Bruno Mars made his musical comeback recently with his album “The Romantic.” Being a big Bruno fan myself, I was eager to listen to this album, hoping it would remind me of the music I grew up on. In the 2010s, Mars played at every Communion, birthday and major celebration. Throughout his career, Bruno Mars has never been shy about love. But on “The Romantic,” he doesn’t just flirt with it: He stages it, scores it and wraps it in velvet. He has songs exploring all angles of love: the arguing, the lightheartedness and everything in between.
Mars has always been culturally impressive. His retro influences, from Prince and Michael Jackson, are not merely aesthetic, but sophisticated and technical. Similar to Jackson, he incorporates sharp, synchronized choreography and uses dance as an extension of rhythm rather than an accessory to it. From Prince, he borrows a commitment to live instrumentation and sensual funk grooves that prioritize musicianship. His vocal performance and layered harmonies reflect classic R&B traditions. By utilizing falsetto, stacked background vocals and dynamic control, he creates richness without overwhelming clarity.
Rather than copying his predecessor, Mars modernizes their techniques, blending nostalgic structure with contemporary production polish. Such modernization is most evident in the album’s standout tracks.
My favorite songs on this album would certainly be “I Just Might” and “Risk It All”. “I Just Might” encapsulates a calm, yet romantic vibe with generally upbeat instrumentals that are missing from pop today. Mainstream music has leaned toward minimalist, subdued production. In an era when mainstream pop often leans toward minimalism and melancholy, its energetic warmth feels refreshing. The track is undeniably danceable, tapping into the kind of rhythmic joy that defined much of early 2000s pop.
“Risk It All,” on the other hand, captures traditional Bruno Mars: gentle, yearning and emotionally direct. The soulful production supports lyrics like “I want to be your man until the end of time,” allowing the sentiment to feel earnest rather than exaggerated. His vocal restraint, contrasted with moments of lift, reinforces the vulnerability embedded in the song’s message. Along with these pieces, I appreciate the album’s overall social consistency. While different tones are evident, the overall roller coaster of romantic love is clearly and creatively conveyed. The songs are thematically unified, making “The Romantic” feel like a solid album, rather than a scattered compilation of singles.
Romantic music matters, especially now with Valentine’s Day just behind us, and listening to it now forces listeners to reflect on their love lives and romantic desires. The music can make someone feel happy, jealous, melancholy or excited — or all of these at the same time. It is safe to say most of us yearn for healthy, stable relationships where we feel cared for and understood, but finding that right person is truly difficult. The album absolutely allows for romantic escapism and immerses listeners into music that lets them fantasize about their ideal romantic situation.
While I love this concept, especially as someone who uses music as an escape from reality, I do feel that some of the songs on the album are slightly formulaic. The album is excellent, but I believe peak Bruno Mars was in his original hits because they were complete cultural resets.
I would recommend this album to anyone who wants a casual listening experience while exercising, cleaning or working. It is fun, light and danceable: a great traditional Bruno Mars ‘pick-me-up’ for any occasion.
