HOW did Maroon 5 earn the right to be so outrageously talented? Raised in Beverly Hills, friends since childhood, regulars at the Viper Rooms and with celebrity endorsements from the likes of Natalie Portman and Kirsten Dunst - not exactly from the school of hard knocks, let alone hard rock.

The brand of funk rock they peddle brings easy, but unnecessary, comparisons with the likes of the Chilis or a Jamiroquai without the self-satisfaction.

There's more to this band than those comparisons, carving out as they do a definite identity of their own. This is a special album, one that grows on you but lacking the really strong hooks to get you to give it a fair hearing. Take a chance - this one is worth it.

Updated: 08:35 Thursday, March 11, 2004