“Sugar in particular had this ability to be awful entirely throughout in my opinion... you cannot find a moment of peace, a moment of zen in that song.” Musixmatch Podcasts Maroon 5 - V - Album Review
While the "sugar" metaphor is often interpreted as a sweet, romantic comparison for love, the lyrics are noted for being . Phrases like "I want that red velvet" and "I just wanna be deep in your love" are frequently cited as metaphors for physical intimacy. The "Wedding Crashers" Music Video
Others found the production over-processed; Entertainment Weekly labeled it "simultaneously empty and cluttered," while some reviewers noted a strong (and perhaps lazy) resemblance to Katy Perry’s "Birthday".