Bruno Mars Returns with ‘The Romantic’: A Track-by-Track Breakdown
It’s been a long five years since Bruno Mars teamed up with Anderson .Paak as Silk Sonic, and a decade since his last solo effort, 24k Magic. But the wait is finally over! This Friday (Feb. 27), Bruno Mars is back with The Romantic, a nine-track album designed to wrap up Valentine’s Month with a lush collection of love songs. The album pays homage to the ’70s and ’80s soul and pop artists that inspired him, and it’s already making waves with the No. 1-debuting single, “I Just Might.”
A Throwback to Soulful Classics
While previous Bruno Mars albums incorporated influences into modern sounds, The Romantic feels like his most direct throwback yet. It’s a loving tribute to Philly soul and quiet storm, with a touch of Latin rock thrown in for good measure. Mars doesn’t just borrow from these genres; he internalizes the lessons learned from legends like The O’Jays, Curtis Mayfield, and Santana, adding his own unique flair to the canon.
Track-by-Track Review
Though a nine-song album (eight if you exclude “I Just Might”) might seem concise after a five-year hiatus, Mars is determined to make every track count. Here’s a look at how Billboard ranks the songs from this pop superstar’s latest offering:
“Nothing Left”
A rare breakup song on The Romantic, “Nothing Left” is effective but feels somewhat understated compared to Mars’ usual standards. It could benefit from a more stripped-down arrangement or a powerful ballad build-up, but it lands somewhere in between.
“God Was Showing Off”
With clever lyrics like “Is ‘Heaven’ your name/ Or is it ‘Divine’?,” this track boasts a two-chord groove reminiscent of a dreamier “Soulful Strut.” However, it could use a bit more funk to fully sell its lyrical absurdities.
“I Just Might”
While some may have hoped for a new direction, “I Just Might” delivers pure satisfaction. As the third track on The Romantic, it feels like the album truly hits its stride, with guitar chops and sashaying hi-hats that sound instantly familiar.
“Cha Cha Cha”
Drawing inspiration from The O’Jays’ “Back Stabbers,” “Cha Cha Cha” features tapping drums and uneasy strings. Mars and his Hooligans warn, “Got my lemon pepper steppers on, ooh girl, you’re in trouble tonight,” creating a vibe that’s both ominous and exhilarating. Billboard highlights Mars’ ability to seamlessly blend these influences.
“Something Serious”
Blending grooves from War’s “Low Rider” and Santana’s “Oye Como Va,” “Something Serious” showcases a new and particularly fun side of Mars. He sounds like he’s having a blast belting out, “You should be my boo thing/ I should be your mans!”
“Move On Up”
Mars expertly pays tribute to Curtis Mayfield’s “Move on Up,” capturing the song’s energy with racing drums, backing bongos, and tension-building guitars. The breakdown section, with wordless exhortations from Mars and his band, elevates the track to another level.
“Kiss Me More”
The album opener starts with mariachi trumpets and balladic strings, with Mars sounding almost like Marc Anthony. “I would run through a fire/ Just to be by your side” showcases his most tender love song yet and a dramatic opener reminiscent of “Young Girls.”
Album Closer
The Romantic’s closer ends things on a pleasant note, harking back to Mars’ Doo-Wop influences with sweet harmonies and lilting strings. It’s a successful vocal showcase that leaves listeners with a satisfying feeling.
The Legacy of Bruno Mars
Nobody can thread all of these influences together quite like Bruno Mars. The Romantic is a testament to his artistry and his ability to create music that is both nostalgic and fresh.
