Modern poetry: Bruno Mars' new album ‘The Romantic’
How this long-awaited album has cha-cha-chaed its way into my heart. Exploring Mars’ rhythmic success.
Bruno Mars released his fourth solo studio album, The Romantic, on Friday the 27th of February, 2026. Ten years after his previous solo album, 24k Magic, this album was long-awaited. However, Mars has kept himself busy with his 2021 duo album Silk Sonic with Anderson Paak. In addition, Mars released top-charting duo hits ‘Die With A Smile,’ featuring Lady Gaga and “APT.,” featuring Rosé.
Teasing his fans with new music but still no album, this solo return was highly anticipated. On the 5th of January, 2026, Mars announced his solo return on X, stating, ‘My album is done.’ This simple, out-of-the-blue announcement left me feeling an overwhelming excitement. Growing up listening to 24K Magic, Unorthodox Jukebox and Doo-Wops & Hooligans on my MP3 player and iPhone SE, I was over the moon to hear he was releasing another album. A buzz of anticipation flooded social media as fans celebrated his return.
Following this, on the 7th of January, Mars announced on Instagram and X, ‘New music this Friday🫂 The Romantic coming 2.27 🌹♥️’ including his album’s cover image. The black-and-white cover is simple yet bold, featuring an illustration of Mars with his signature bandana. From the front cover visuals, it is clear this is a more intimate, personal project. Contrasting his previous vibrant albums, this aesthetic sets the tone for how soul-baring this album will be. Mars leans into his Puerto Rican and Latin roots, seen through the framed chains and roses, a symbol used in Chicano art.
The following day, on the 8th, Mars announced ‘The Romantic Tour’ for North America, Europe & the UK. Featuring Anderson Paak as DJ PEE WEE, with supporting acts Leon Thomas, Raye, and Victoria Monet in select cities. Fans went wild for this announcement; the ticket war prep had officially begun. At that moment, I knew I had to get tickets, and I would do anything to get them.
‘I Just Might,’ the lead single, was released on January 9th. After hearing this for the first time, I immediately knew this album was going to be amazing. Instantly queued and on repeat, this song was addictive. This high-energy, feel-good song is playful and funky. With notes of disco pop, this flirty song ‘do do do’d’ its way into my heart. The groovy, repetitive start was an instant hit, and its rhythm stuck in my head for days to come. ‘I Just Might’ revolves around the idea that rhythmic chemistry is an important factor in dating, with lyric, ‘But what good is beauty if your booty can’t find a beat?’ This song flirted its way into the audience’s hearts and, as of March 5th, is number eight on the official singles chart.
Simultaneously, Mars released the ‘I Just Might’ music video on January 9th. Co-directed by Mars and Daniel Ramos, this will be their fifth music video together, collaborating previously on ‘APT’ ft. Rosé, and ‘Die With A Smile’ ft. Lady Gaga. This 1970s-inspired video was funky and nostalgic. Mars’ one-man band was a hit, and as Mars’ five clones jammed out, a fun, groovy atmosphere was created. It makes you want to get up and join them in dancing immediately. The audience is drawn in by Mars’ pleading request, ‘You better show me now, show me now, show me now’ as he asks the DJ to ‘play a song for this pretty little lady.’ This teaser into what the rest of the album will sound like left fans hungry and counting down the days till the album’s release.
On Friday, the 27th of February, the full album was released. Mars co-wrote and co-produced The Romantic album. Alongside D’Mile, who co-produced the entire album, his 70s influence is evident throughout. Full of soul, funk, and retro vibes, D’Mile helped shape this nine-track album into a ranging success.
When listening to ‘Risk it all,’ I felt like I was personally being serenaded as the mariachi trumpet blasted through my speakers. I knew instantly I would love this song. This devotional love song is elevated by percussion and acoustic guitar. Pairing perfectly with Mars’ glorious voice as he sings to us what feels like a personal love letter.
Following this, ‘Cha Cha Cha’ is a Latin pop song fusing funk and soul, making you feel as though Mars is singing just to you. As soon as the song started, I felt like getting up and having a boogie. The blend of procussion and ensemble instruments creates a harmonious tune. Heavenly to your ears, Mars has created another hit, instantly making you want to get up and ‘Cha Cha Cha’ with him. The theme of romantic pursuit is clear. Mars referenced his cocktail lounge, The Pinky Ring. This flirty song makes you want to party with him in Vegas.
Shifting from flirty to emotional, ‘God Was Showing Off’ is a soulful ballad that speaks from the heart. There is a clear shift in Mars’ music with this album, though flirty, gone are sex-infused tunes, as we see a deeper, more personal side of Mars. With lyrics, ‘Is heaven your name? / Or is it divine?,’ this masterpiece describes Mars attraction and gratitude for this lucky lady’s beauty. ‘The way you’re put together, only God can do,’ sets the bar as far as compliments go. God was showing off when he gave Bruno these heavenly vocals. This song was, no pun intended, music to my ears.
“Why You Wanna Fight” is the fifth track of the album. This plea for love marks a shift in tone for the second half of the album. From attraction to desperation, Mars’ standout vocals are raspy and soulful on this track. Similar to his Silk Sonic hits, the layering of lyrics and soft vocals adds to the song’s vulnerability: ‘I’m beggin’, baby / Ain’t too proud to say it, I admit, I was wrong.’ This pleading song received mixed reviews, with some fans loving it whilst others criticised it for its unoriginality and repetitive structure.
Shifting from begging to committing, ‘On My Soul’ is upbeat; this funky song gets you back in the groove. The electric guitar throughout keeps the tempo fast; this energetic song makes you want to get up and move. ‘I’ma love you like you’ve never been loved before’ shows Mars’ charm. It feels as though this song should be sung from the rooftops as Mars proclaims his love. It’s a celebratory song that feels vibrant, like a shot of adrenaline.
‘Something Serious’ taps into Mars’ Puerto Rican roots. This Latin-inspired song is full of percussion and rhythm. The catchy song has faced criticism for its cringeworthy lyrics, ‘you should be my boo thang, my boo thang'.’ There seems to be nothing poetic about this. Although the composition is strong, the lyrics let this song down. However, some are finding the song comical with the lyric ‘Do you want some pretty brown Bruno babies?’ This metaphoric approach to commitment is playful. Contrastingly, some may see it as immature, but the irony behind the song title ‘Something Serious’ is undoubtedly comedic.
The second-to-last song, ‘Nothing Left,’ feels more rugged than other songs on the album. With a rock influence, the distorted electric guitar paired with emotive vocals makes this song numbing. This song carries a lot of emotional weight in contrast to the previous tune, ‘Something Serious.’ There seems to be no more begging, but rather an acceptance that there is ‘nothing left to hold on to,’ the ‘magic’ that was once there is long gone. The vocals aren’t as clear as on other tracks and feel distant, as if the love is fading away. With a similar feel to ‘When I Was Your Man,’ this raw emotional side of Mars has fans in awe of this modern poetry.
The final song of The Romantic album is ‘Dance With Me.’ With a clear narrative, this stripped-back song is simple yet touching. This emotional closing track leaves listeners feeling sad yet hopeful, with the prospect of being able to ‘fall in love again.’ This contrasts with previous songs in the album that mention dancing with a flirty, sensual tone, whereas in ‘Dance With Me,’ it feels like a last hope as Mars reflects on the past relationship.
The continuous back-and-forth between pleading, loving, begging, and accepting creates a whirlwind of emotions. Listening to this album felt like a journey. Although this album has overall been well received by fans for its funky groove and catchy lyrics, there has been some backlash on Mars for imitating other songs. However, I am nothing but impressed and in awe; everything is on repeat, and I believe it was well worth the wait. I can’t wait to hear it live! Giorgia 1 – Ticket Master 0.
An incredible album and love this review!
I’d risk it all for you !!!💃💃