For years, Puerto Rican global superstar Bruno Mars has shattered records for his distinct mashups of multiple genres and his talents in singing, dancing, and songwriting. Recently, 10 years after his album 24K Magic, Bruno Mars has released a new solo album, The Romantic, at long last. Filled with tender, intimate melodies, Mars charms listeners with heartfelt songs across genres and moods.
The album features a mix of slow and upbeat songs, including “Risk It All,” a soothing R&B track in which Mars uses dazzling figurative language to promise his eternal love to his partner, and “God Was Showing Off,” in which Mars declares that his lover is like a heavenly being. Mars also has multiple lively songs inviting his potential lovers onto the dance floor in “Cha Cha Cha” and “I Just Might.” Students at Arcadia High School (AHS) find the album appealing for a multitude of reasons.
“When I first listened to the album, I really admired the consistent theme of the music. Every song fits together so easily that it could be written as one individual piece,” said freshman Charles Kim.
Others praise the album for its catchy tunes.
“The melodies are simple but memorable. It glues to your brain on repeat just after a listen or two. That’s why this album is so great,” said freshman Janelle Wong.
Many people have quickly chosen their favorite songs from the album. Among the students at AHS, “Risk It All” has become a fan favorite. To some, the passionate verses and the dreaminess of the ballad are what make the song so captivating. The emotional instruments and the blending of them all also add to the draw of the song.
“I love ‘Risk It All’ because it feels like someone is putting my emotions into words. The song is about loving someone so deeply that you’re willing to choose them despite the uncertainty, and that’s a beautiful message,” said freshman Kelley Xiao.
Another notable song on The Romantic is “I Just Might.” Students at AHS appreciate the song for its cheerful beat and fun chorus. The song has a very nostalgic and retro sound that many fans of Mars enjoy. He uses peppy background instruments such as trumpets and an energetic drum beat to create a fun dance song.
“When I first heard this song, it stood out to me because of how well it portrayed his upbeat personality. The song shows his abilities as a songwriter and singer, and it’s a great song,” said freshman Andrew Lin.
Overall, the album has been a hit both globally and at AHS. Many fans are delighted with Bruno Mars’ album, and it has met the standards of listeners.
“I think it is a really good album because it revives his genre after he hadn’t released for years. It feels kind of nostalgic, but modern and upbeat at the same time. Overall, I think it shows how good he is at making timeless music that is both fun and meaningful,” freshman Sruthi Baru said.
Overall, the album is a great demonstration of Bruno Mars’ talents and the charm of his lover-boy persona. Mars has enthralled millions with his smooth vocals and his infectious tunes. The album presents a timeless feel with pieces that explore themes of love, heartache, and a good dance break.
Photo Courtesy of Angel Garcia
