The Rise of Bruno Mars: How '24k Magic' Catapulted him to Superstardom

24k Magic is a popular song by the American singer Bruno Mars. Released in 2016 as the lead single from his album of the same name, 24k Magic quickly became a hit and received worldwide acclaim. The song is known for its catchy melodies, groovy rhythm, and energetic vibe. With its retro-inspired sound and lyrics that evoke a luxurious lifestyle, 24k Magic showcases Mars' unique blend of pop, R&B, and disco influences. The song's title refers to the phrase "24 karat magic," which symbolizes wealth, success, and the feeling of being on top of the world. The main theme of 24k Magic is the celebration of joy, good times, and the desire to let loose and have fun.

8. “Finesse”: Bobby Brown

Reaching back a little further than most of the MTV-era grooves on 24K Magic , Perm channels the Godfather of Soul for the album s sweatiest workout. TITLE PEAK YEAR 1 UPTOWN FUNK 1 2014 2 JUST THE WAY YOU ARE AMAZING 1 2010 3 GRENADE 1 2010 4 LOCKED OUT OF HEAVEN 2 2012 5 WHEN I WAS YOUR MAN 2 2012 6 THE LAZY SONG 1 2011 7 24K MAGIC 5 2016 8 MARRY YOU 11 2011 9 THAT S WHAT I LIKE 12 2017 10 BILLIONAIRE 3 2010.

The main theme of 24k Magic is the celebration of joy, good times, and the desire to let loose and have fun. The lyrics talk about bringing the funk, making the crowd move, and having a party that never ends. The song's infectious chorus and energetic beats make it a perfect track to dance and sing along to.

Bruno Mars 'Live at the Apollo': Ranking his 20 greatest songs

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Bruno Mars has become one of the premier live performers in music today, something he'll look to further prove during his live special on CBS.

In honor of "Bruno Mars: 24K Magic Live at the Apollo," which airs at 10 p.m. tonight, we're revisiting the pop star's greatest songs. Here are the 20 best:

1. 'That's What I Like'

“That’s What I Like” contains every element of a great Bruno Mars song, from the dance-happy vibes and clever lyrics to the catchy hook and that stunning bridge. At this point, Mars knows how to write a pop hit, arguably, better than anyone in music and his latest chart-topper proves he isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. It could also earn Mars some big Grammy wins next year.

2. 'Just the Way You Are'

There was perhaps no better way to follow up his success as a songwriter and guest artist than with “Just the Way You Are.” Mars’ debut solo single hit No.1 on the charts and marked the start of one of the best pop careers in recent memory. The song took Mars several months to create. However, when it was finished it was the unanimous choice as a first single.

3. 'Locked Out of Heaven'

Combining reggae, funk and new wave, Mars hit the jackpot with “Locked Out of Heaven.” The album kick-started his sophomore album by borrowing from Sting and The Police and making you dance to it. The song landed in the top 10 in more than 20 countries.

“Grenade” was the final song added to Mars’ debut album “Doo-Wops & Hooligans.” And what an addition it was. The song’s drum-beat gets into your soul and sits there until you play it time and time again. “Grenade” has gone seven-times platinum since its release.

5. 'Uptown Funk'

There was no escaping “Uptown Funk.” Even your grandparents were singing it. The Mark Ronson/Bruno Mars collaboration spent 14 consecutive weeks at No.1 and was the obvious choice for Record of the Year at the 2016 Grammys. It was Mars’ fourth nomination in the category, but first win.

6. 'Nothin' On You'

Mars introduction to the world came on this 2009 B.o.B track that made the rapper an instant star and had everyone wondering whose sweet voice was on the hook. Mars would provide answers a year later when his solo career took the charts by storm.

The smooth, disco funk of “Treasure” earned Mars yet another top-five hit and features, arguably, his catchiest chorus to date. The song was a definite homage to the days of solid disco and, more specifically, Michael Jackson’s classic album “Off the Wall.”

8. 'It Will Rain'

Featured on the soundtrack to “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1,” “It Will Rain” seems like Mars’ blueprint for how to write a soundtrack song that will shoot straight up the charts. The potential breakup tale is heartbreaking. But the song itself intoxicating.

9. '24K Magic'

You might as well call “24K Magic” a sequel to “Uptown Funk.” And it’s damn near as catchy. Put your pinky rings up to the moon.

“Gorilla” is the song that beats at the heart of Mars’ album “Unorthodox Jukebox.” It almost sounds like it belongs on adult contemporary radio. But Mars lyricism and powerful voice wins out over production aided by Mark Ronson.

11. 'Versace on the Floor'

“Versace on the Floor” went overlooked as the first promotional single from “24K Magic.” But for older audiences, they’ll recognize the song’s undeniable 1990s feel. It’s picked up steam on the radio as of late thanks to a David Guetta remix.

12. 'Runaway Baby'

“Runaway Baby” is Bruno Mars’ James Brown moment. While not released as an official single, the song still charted and became a live favorite. It also foreshadowed the playful funk that was to come.

13. 'Billionaire'

“Billionaire” helped Gym Class Heroes frontman Travie McCoy establish a solo career. But it was Mars’ touches that elevated the song, helping create the chorus for one of the catchiest hooks of 2010.

14. 'Young Girls'

Mars got in touch with his inner doo-wop for “Young Girls.” The song could have worked fine as a traditional ballad. But Mars and his production team The Smeezingtons add just the right amount of electronic flourishes to give it pop appeal.

15. 'When I Was Your Man'

Mars’ old-school piano ballad came in the midst of a steady run of chart-topping hits. Mars went old-school, giving fans a taste of his idols like Billy Joel and Elton John with tons of soul.

16. 'Moonshine'

Another Mars song that wasn’t released as a single, but became a favorite for fans. The track lyrically compares a woman to a great bottle of liquor. Not the worst pop metaphor you’ll ever hear.

17. 'The Lazy Song'

“The Lazy Song” might have been the first time a lot of people took notice of Mars’ songwriting. The simple acoustic guitar song had a reggae vibe. Co-written by K’naan, it became an early favorite for Mars fans.

Mars wasn’t shy about his love for new jack swing and how the early 1990s soul movements inspired his most recent album. That’s never more present than on “Finesse,” the snare-drum driven dance track towards the end of “24K Magic.”

19. 'Marry You'

Not surprisingly, Mars’ “Marry You” has become a favorite at weddings. The 2011 single took on new life when the cast of Glee covered it all the way to No.32 on the Billboard charts.

20. 'Lighters'

The rhymes from Eminem and Royce da 5’9” are exception on Bad Meets Evil’s “Lighters.” But it’s the Bruno Mars sung chorus that pushed this hit into the top-five on the Billboard Hot 100.

In addition to being a commercial success, 24k Magic also received critical acclaim and won several awards, including Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Best R&B Song. It has been praised for its production quality, catchy hooks, and Mars' charismatic performance. Overall, 24k Magic is a standout hit that showcases Bruno Mars' musical talent and ability to create memorable and feel-good songs. Its catchy melody, lively rhythm, and relatable lyrics make it a crowd favorite, and its success has solidified Mars' position as one of the most prominent artists in contemporary pop music..

Reviews for "The Evolution of Bruno Mars: '24k Magic' and Beyond"

1. Bella - 2 stars

While I usually enjoy Bruno Mars' music, "24k Magic Bruno Mars Hits" was quite disappointing. The album consists of repetitive beats and lackluster lyrics that all blend into one another. There is no variety or unique sound that stands out. It felt like I was listening to the same song on repeat. Overall, this album failed to capture my attention or leave any lasting impression.

2. Jake - 2.5 stars

I had high expectations for "24k Magic Bruno Mars Hits" after hearing some of Bruno Mars' previous hits. However, this album fell flat for me. The songs lacked depth and substance, focusing more on catchy hooks rather than meaningful lyrics. It felt like a commercial attempt to appeal to the masses, rather than showcasing Bruno Mars' true talent as a musician. I was left feeling unimpressed and longing for something more.

3. Emma - 2 stars

"24k Magic Bruno Mars Hits" was a major disappointment for me. The songs all sounded too similar, with no standout tracks that caught my attention. It felt like Bruno Mars was trying too hard to recreate the success of his previous hits without bringing anything new to the table. The lack of originality and diversity in the album left me feeling bored and underwhelmed. I expected more from an artist as talented as Bruno Mars.

4. Liam - 1 star

I couldn't get through the entirety of "24k Magic Bruno Mars Hits" without feeling a sense of deja vu. The songs all followed the same formula of generic pop beats and shallow lyrics. It's as if Bruno Mars lost his creative spark and decided to recycle tired clichés instead. This album lacked innovation, authenticity, and the wow factor that I expect from a talented artist like Bruno Mars. Overall, it was a forgettable listening experience that failed to impress me in any way.

5. Sarah - 2.5 stars

"24k Magic Bruno Mars Hits" left me feeling underwhelmed. The songs all had a similar sound that lacked originality and creative growth. It felt like Bruno Mars was playing it safe, sticking to the tried-and-true formula of his previous hits rather than taking risks and pushing boundaries. While some tracks were catchy, they ultimately blended together and failed to leave a lasting impact. I was hoping for more from a talented artist like Bruno Mars, but this album fell short of my expectations.

Discovering the Unforgettable Hooks of Bruno Mars' '24k Magic