Bruno Mars Romances Us with His New Album
Bruno Mars’ new album The Romantic has been a long time coming, with 10 years spanning from his previous solo album 24K Magic. The 9-track album blends R&B and pop with a Latin flair, steeped in retro grooves and the playful swagger that’s always defined his works. The Romantic positions Mars as a type of “love doctor”, leaning into themes of desire, charm and dance floor chemistry. Across its almost 32 minute run-time, Mars and his collaborator D’Mile blend polished production with a breezy confidence.
The Romantic Album Cover
The album opens with “Risk It All”, setting the tone with warm R&B textures. It’s a song about diving head first into love even when it feels risky, pairing smooth falsetto lines with the classic Bruno Mars build. “Cha Cha Cha”, a playful Latin pop track that leans into rhythmic flirtation, is the second track on the album. The percussion is crisp, the horns are cheeky, and the whole thing feels like a wink across the dance floor. It’s one of the album’s most colourful moments, and might I say one of my favourites. “I Just Might”, Mars’ lead single from the album debuted at number 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 charts, is a song that is quintessentially him and the third song on The Romantic. It’s cheeky, funny, and irresistibly danceable built around the lyrical premise that dancing is a prerequisite for romance.
“God Was Showing Off” is a cheesy love song, with Mars telling a woman she’s so beautiful that only God could’ve made her that way. The harmonies and vocal layering feel like a nod to the Silk Sonic era. “Why Do You Wanna Fight?” is next on the album where Mars adds tension to the album’s narrative, moving away from the romance and begins to question his relationship, whilst also fighting for it. “On My Soul” brings us back to the romance of the album, exploring loyalty, devotion and emotional promises. The production feels more stripped back, giving Mars space to breathe.
“Something Serious” is a turning point in the album where the flirtation of the earlier songs becomes commitment. Although the lyricism is simple, you can’t help but smile when you listen to this song. It’s a vibey track that makes you feel good. “Nothing Left” is the album’s emotional low-point - quiet, reflective, and tinged with heartbreak. Listening to the lyrics, I wish Mars would’ve committed to a fully-blown out power ballad. The final track “Dance With Me” is a satisfying end to the album. It’s a hopeful, full-circle closer that brings the track back to the dance floor. It feels like a curtain call for the album’s themes: connection, movement and romance.
The Romantic is a confident, polished, and deeply enjoyable return to solo form for Bruno Mars. It captures the essence of what makes him a singular figure in pop: the ability to blend nostalgia with freshness, humour with sincerity, and groove with emotional depth. It may be short, but it’s rich, charming, and crafted with unmistakable intention.