On February 27, Bruno Mars released his new album “The Romantic”. This is the first album he has released in a decade, the last one being Bruno Mars’s music has changed drastically over the years, but this new album combines all of his era’s into a line up of romantic and sultry songs. It’s an album made up of ballads and many nods to Latin culture.

Risk it all

“Risk it all” starts off the album. It opens with a warm blend of brass and string elements. This song is something you would listen to slow-dancing with your partner, your best friend, your parents, your dog, your cat. Overall, it’s a lovely piece. However, it’s incredibly reminiscent of his hit song with Lady Gaga “Die with a smile”.

The chorus really gets stuck in your head. “It’s crazy but it’s true / There’s nothing I won’t do / I’d risk it all for you”.

The only complaint that can really be expressed about “Risk It All” is that it makes the rest of the album predictable.

Cha Cha Cha

“Cha Cha Cha” is a fun little song that emphasizes the congas. The theme of this tune is “come dance with me” This is made apparent through the groovy rhythm the song puts on you, and the lyrics. The trumpet and strings make an appearance, similar to “Risk It All”. What’s different about “Cha Cha Cha” is that it uses R&B elements. That’s what really takes the cake.

I Just Might

“I Just Might” came out as a single to tease the album. It uses pop and disco elements. A lot of people were underwhelmed by this song. However, it’s undeniably fun. It uses similar elements to his top song, “Locked out of Heaven”. Regardless of the audience response, this song has been circulating on the radio.

God Was Showing Off 

“God Was Showing Off”  is similar to the album opener, “Risk It All”, however it’s more subjective with the lyrics. It’s all about how beautiful someone is, like the lyrics said “God was shown’ off / making you girl”. It’s soulful, just like the title would suggest.

Why You Wanna Fight?

“Why You Wanna Fight” is sultry. It uses the romantic sounds of a guitar, paired with “dingy” elements from a glockenspiel. It makes you think of Bruno Mars’s “24K Magic” era. It holds similar elements to the popular hit “Versace on the Floor”. This is a song you melt into.

On My Soul

“On My Soul” is upbeat, and it holds a similar vibe to “I Just Might”, it’s upbeat and starts off with an insatiable beat and a rock style guitar riff. This song is jazzy, and also embraces R&B elements. It almost sounds like gospel. This is what Bruno Mars does best – blend genres into something brand new entirely.

Something Serious

“Something Serious” is fun, but it sounds like “Cha Cha Cha”, it doesn’t have an individual element that sticks out.

Nothing Left

“Nothing Left” doesn’t match the rest of the album lyric wise. This is a breakup song. It isn’t about new love, it isn’t sultry. It’s about reaching out, and there isn’t anyone there to hold onto. It’s about lost love. This song really captures the vibe of “When I Was Your Man”.

Dance With Me

“Dance With Me” sounds like an early 2000s love song. It’s like Bruno Mars tried to take the vibe of his old music, and apply it to “Risk It All”. But, it works. It’s melancholy, but applies every element from “The Romantic”.

Overall, the songs on their own sound great. This is opening a new era for Bruno Mars. He’s taking elements of his old music, adding in nods to Latin tunes, and blending genres like there’s no tomorrow. As an album however, it feels repetitive.