Bruno Mars – ‘The Romantic Review’ – A 10-year wait to hear melodies and sound stolen from better songs

A clear change of direction and growth from the global megastar – Bruno Mars’ first album in over 10 years leaves some wondering where the good old days have gone?

Despite a decade since his last solo single, Bruno Mars is still undoubtably a megastar in the pop music scene.  Bruno Mars has spent the his last 10 years collaborating with artists from around the world, giving us Grammy and Brit award winning group ‘Silk Sonic’ in 2022.

A collaboration with Lady Gaga saw “Die with a Smile” become the most streamed song that year, winning Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. That year he bridged a gap between K-Pop and Western Pop, with a collaboration with Rose. “APT” became a huge hit, winning three Grammy nominations as well as international song of the year at the Brit Awards. 

After years of success, his album ‘The Romantic’ comes with a lot of high expectations, and his lead single ‘I Just Might’ didn’t fail to disappoint. Nostalgic, recognisable and catchy. the sound of trumpets and claps take you back to Bruno Mars’ early 2010 albums, pulling you towards the dancefloor; a single that can only be described as truly Mars-Esque. 

With the lead single being so authentic to himself with such a recognizable sound, surely this can only lead to another unforgettable Bruno Mars Album?

As you weave between the sounds of Latin and disco, there is a sense of familiarity with the sounds of some of the songs. It wasn’t until the sixth song on the album, and Curtis Mayfield’s 1970s hit ‘Move on Up’ snare hit into intro melody being a clear influence on the sound you realize why the album feels familiar.

‘God Was Showing off’ sounds like a well-oiled TV advert song, or that could possibly be because of its similarities to ‘Soulful Strut’ by Young-Holt Unlimited, the song Vision Express use. 

‘I Just Might’ and its dancefloor filler sound feels like a big deception in listening to the album, as the Latin songs feel like an attempt to reach a wider audience whilst getting as many BV’s, Adlibs and trumpets in, so recognizable to his sound. The opener does nothing but confirm Bruno Mars is an incredible vocalist, unfortunately that is the only true highlight of his album opener ‘Risk It All’.

A nice enough album, but not to the heights of what has made Bruno Mars the megastar he is today. Even Bruno Mars’ incredible vocals with nostalgic sprinkles of adlibs and horns can’t save the album from not reaching its expectations, made even higher by the Lead Single being such a different feel to the rest of the songs.