21 Rockin’ Bands like Maroon 5 That You Should Hear

Maroon 5 has carved out a unique space in the music world with their irresistible blend of pop, rock, and R&B, characterized by catchy hooks, polished production, and Adam Levine’s distinctive vocals. Their ability to create hit after hit has made them one of the most successful bands of the 21st century.

For fans of Maroon 5, there are several other bands that capture a similar vibe, blending genres to produce infectious tunes that dominate the airwaves.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the best bands like Maroon 5, whose music resonates with the same energy and appeal, offering listeners a perfect mix of pop-rock brilliance and unforgettable melodies.

21 Rockin’ Bands Similar to Maroon 5 to Add to Your Playlist

These bands share a similar mix of pop, rock, and alternative influences, creating music that is both radio-friendly and dynamic, much like Maroon 5.

Here’s a list of 21 bands that have a similar vibe or appeal to Maroon 5, known for their pop-rock sound, catchy hooks, and strong vocal performances:

#1 OneRepublic

OneRepublic, formed in 2002 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, is an American pop-rock band known for its anthemic sound and emotionally resonant lyrics. The band, led by frontman Ryan Tedder, gained widespread attention with their debut single “Apologize,” which was remixed by Timbaland and became a massive international hit in 2007. Their debut album Dreaming Out Loud (2007) showcased their ability to blend pop, rock, and alternative elements, establishing them as a major force in the music industry.

OneRepublic continued their success with subsequent albums like Waking Up and Native, producing hit singles such as “Good Life” and “Counting Stars.” Tedder’s prolific songwriting and production skills have not only fueled the band’s success but also led to collaborations with numerous other high-profile artists. OneRepublic’s consistent ability to create radio-friendly hits while maintaining a heartfelt, authentic sound has earned them a loyal global fanbase and critical acclaim.

#2 The Script

The Script, an Irish pop-rock band formed in Dublin in 2007, quickly rose to prominence with their self-titled debut album, which featured the hit singles “The Man Who Can’t Be Moved” and “Breakeven.” The band’s sound, characterized by its blend of pop, rock, and soul influences, along with poignant lyrics and catchy melodies, resonated with a wide audience, earning them international acclaim. Fronted by lead vocalist Danny O’Donoghue, The Script’s music often explores themes of love, loss, and resilience.

Their follow-up albums, including Science & Faith and #3, solidified their status as one of the leading pop-rock bands of the 2010s, with hits like “For the First Time” and “Hall of Fame” becoming anthems for many. The Script’s emotional depth, combined with their ability to craft memorable hooks, has kept them at the forefront of the music scene, and they continue to enjoy a strong fanbase and critical recognition.

#3 Coldplay

Coldplay, formed in 1996 in London, England, is one of the most successful and influential bands of the 21st century, known for their melodic rock sound and introspective lyrics. The band, fronted by Chris Martin, first gained international fame with their 2000 debut album Parachutes, which included the hit single “Yellow.” Coldplay’s blend of alternative rock, pop, and electronic elements, combined with Martin’s emotive vocal delivery, quickly resonated with listeners around the world.

Coldplay’s subsequent albums, such as A Rush of Blood to the Head, X&Y, and Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends, cemented their place as global superstars, with hits like “Clocks,” “Fix You,” and “Viva La Vida” becoming iconic. The band’s ability to evolve their sound while maintaining a deep emotional connection with their audience has kept them relevant for over two decades. Coldplay’s influence on modern rock and pop music is profound, and they continue to be one of the best-selling music acts worldwide.

#4 Train

Train, formed in 1993 in San Francisco, California, is an American rock band known for their catchy pop-rock hits and heartfelt ballads. The band first gained mainstream success with their 2001 album Drops of Jupiter, featuring the Grammy Award-winning title track “Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me).” The song’s blend of rock, pop, and orchestral elements, along with its introspective lyrics, made it an instant classic and established Train as a major player in the music industry.

Train continued their success with albums like My Private Nation and Save Me, San Francisco, producing hits such as “Calling All Angels” and “Hey, Soul Sister,” the latter becoming one of the best-selling singles of all time. Lead singer Pat Monahan’s distinctive voice and the band’s ability to craft relatable, radio-friendly songs have kept them in the spotlight for decades. Train’s consistent ability to connect with a broad audience through their music has earned them numerous awards and a lasting legacy in pop-rock music.

#5 Imagine Dragons

Imagine Dragons, formed in 2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada, is an American pop-rock band known for their anthemic sound, blending elements of rock, pop, and electronic music. The band gained international fame with their 2012 debut album Night Visions, which included the breakout hit “Radioactive.” Their unique sound, characterized by powerful vocals from frontman Dan Reynolds, driving rhythms, and electronic influences, set them apart from other bands of their time.

Imagine Dragons continued to dominate the charts with their subsequent albums Smoke + Mirrors and Evolve, producing hit singles like “Demons,” “Believer,” and “Thunder.” Their music often explores themes of resilience, self-discovery, and empowerment, resonating with a wide audience. Imagine Dragons’ energetic live performances and ability to create chart-topping hits across multiple genres have made them one of the most successful bands of the 2010s and 2020s, with a strong global fanbase and numerous awards to their name.

#6 The Fray

The Fray, formed in 2002 in Denver, Colorado, is an American rock band known for their emotive piano-driven ballads and introspective lyrics. The band first gained widespread attention with their 2005 debut album How to Save a Life, which included the hit singles “Over My Head (Cable Car)” and the title track “How to Save a Life.” The latter became a global hit, particularly popularized by its use in television shows and movies, and solidified The Fray’s place in the pop-rock landscape.

Their follow-up album The Fray (2009) continued their success, featuring the hit single “You Found Me,” which became another chart-topping success. The Fray’s music is characterized by its emotional depth, melodic hooks, and relatable themes, often dealing with love, loss, and personal struggles. Despite changes in the music industry, The Fray has maintained a loyal fanbase and continues to be recognized for their contributions to the pop-rock genre. Their ability to create songs that resonate on a deep emotional level has earned them critical acclaim and commercial success.

#7 Matchbox Twenty

Matchbox Twenty, formed in 1995 in Orlando, Florida, is an American rock band known for their blend of alternative rock and post-grunge. The band, led by frontman Rob Thomas, gained widespread recognition with their debut album Yourself or Someone Like You (1996), which included hit singles like “Push” and “3 A.M.” The album’s success propelled Matchbox Twenty to the forefront of the 1990s rock scene, eventually going multi-platinum.

The band continued to produce hit albums such as Mad Season and More Than You Think You Are, featuring singles like “Bent” and “Unwell,” which further cemented their place in the rock genre. Matchbox Twenty’s music is characterized by its catchy melodies, relatable lyrics, and Thomas’s distinctive voice. Their ability to craft memorable, radio-friendly rock songs has earned them a loyal fanbase and critical acclaim, making them one of the defining bands of their era.

#8 Foster the People

Foster the People, formed in 2009 in Los Angeles, California, is an indie pop band best known for their breakout hit “Pumped Up Kicks” from their 2011 debut album Torches. The song’s catchy melody and dark lyrics quickly gained popularity, making it one of the most iconic songs of the 2010s. The band, led by Mark Foster, blends elements of indie pop, alternative rock, and electronic music to create a distinctive sound that resonates with a wide audience.

Following the success of Torches, Foster the People released their second album Supermodel in 2014, featuring the singles “Coming of Age” and “Best Friend.” Their music often explores themes of youth, society, and introspection, set against upbeat, danceable rhythms. Foster the People’s innovative approach to pop music, combined with their ability to create thought-provoking lyrics and infectious tunes, has earned them critical praise and a strong following in the indie music scene.

#9 Panic! At The Disco

Panic! At The Disco, formed in 2004 in Las Vegas, Nevada, initially gained fame with their debut album A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out (2005), which included the hit single “I Write Sins Not Tragedies.” The band, originally part of the pop-punk and emo scene, was known for their theatrical style and eclectic musical influences, blending pop, rock, and baroque elements. Over the years, the band, led by frontman Brendon Urie, has undergone several lineup changes, with Urie eventually becoming the sole member.

Panic! At The Disco continued to evolve their sound with subsequent albums like Pretty. Odd. and Death of a Bachelor, the latter earning Urie his first number one album on the Billboard 200. The band’s music is known for its flamboyant style, catchy hooks, and Urie’s powerful vocals. Panic! At The Disco’s ability to continually reinvent themselves while maintaining a strong connection with their fanbase has kept them at the forefront of the pop-rock scene.

#10 Fall Out Boy

Fall Out Boy, formed in 2001 in Wilmette, Illinois, is a pop-punk band that quickly rose to fame with their 2005 album From Under the Cork Tree, which included the hit singles “Sugar, We’re Goin Down” and “Dance, Dance.” The band, fronted by Patrick Stump with bassist Pete Wentz as the primary lyricist, became one of the leading acts in the emo and pop-punk movements of the mid-2000s. Their blend of catchy melodies, introspective lyrics, and energetic performances resonated with a wide audience.

After a brief hiatus, Fall Out Boy returned with their 2013 album Save Rock and Roll, which showcased a more pop-oriented sound and included hits like “My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark (Light Em Up).” The band continued their success with albums like American Beauty/American Psycho and Mania, experimenting with different musical styles while maintaining their core identity. Fall Out Boy’s influence on pop-punk and their ability to evolve while staying relevant has earned them a lasting place in modern rock music.

#11 DNCE

DNCE, formed in 2015 in Los Angeles, California, is a pop-rock band led by former Jonas Brothers member Joe Jonas. The band quickly gained attention with their debut single “Cake by the Ocean,” which became a global hit and established DNCE as a fun, energetic band with a carefree, party vibe. Their self-titled debut EP and album, released in 2016, featured other popular tracks like “Toothbrush” and “Body Moves,” showcasing their catchy, danceable sound.

DNCE’s music blends pop, funk, and rock influences, with Jonas’s charismatic vocals and the band’s playful image contributing to their widespread appeal. The band’s success was further solidified by their energetic live performances and collaborations with other artists. DNCE’s ability to create infectious pop tunes with a rock edge has made them a standout act in the contemporary pop music scene, appealing to both younger audiences and fans of Jonas’s earlier work.

#12 Neon Trees

Neon Trees, formed in 2005 in Provo, Utah, is an American rock band known for their catchy pop-rock sound and energetic performances. The band first gained national attention with their 2010 debut album Habits, which included the hit single “Animal.” The song’s infectious melody and upbeat vibe made it a radio favorite and helped establish Neon Trees as a promising new act in the pop-rock genre.

Their follow-up album Picture Show (2012) continued their success with the hit single “Everybody Talks,” further solidifying their place in the music industry. Neon Trees’ music is characterized by its blend of pop, rock, and new wave influences, along with frontman Tyler Glenn’s charismatic stage presence. The band’s ability to craft catchy, danceable songs with a rock edge has earned them a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim, making them one of the standout bands of the 2010s.

#13 Fun.

Fun., formed in 2008 in New York City, is an indie pop band known for their anthemic sound and dramatic, theatrical style. The band, led by vocalist Nate Ruess, gained widespread recognition with their 2012 album Some Nights, which included the smash hit “We Are Young” featuring Janelle Monáe. The song’s anthemic quality and powerful chorus made it a global success, earning Fun. multiple awards, including a Grammy for Song of the Year.

The album also featured other hits like the title track “Some Nights,” showcasing the band’s ability to blend indie rock, pop, and baroque elements into a unique sound. Fun.’s music often explores themes of youth, identity, and self-reflection, resonating with a wide audience. Although the band has been on hiatus since 2015, their impact on the indie pop scene and their ability to create powerful, emotionally charged music have left a lasting legacy.

#14 The Chainsmokers

The Chainsmokers, formed in 2012 in New York City, is an American DJ and production duo consisting of Alex Pall and Andrew Taggart. The duo first gained attention with their 2014 hit single “#Selfie,” but it was their 2016 single “Closer” featuring Halsey that catapulted them to international fame. “Closer” became one of the biggest hits of the decade, topping charts worldwide and solidifying The Chainsmokers’ place in the pop and electronic music scenes.

Their debut album Memories…Do Not Open (2017) continued their success, featuring hits like “Paris” and “Something Just Like This” with Coldplay. The Chainsmokers’ music blends electronic dance music (EDM) with pop, creating a sound that is both radio-friendly and suitable for the club scene. Their ability to consistently produce chart-topping hits and collaborate with a wide range of artists has made them one of the most successful and influential acts in modern pop and EDM.

#15 Snow Patrol

Snow Patrol, formed in 1994 in Dundee, Scotland, is a rock band that gained international fame with their anthemic, emotive sound. The band, led by frontman Gary Lightbody, first found success with their 2003 album Final Straw, which included the hit single “Run.” However, it was their 2006 album Eyes Open that propelled them to global stardom, featuring the smash hit “Chasing Cars.” The song became one of the most downloaded tracks of the decade and is still widely recognized today.

Snow Patrol’s music is characterized by its heartfelt lyrics, soaring melodies, and atmospheric arrangements, making them a favorite for both rock and pop audiences. Their subsequent albums, including A Hundred Million Suns and Fallen Empires, continued to showcase their ability to create powerful, emotionally charged music. Snow Patrol’s influence on the indie and alternative rock scenes is significant, and their ability to craft songs that resonate on a deep emotional level has earned them a loyal fanbase and critical acclaim.

#16 Kings of Leon

Kings of Leon, formed in 1999 in Nashville, Tennessee, is a rock band known for their gritty, Southern-infused rock sound and powerful live performances. The band, composed of the Followill brothers and their cousin, first gained attention in the UK with their early albums Youth & Young Manhood and Aha Shake Heartbreak, which showcased their raw, energetic style. Their breakthrough came with the release of their 2008 album Only by the Night, which included the hit singles “Sex on Fire” and “Use Somebody.”

These songs became anthems of the late 2000s, earning the band multiple Grammy Awards and cementing their place in rock history. Kings of Leon’s music blends elements of Southern rock, alternative rock, and arena rock, characterized by Caleb Followill’s distinctive vocals and the band’s driving rhythms. Their subsequent albums, such as Come Around Sundown and Mechanical Bull, have continued to build on their success, making them one of the most enduring rock acts of their generation.

#17 The Killers

The Killers, formed in 2001 in Las Vegas, Nevada, is a rock band that quickly rose to fame with their 2004 debut album Hot Fuss, featuring the hit singles “Mr. Brightside” and “Somebody Told Me.” The band’s sound, characterized by a blend of post-punk revival, new wave, and alternative rock, along with Brandon Flowers’ charismatic vocals, resonated with audiences around the world. Hot Fuss became a massive commercial success, establishing The Killers as one of the leading bands of the 2000s.

Their follow-up albums, including Sam’s Town and Day & Age, continued to produce hit singles like “When You Were Young” and “Human,” further solidifying their status as global rock icons. The Killers’ music often explores themes of love, loss, and the human experience, set against a backdrop of catchy melodies and powerful instrumentation. Their ability to evolve their sound while maintaining their signature style has kept them relevant for over two decades, earning them critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase.

#18 Lifehouse

Lifehouse, formed in 1999 in Los Angeles, California, is a rock band known for their heartfelt lyrics and melodic pop-rock sound. The band first gained widespread attention with their 2000 debut album No Name Face, which included the hit single “Hanging by a Moment.” The song became one of the most played radio tracks of the year and propelled Lifehouse to international fame. Their music, characterized by its introspective lyrics and strong melodies, struck a chord with a broad audience.

Lifehouse continued their success with albums like Stanley Climbfall and Who We Are, producing hits such as “You and Me” and “First Time.” The band’s sound, which blends alternative rock, pop, and post-grunge influences, has remained consistently appealing, earning them a loyal fanbase. Lifehouse’s ability to create emotionally resonant music that appeals to both mainstream and alternative audiences has ensured their place as one of the enduring acts in modern rock.

#19 Twenty One Pilots

Twenty One Pilots, formed in 2009 in Columbus, Ohio, is a genre-defying duo known for their eclectic blend of alternative rock, hip-hop, pop, and electronic music. The band, consisting of Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun, first gained attention with their self-released albums, but it was their 2015 album Blurryface that brought them international fame. The album, featuring hits like “Stressed Out” and “Ride,” explored themes of mental health, self-identity, and societal pressures, resonating deeply with a young audience.

Twenty One Pilots’ music is characterized by its genre-blending approach, introspective lyrics, and energetic performances. Their follow-up album Trench (2018) continued to build on their success, solidifying their reputation as one of the most innovative and influential bands of the 2010s. The band’s ability to connect with listeners through their relatable themes and unique sound has earned them critical acclaim, multiple awards, and a dedicated global fanbase.

#20 Keane

Keane, formed in 1995 in Battle, England, is a British rock band known for their piano-driven alternative rock sound and emotionally resonant lyrics. The band first gained international recognition with their 2004 debut album Hopes and Fears, which included the hit singles “Somewhere Only We Know” and “Everybody’s Changing.” The album’s success established Keane as one of the leading acts in the early 2000s British rock scene, earning them critical acclaim and commercial success.

Keane’s music is characterized by its melodic piano lines, Tom Chaplin’s soaring vocals, and themes of love, longing, and introspection. Their subsequent albums, including Under the Iron Sea and Perfect Symmetry, continued to showcase their ability to create powerful, emotionally charged music. Despite a brief hiatus, Keane has remained a beloved band, known for their ability to craft songs that resonate deeply with their audience, making them one of the most successful British bands of the 21st century.

#21 American Authors

American Authors, formed in 2006 in Boston, Massachusetts, is an indie rock band known for their upbeat, anthemic sound and positive, feel-good lyrics. The band first gained widespread attention with their 2014 debut album Oh, What a Life, featuring the hit single “Best Day of My Life.” The song’s infectious melody and optimistic lyrics made it a commercial success, earning the band international recognition and becoming a staple in advertising and media.

American Authors’ music blends elements of indie rock, pop, and folk, characterized by catchy hooks, sing-along choruses, and relatable themes. Their subsequent albums, including What We Live For and Seasons, continued to build on their success, producing tracks that resonate with both mainstream and indie audiences. American Authors’ ability to create uplifting, radio-friendly songs with a positive message has earned them a dedicated fanbase and a prominent place in the modern indie rock scene.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes OneRepublic similar to Maroon 5?

OneRepublic, like Maroon 5, blends pop, rock, and R&B elements to create catchy, radio-friendly hits with strong vocal performances and relatable lyrics. Both bands are known for their ability to produce chart-topping singles that appeal to a wide audience.

How has Coldplay’s musical evolution compared to Maroon 5’s?

Coldplay and Maroon 5 both started with distinct styles—Coldplay with a more melancholic alternative rock sound and Maroon 5 with funk-infused pop rock. Over time, both bands have incorporated more electronic and pop elements into their music to stay relevant in the ever-changing music landscape.

Why are bands like Imagine Dragons often compared to Maroon 5?

Imagine Dragons and Maroon 5 are often compared due to their ability to blend rock with pop and electronic influences, creating anthemic songs that dominate the charts. Both bands have a knack for crafting energetic, widely appealing music that resonates with large audiences.

What role does genre-blending play in the success of bands like Maroon 5 and The Script?

Genre-blending is key to the success of bands like Maroon 5 and The Script, as it allows them to create versatile music that appeals to both pop and rock fans. This approach helps them stay relevant across different music trends and reach a broader audience.