Bruno Mars Returns with ‘The Romantic’: A Soulful New Chapter
Ten years between solo albums once signaled trouble for an artist. But for Bruno Mars, the gap was filled with the phenomenal success of Silk Sonic (alongside Anderson .Paak), chart-topping singles like “Die with a Smile” featuring Lady Gaga and “APT.” with ROSÉ, a record-breaking 150 million monthly Spotify listeners, and the milestone of turning 40. Bruno Mars didn’t vanish; he strategically delivered collaborative hits while the solo album remained on the horizon.
However, the most significant development during this period wasn’t a single release, but his collaboration with producer D’Mile (Dernst Emile II). Their connection, forged around 2019 through James Fauntleroy, fundamentally reshaped Mars’s sonic landscape. D’Mile steered Mars away from the vibrant neon of previous work towards a warmer, amber-toned sound, drawing inspiration from the pre-disco sweetness of Motown and the rich traditions of Chicano soul.
A Visual and Sonic Homage to Chicano Soul
The album cover of ‘The Romantic’ visually embodies this influence. A monochrome portrait framed by roses and chains, featuring lowrider-culture lettering, immediately evokes the aesthetic championed by artists like Thee Sacred Souls and Thee Sinseers on the Daptone-adjacent circuit. While Mars isn’t Mexican, his Puerto Rican heritage and years spent in Los Angeles create a genuine connection to this tradition, making the visual references feel authentic and respectful.
D’Mile’s influence permeates every aspect of the album. He and Mars co-produced all nine tracks, alongside contributions from Philip Lawrence and Brody Brown. The resulting sound is characterized by glowing horns, curling guitars, and drums that support, rather than compete with, Mars’s vocals. Gabriel Roth, renowned for his work with Sharon Jones and Charles Bradley at Daptone Records, engineered the horn sessions, lending a distinctive, patient arrangement style.
Beyond 24K Magic and Silk Sonic: A Deeper Dive into Soul
While 24K Magic drew inspiration from New Jack Swing and Silk Sonic channeled ‘70s Philly soul, ‘The Romantic’ delves even further back, embracing the doo-wop ballads and sweet soul sounds cherished by Chicano communities in East LA and the Southwest for generations. D’Mile, having previously apprenticed under Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, has intentionally shifted his focus towards creating space for artists to express genuine emotion, and he provides that space for Mars in abundance.
Exploring the Themes of Desire and Vulnerability
The album opens with a triptych of songs exploring the complexities of desire. “Risk It All” showcases Mars at his most grandiose, promising unwavering devotion. “Cha Cha Cha” transports listeners to a vibrant club scene, a playful and self-aware track with a hint of longing. And “I Just Might,” the lead single, is a disco-funk anthem built around a playful condition: if she dances as well as she looks, she might just become his baby. As Mars famously sings, “But what good is beauty if your booty can’t find the beat?”
However, the album takes a turn with “God Was Showing Off,” a song that elevates flattery to a divine scale, questioning the boundaries between worship and self-admiration. This is followed by the raw vulnerability of “Why You Wanna Fight?,” where Mars admits his flaws and pleads for forgiveness. “On My Soul” echoes the spirit of Curtis Mayfield, expressing a desire for lasting commitment, while “Something Serious” explores the longing for a stable, domestic life.
A Moment of Honesty: ‘Nothing Left’ and ‘Dance with Me’
The album reaches its emotional core with “Nothing Left,” a poignant reflection on lost connection and the fading of magic. This is followed by the closing track, “Dance with Me,” a plea for one more chance at love. These final songs reveal a Mars grappling with uncertainty, a stark contrast to the confident persona he often projects.
A Cohesive and Refined Sound
’The Romantic’ is a short, sleek album crafted by musicians at the peak of their abilities. Mars and D’Mile deliver a flawlessly executed blend of warm analog brass, intimate vocals, and clean rhythm sections. Mars’s voice remains a powerful instrument, and the album’s sonic landscape is a testament to the richness of Chicano soul. This is Mars’s most cohesive work to date, a testament to his versatility and his ability to inhabit diverse musical traditions. Read more at Rolling Stone.
