LOS ANGELES — After a decade-long wait for a solo project, Bruno Mars has finally released his fourth full-length album, “The Romantic,” a nine-track collection that leans heavily into retro-soul, disco, and vintage Latin influences.
- The Wait: This is Mars’ first solo album since 2016’s 24K Magic. While he has been active with Silk Sonic and recent chart-topping collaborations like “Die with a Smile” (with Lady Gaga) and “APT.” (with Rosé), The Romantic marks his official return as a solo artist.
- Runtime: A brief but punchy 30 minutes.
- Rating: 3.5 / 5 stars.
- Standout Tracks: “Something Serious,” “Cha Cha Cha,” and the lead single “I Just Might.”
The Romantic continues Mars’ streak as pop music’s premier “nostalgist,” blending feel-good disco with smooth R&B.
- Latin Flair: The album explores new territory for Mars, including the acoustic, near-mariachi opener “Risk It All” and the Santana-esque “Something Serious.”
- Hip-Hop Interpolation: In the track “Cha Cha Cha,” Mars surprises listeners by interpolating Juvenile’s 2003 hit “Slow Motion.”
- Homage or Imitation? Critics note that while the album is physically joyful, tracks like “On My Soul” bear a striking resemblance to Curtis Mayfield’s “Move on Up,” and “Why You Wanna Fight?” feels like a leftover from the Silk Sonic sessions.
The album isn’t about reinvention; it’s about the groove. For an artist who has mastered the art of the wedding-ready hit, The Romantic delivers exactly what fans expect. As the review notes, “The world is sure to join him at the party once again.”