Nearly a decade since the release of 24K Magic, The Romantic has been Bruno Mars’ long-awaited return, marking his fourth studio album. This release has been one of the most anticipated pop releases of the year after many fans begged for a new album, especially after his duet with Lady Gaga on the song “Die With A Smile.”
The Romantic features nine songs and runs for 31 minutes. The style of each song is very diverse, with genres such as Latin, pop, and disco. This album, similar to his previous ones that reflect themes of romance and heartbreak, which many fans proclaim is the best messaging in his songs. Many note that this album has a nostalgic feel, while still fitting in the modern styles of the 2020s.
Brady Marks, junior at HHS, says, “This album is very similar to Unorthodox Jukebox, so it is really nice when artists listen to their audience about what they like.” Individuals online, especially on TikTok, have shared this mutual feeling, with many praising Mars’ ambition to produce quality music similar to his past.
In January, “I Just Might” helped to bring traction to the album as it quickly became a success overnight, gaining millions of streams, debuting at the top of the charts, and becoming a viral sound on Instagram and TikTok. Another song that helped to bring attention to the album is the emotional love song “Risk It All,” which tells the story of an individual who risks everything that they own to find love.
Bringing more attention to the album, Mars announced The Romantic Tour, his first major stadium tour after nearly ten years. The tour is set to begin in 2026 and is to visit cities across the United States and Europe.
Grace Moore ‘27 says, “It sucks he does not have a tour date in Boston because he has many fans here. Nonetheless, the album has really good musicality.” Many people have criticized the lack of diversity in cities Mars is attending, as many nights are repeated, such as the multiple nights in Toronto, Paris, and Amsterdam, which make up 19 nights of his tour.
Overall, Mars’ album marks a major comeback in his career as a solo artist, as recently, he mostly collaborated with other artists. This album not only celebrates his career, but it also celebrates the nostalgic sounds that made him famous initially, reminding listeners why he remains one of the most successful artists in modern pop culture.
