Bruno Mars’ ‘The Romantic’: Album Review & Seventies Soul Revival
Bruno Mars’ latest album, The Romantic, released on March 8, 2024, is a deliberate and successful dive into retro-soul, marking a return to solo work after his collaborative project An Evening With Silk Sonic with Anderson .Paak. The album, his first as a solo artist since 2016’s 24K Magic, aims to deliver precisely what its title suggests: a collection of songs centered around love and romance, executed with Mars’ signature showmanship and meticulous attention to musical detail. It’s a project that’s already generating buzz, following the success of lead singles like “I Just Might,” which topped the charts.
A Return to Form, Rooted in the Past
The Romantic isn’t a reinvention; it’s a refinement. Where 24K Magic largely drew inspiration from the sounds of the 1980s, this album looks further back, to the 1970s soul and R&B that influenced a generation of artists. This shift is evident in the album’s instrumentation and arrangements, which evoke the sounds of artists like Marvin Gaye and War. Mars doesn’t simply mimic these sounds, still; he integrates them into his own distinct style, creating a sound that feels both familiar and fresh. The album’s success, as noted in reviews, hinges on this ability to blend nostalgia with contemporary pop sensibilities.
Beyond the Bubblegum: Depth in Simplicity
While “I Just Might” offers a dose of upbeat, danceable energy – posing the question, “What decent is beauty if your booty can’t find the beat?” – the core of The Romantic lies in its ballads and mid-tempo grooves. Mars isn’t attempting complex lyrical narratives or philosophical statements. Instead, he focuses on direct, heartfelt expressions of love and devotion. Songs like “Risk It All” feature lyrics that are straightforward and earnest, emphasizing a willingness to travel to great lengths for the object of affection. This simplicity, some critics argue, is a strength, particularly in an era where pop music often prioritizes complexity over emotional resonance.
A Nod to Heritage and a Hint of Politics
The album also incorporates elements of Latin music, specifically the “brown-eyed soul” style that flourished in Southern California during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Tracks like “Cha Cha Cha” and “Something Serious” showcase this influence, celebrating the rich grooves and sweet vocals characteristic of the genre. This isn’t merely a stylistic choice; it’s also a nod to Mars’ Puerto Rican heritage. As one review points out, this incorporation of Latin sounds is a subtle but significant statement, reflecting the growing prominence of Latin pop in the mainstream music landscape. Billboard notes the album’s embrace of this heritage.
Precision and Passion: The Bruno Mars Formula
What sets The Romantic apart isn’t necessarily groundbreaking innovation, but rather the meticulous execution of a well-defined vision. Mars is known for his dedication to detail, researching the specific sounds and techniques of the artists he admires. This commitment is evident in the album’s production, which aims for authenticity and sonic richness. He approaches each song with a palpable energy and emotional commitment, delivering vocals that are both powerful and nuanced. This dedication to craft, combined with his natural talent, is a key component of his enduring appeal.
Confirmed vs. Unclear: Reception and Future Trajectory
Confirmed: The Romantic has been generally well-received by critics, praised for its smooth production, heartfelt lyrics, and successful evocation of classic soul sounds. The album’s lead singles have performed strongly on the charts.
Unclear: The long-term commercial success of the album remains to be seen. It’s also unclear whether Mars will embark on a tour to support The Romantic, or if he will continue to explore different musical avenues. Details regarding future projects have not been publicly announced. Rolling Stone’s review highlights the album’s crowd-pleasing nature, but doesn’t offer insight into future plans.
—
This article originally appeared on Rolling Stone.