Album Review: Bruno Mars – The Romantic
2 min read
It’s amazing to think that in the past sixteen years Bruno Mars has only released four solo albums and yet has remained in that time one of the most influential and celebrated artists of his generation and beyond. Between his 2010 debut Doo-Wops & Hooligans and now he has seen huge success with his collaborations, Mark Ronson’s Uptown Funk and Rosie’s APT to name a few, as well as his band Silk Sonic with Anderson .Paak. It’s been a whopping ten years since his last fully solo album, but now The Romantic is set to keep him right at the top.
The gorgeous brass and strings at the top of Risk It All, as well as the strummed guitar set the scene for a lavish, sun-soaked listen. Light percussion and Bruno’s silky vocals are all that’s needed for this opener to shine. Follower Cha Cha Cha hits the rhythm that the title suggests, the lyrics feeling decidedly modern while the mix takes you back to classic boleros. Single I Just Might stands out more in the first half by just how poppy it sounds, but God Was Showing Off takes that similar approach and improves on it. Blaring brass and a relaxed rhythm pair wonderfully with Bruno’s voice and the harmonised backing vocals.
With an opening solo and sparse intro beat, Why You Wanna Fight? has a sharper 70’s edge reminiscent of Gerry Rafferty. It’s another tune that highlights Bruno’s vocal dexterity and makes you wonder if he does actually always win said fights. On My Soul and Something Serious have an infectious kick, breezing past but insanely catchy, while Nothing Left brings the record to a halt for a powerful ballad. Its captivating melody and searing solo are generic in a sense, but highly enjoyable. Closer Dance With Me is similarly formulaic, but it’s a lovely end to an album that feels like a time capsule from the golden age of soul.
The Romantic establishes its sound from track one and sticks to this for better or worse. Bruno’s vocals are undeniable, arrangements beautiful and clear. It knows what it is and only deviates somewhat when Bruno feels the urge to be current, like in the case of I Just Might. It doesn’t overstay its welcome and feels, strangely, like both a continuation of his work with Silk Sonic, and his 2012 album Unorthodox Jukebox. A fun time for anyone looking to dance or fall in love.
Writer and Musician, Ryan Bulbeck has been published with a number of online publications, and has worked with a myriad of great artists, both as a performer, and as a producer. His most recent band The 295 are still active, playing shows around the UK.
