Bruno Mars Returns with 'The Romantic': A Decade-Later Solo Effort
It has been a full ten years since Bruno Mars last released a solo album, marking an eternity in the fast-paced world of pop music. However, the follow-up to his massively successful '24K Magic' does not feel like a highly anticipated comeback. This is not due to any lack of effort on Mars' part, but rather because he has remained a constant presence in the music industry throughout the intervening decade.
A Busy Decade of Collaborations and Hits
During this period, Mars co-piloted the hit album 'An Evening with Silk Sonic' with Anderson .Paak, collaborated with artists like Cardi B, Gucci Mane, Sexy Redd, and Ed Sheeran, and released the globally successful soft rock duet 'Die With a Smile' with Lady Gaga, which became the most streamed song of 2024. He also recorded 'APT.' with Blackpink's Rosé, the most successful song globally in 2025, embarked on two world tours, held two Las Vegas residencies, opened his own Vegas bar, appeared in the online game Fortnite, and served as the 2026 ambassador for Record Store Day.
Despite this relentless activity, 'The Romantic' lacks the impact of a grand return. Yet, its lead single 'I Just Might' reached number one in 11 countries and remains in the UK Top 10, surrounded by artists who were still in school when '24K Magic' was released. The song's resemblance to Leo Sayer's 1976 hit 'You Make Me Feel Like Dancing' has sparked discussion, but in today's music landscape, where notions of hipness have blurred, such references are commonplace.
An Album of Glaring Homages
'The Romantic' is characterized by its clear nods to 20th-century classics. The album draws heavily from the soft soul of groups like the Chi-Lites and the Stylistics, with tracks such as 'Why You Wanna Fight?' seamlessly fitting into the Silk Sonic aesthetic. Listeners can easily spot influences like Curtis Mayfield's 'Move On Up' in 'On My Soul' and the O'Jays' 'Backstabbers' in 'Cha Cha Cha'. The intro of 'Something Serious' invites comparisons to Tito Puente's 'Oye Como Va', while 'God Was Showing Off' echoes Barbara Acklin's 'Am I the Same Girl' or the instrumental 'Soulful Strut' by Young-Holt Unlimited.
These references are so blatant that they avoid accusations of sneaky borrowing, instead coming across as heartfelt homages. Mars' talent as a performer is undeniable, with his voice soaring on tracks like the closer 'Dance With Me', and his taste in music is impeccable. However, the album's highlights are often the songs that most closely mimic familiar classics.
Criticism of Lazy Songwriting
The real issue with 'The Romantic' is its lack of originality. While songs like 'Something Serious' offer a Latin-influenced slink that is engaging, others like 'Nothing Left' and the opener 'Risk It All' fall into ho-hum balladry, barely elevated by mariachi horns. Even the well-executed homages may leave listeners wanting to revisit the originals instead.
Critics argue that Mars and his co-writers have simply curated a collection of influences—from classic soul signifiers to the Jimi Hendrix-inspired headband on the cover—without transforming them into something new. The result is a pleasant but fundamentally lazy approach to songwriting. Despite this, Mars' ability to sell over 150 million records suggests that such a formula still resonates with audiences.
In summary, 'The Romantic' is a beautifully performed album that showcases Bruno Mars' vocal prowess and musical tastes, but it ultimately fails to deliver the innovative spark needed to stand out in today's diverse pop landscape.
