‘Saturday Night Live’: Maroon 5 perform ‘Animals,’ ‘Maps’

As we first said last week, we’ve started separating our music and performance reviews for “Saturday Night Live.” Why? Those who want comedy aren’t really interested in hearing music most of the time, and fans of the musical act often don’t want to sift through everything else just to find out how the performances were.

Maroon 5 are no strangers to the NBC show. They’ve performed on the show a number of times in the past. Not only that, but we’ve seen Adam Levine even host the show! Tonight, though, the focus was more on his band and their music.

“Animals” – We’ve got to say that it was a very good Maroon 5 performance, but this was a little bit of a further reminder of why the show sometimes books artists and songs that are often unfamiliar than viewers. The stage is so small that it’s hard to make a spectacle, and with a song like this that we’ve heard so much over the past couple of weeks, the only thing that is added here is the live factor.

“Maps” – There was a little more “SNL” artistry in this one, at least when it comes to the way the show used the stage and the intro. Also, mass props for having a full stage full of real instruments after some of the awkwardness with Ariana Grande on the show last week.

Overall, Maroon 5 has to be pleased with their set tonight. It wasn’t the most memorable we’ve ever seen, but Levine and company know how to put on a good show.

What did you think of Adam and Maroon 5 on “SNL” this time? Share in the comments, and head over here to read some more “Saturday Night Live” news, including our review of tonight’s all new episode. Also, sign up to get some further TV updates on all we cover via our CarterMatt Newsletter.

Photo: NBC