music and knew of the band from their time
with Reprise. 


In a 2004 interview with Hit Quarters, Berkman said he loved what
he heard in a song called “Sunday Morning” but couldn’t believe
it was the same band because they had such a completely different
sound. It was clear to Berkman that the band was ready to take
off. All they needed now was another guitarist and a brand new
name.


Eventually the band decided on the name Maroon 5. Why “5” and
not, say, Maroon Moon? Well, the answer remains to be a secret
between band members… and Billy Joel. Wait, Billy Joel?


Now with a record deal and a brand new name, Maroon 5 were a
whole new band. Their first single, “Harder To Breathe” was a
slow-mover on the charts, but eventually earned the band some
airplay. Once it caught on the band decided to re-release the
album one year later, and at the beginning of 2004 they issued a
second single, “This Love,” a song influenced by Stevie Wonder
and written about Jane moving out after the breakup. As you may
already know, “This Love” became a smash hit, followed by “She
Will Be Loved” and “Sunday Morning.” You know them all. And just
like that Maroon 5 were now a household name.


Their second album "It Won't Be Soon Before Long" was an instant
hit - thanks to lead single “Makes Me Wonder,” which became the
band’s first song to hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It actually
broke a record by jumping from #64 to #1 based purely on its
first week of iTunes sales. 


Maroon 5 wanted a different experience when it came to making
album number three. Luckily they received a phone call from Mutt
Lange, the famous South African producer, who asked if he could
make their next record with them. 


Mutt has quite the résumé. He got his start in the late ‘70s, by
producing both AC/DC’s Highway To Hell and Back In Black. From
there he would produce classic records by Def Leppard, The Cars,
Michael Bolton, and Canada’s own Bryan Adams.


Maroon 5 released their third album, Hands All Over, on September
2010. It would debut at #2 on Billboard’s album chart and receive
mixed reviews, but got some love from Rolling Stone, which called
it “the band's brightest-sounding and poppiest yet.” 


The upbeat, funky pop on singles like “Misery” and “Give A Little
More” demonstrated a punchier sound. Although the album sold well
enough and kept them on the road, something was missing.Up until
this point, Maroon 5 had only ever written songs themselves. They
had never worked with anyone outside of their circle. But they
felt it was time to open the door to other songwriters and see
what could happen.Luckily for Maroon 5, two up-and-coming
producers were working on a song that would become not just the
year’s biggest hit, but the band’s biggest hit ever. 


This is the true story of Maroon 5's 'Moves' Like Jagger' ft.
Christina Aguilera - with newly unearthed audio.


Also features audio from:


Adam Levine Revealed the Secret Behind Maroon 5’s Band Name to
Billy Joel


'Moves Like Jagger': The Making Of Maroon 5's Megahit


Adam Levine Reacts to Mick Jagger Dancing to "Moves Like Jagger,"
Teases New Maroon 5 Music


Maroon 5 "Moves Like Jagger" Q&A


Maroon 5 Get 'Overexposed' to Fans