Bruno Mars’ ‘The Romantic’ cements his status as pop’s easy listening king
TOI GLOBAL | Feb 27, 2026, 19:46 IST
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Bruno Mars’ new album The Romantic marks his first solo release in nearly a decade and features nine sleek, retro-inspired tracks. Led by the No. 1 hit “I Just Might,” the album blends soul, funk and vintage pop influences, with standout song “God Was Showing Off” solidifying Mars’ status as contemporary easy listening royalty.
After years of headline-making collaborations, Bruno Mars returns to center stage with The Romantic, his first solo album since 2016’s 24K Magic. The nine-track release, clocking in at just over 30 minutes, reminds listeners why Mars remains one of pop’s most polished craftsmen and arguably its reigning easy listening king.
The album’s momentum was sparked by lead single “I Just Might,” a jaunty soul-pop throwback that debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in January. It marked Mars’ first solo chart-topper in years, following an era dominated by high-profile partnerships.
In the interim, Mars kept busy with Silk Sonic, his retro-soul duo alongside Anderson .Paak. Their Grammy-winning smash “Leave the Door Open” revived lush ’70s R&B textures for a new generation. He also teamed with Lady Gaga on “Die with a Smile,” earning another Grammy in 2025, and most recently paired with Rosé of Blackpink for the caffeinated pop track “APT.” Those collaborations broadened Mars’ sonic palette but The Romantic is firmly his own spotlight.
The album opens more gently than its chart-topping single suggests. “Risk It All” leans into mariachi flourishes, while “Cha Cha Cha” swirls with strings reminiscent of a 1970s television theme. Throughout the record, producer Dernst “DMile” Emile a key Silk Sonic collaborator helps craft a glossy, cohesive sound that blends retro warmth with modern sheen.
Influences are easy to spot but never feel derivative. The pleading ballad “Why You Wanna Fight?” channels the soft harmonies of The Chi-Lites. “Something Serious” carries the rhythmic drive associated with Santana, while “God Was Showing Off” nods to the lush Philly soul stylings pioneered by the legendary songwriting duo Gamble and Huff.
Mars, now 40, remains in his comfort zone as a velvet-voiced romantic. His melodic instincts are sharp, and even when lyrics veer toward cliché, his delivery smooths the edges. Lines like “the fire don’t burn like it used to, girl” may inspire eye-rolls on paper, but sung in Mars’ supple tenor, they glide.
The album’s standout is “God Was Showing Off,” a silky, slow-burning declaration that effectively crowns Mars as contemporary pop’s easy listening monarch. The track fuses orchestral sweep with restrained funk, allowing him to luxuriate in romantic drama without tipping into parody .Closer “Dance With Me” further underscores his strengths. A circular guitar riff evokes a nearly empty dance floor, while Mars croons beneath cinematic production that feels tailor-made for slow spins under dim lights.
Bruno Mars’ ‘The Romantic’ cements his status as pop’s easy listening king
Bruno Mars’ new album The Romantic marks his first solo release in nearly a decade and features nine sleek, retro-inspired tracks. Led by the No. 1 hit “I Just Might,” the album blends soul, funk and vintage pop influences, with standout song “God Was Showing Off” solidifying Mars’ status as contemporary easy listening royalty.
With The Romantic, Mars doesn’t chase streaming trends or hyperpop experimentation. Instead, he doubles down on craftsmanship, melody and timeless groove. It’s not revolutionary but it’s refined, cohesive and undeniably charming.
The album’s momentum was sparked by lead single “I Just Might,” a jaunty soul-pop throwback that debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in January. It marked Mars’ first solo chart-topper in years, following an era dominated by high-profile partnerships.
In the interim, Mars kept busy with Silk Sonic, his retro-soul duo alongside Anderson .Paak. Their Grammy-winning smash “Leave the Door Open” revived lush ’70s R&B textures for a new generation. He also teamed with Lady Gaga on “Die with a Smile,” earning another Grammy in 2025, and most recently paired with Rosé of Blackpink for the caffeinated pop track “APT.” Those collaborations broadened Mars’ sonic palette but The Romantic is firmly his own spotlight.
Smooth grooves, vintage influences
Influences are easy to spot but never feel derivative. The pleading ballad “Why You Wanna Fight?” channels the soft harmonies of The Chi-Lites. “Something Serious” carries the rhythmic drive associated with Santana, while “God Was Showing Off” nods to the lush Philly soul stylings pioneered by the legendary songwriting duo Gamble and Huff.
Mars, now 40, remains in his comfort zone as a velvet-voiced romantic. His melodic instincts are sharp, and even when lyrics veer toward cliché, his delivery smooths the edges. Lines like “the fire don’t burn like it used to, girl” may inspire eye-rolls on paper, but sung in Mars’ supple tenor, they glide.
The defining track
Bruno Mars’ ‘The Romantic’ cements his status as pop’s easy listening king
Bruno Mars’ new album The Romantic marks his first solo release in nearly a decade and features nine sleek, retro-inspired tracks. Led by the No. 1 hit “I Just Might,” the album blends soul, funk and vintage pop influences, with standout song “God Was Showing Off” solidifying Mars’ status as contemporary easy listening royalty.
With The Romantic, Mars doesn’t chase streaming trends or hyperpop experimentation. Instead, he doubles down on craftsmanship, melody and timeless groove. It’s not revolutionary but it’s refined, cohesive and undeniably charming.