Bruno Mars proves that he is ‘The Romantic’

Bruno Mars proves once and for all that he is The Romantic in his new album.

In his first solo album after ten years, Mars explores every aspect of romanticism, from the start of a relationship, to its end. The nine songs on the album are a time machine to the soul and funk of the 1970s. Throughout, Mars leans into his Latin roots with a balanced album of groovy, upbeat hits and slow dance ballads. 

The album begins with the track “Risk It All,” immediately setting the theme of emotion and love. This soulful ballad shows Mars’ loyalty and devotion in a relationship with lines like, “I would run through a fire just to be by your side. If your heart’s on the line, you could take mine.” The trumpets throughout the song particularly stand out, adding to an atmosphere of a wedding reception or candlelight dinner. The slow rhythm of this song makes it perfect for a slow dance with a romantic partner. A theme that reoccurs at the end of the album from a different perspective. 

The next track continues with a Latin inspired sound, now with an upbeat groove. Like its name, “Cha Cha Cha” describes Mars’ desire to hit the dance floor with a woman.

The upbeat dancing continues with the track “I Just Might.” The song is classic Mars, combining elements of funk, soul and R&B all into one hit. Mars paints a picture of the thrill of an instant connection across the dance floor and the importance of a partner who can move.

The rhythm slows down but the yearning continues in the next two tracks on the album. “God Was Showing Off” is full of love clichés including, “Is heaven your name? Or is it divine? Don’t matter, girl, it’s gonna look good next to mine.” The following track is still flirtatious, but more sensual. “Why You Wanna Fight?” is Mars’ perspective of having a dispute with a partner, wanting to resolve the argument through his expressions of love.

The rhythm picks up again with an electric guitar intro with “On My Soul.” The clichés return in full force, where Mars’ promises his devotion: “I’ma love you like you’ve never been loved before.” The flirtations continue in “Something Serious,” where Mars is hoping to pursue a meaningful relationship with a woman he finds attractive.

While a majority of the songs on The Romantic reflect the beginnings of a relationship, “Nothing Left,” is the potential ending of one. The tone shifts away from an undying devotion to the realization that the relationship is not what it once was. Mars pleads that as he tries to rekindle their love, his partner will do the same.

These themes continue in the final track of the album, “Dance With Me,” a tearful ballad about a slow dance. The relationship that Mars’ describes is struggling, and he hopes that the dance will help. The song does not have an abrupt ending, but gradually fades out to the lyrics “Dance with me, darling, dance with me just one more time.” These lyrics instill a small chance of the love persisting. The album’s open-ending is one fit for a romantic, hoping that the love never dies, continuing in a never-ending slow dance.

Overall, The Romantic takes listeners on a journey of the complexities of love. Mars is no stranger to love songs and has written many on his past albums. However, The Romantic feels more mature than the previous “Just the Way You Are” and “Marry You” in the exploration of nuanced relationships.