Bruno Mars is finally back, releasing his album ‘The Romantic’ ten years after the award-winning ‘24k Magic.’ Short and sweet, ‘The Romantic’ is composed of 9 songs with a total runtime of just over 30 minutes. This is the perfect length, as each song is carefully crafted and unique, yet not one feels out of place among the rest.
The album opens with “Risk It All,” a nostalgic-sounding piece with forgettable lyrics but a beautiful melody. At the heart of the song is a stunning mariachi band that makes the listener want to slow dance with their love. This piece has been the key to Mars’ promotion of this album, and for good reason. The unique use of the mariachi band in a pop piece is unusual, but it is an ingenious addition that elevates the song’s intimate atmosphere.
“Cha Cha Cha” follows in its footsteps, marking an easy transition from the sensual to the playful. It too inspires movement, and it seems impossible not to bop along to the upbeat tune. “I Just Might” continues the playful tone in a song well-suited for a “Summer Bops” playlist. The backing vocals ground the piece while also heightening the euphoria surrounding it. As Mars sings about wanting a girl who likes to dance and show off, the supporting singers cheer her on.
While “God Was Showing Off” has a more relaxed use of its horns and drum kit and “Why You Wanna Fight” could best be described as a sensual crooner ballad, the two songs that follow return to form with eager, lively melodies. “On My Soul” is a classic Bruno Mars piece all about his dedication to the woman he loves. “Something Serious” is anything but, as the slang and goofy language make the song a little ridiculous but still fun.
As the album concludes, the final two songs bring listeners back to the beginning as bittersweet, romantic pieces. “Nothing Left” is a beautiful, heartfelt ballad that is easily comparable to “Talking to the Moon,” though these lyrics describe the end of love rather than its continuation. It is refreshing to see a genuine, compassionate take on the end of a relationship, rather than a destruction of everything positive about it. As listeners come to the end of Mars’ newest album, “Dance with Me” brings things full circle with another romantic piece fit for slow dancing. It is the perfect conclusion to this lovestruck album.
Given that it has been a decade since Bruno Mars last released a solo album, there was understandably some uncertainty about the quality and relevance of the included pieces. While the lyrics are nothing remarkable, Mars uses his classic charm and melodic genius to construct an album with songs that fit every stage of a healthy romantic relationship. There is none of the cheating or lusting or one-night stands that are so popular with modern “romantic” songs. These songs, even the most sensual ones, remain pure. Mars sings as a man in love ought to sing. He is charming and suave one moment and playful and lighthearted the next. Bruno Mars has proven himself to be a true romantic, indeed.
‘The Romantic’ is available on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and YouTube
Eva Tweeten is a Junior Psychology major who loves analyzing books, movies and music. She is also a big animal lover who helps train service dogs in her free time!
Images courtesy of Bruno Mars’ marketing team
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