Love Rhino starts off with “Relations,” an appropriate bit of attempted understanding of the opposite sex, something that is of course a pre-requisite of the “love rhino” getting his horn on. The song is performed as a laconic shuffle that eventually blossoms into a reggae/ska rhythm, perhaps portraying how a love affair gets more interesting commensurate with the effort that’s put into it.

But Levine’s words to his potential lover in the song are good advice for his listeners too: “Let’s not over-think this.” And indeed Love Rhino makes its amorous intention clear in a laid back way.

Levine’s vocal delivery is relaxed but confident throughout. It’s like he’s nuzzling his prey on the couch, and he knows that it’s inevitable that the hide-a-bed unfolds.

Grade: B

Love Rhino is currently available.