Bruno Mars' album "24K Magic" is a critically acclaimed pop album that was released on November 18, 2016. It was highly anticipated by fans and received positive reviews from music critics. The album features a mix of various genres, including R&B, funk, disco, and soul. It is heavily influenced by the 80s and 90s, with Mars paying homage to artists such as Prince, Michael Jackson, and James Brown. The title track, "24K Magic," serves as the album's lead single and was a commercial success. It peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and received multiple Grammy nominations.
It peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and received multiple Grammy nominations. Other notable tracks on the album include "That's What I Like," "Versace on the Floor," and "Chunky." Mars' vocals and infectious energy are showcased throughout the album, with catchy hooks and grooves that make it impossible to resist dancing along.
Review: Bruno Mars’ ’24k Magic’ Is a Lush Nineties Throwback
Though 24k Magic is shorter than any Stooges record, human Super Bowl halftime show Bruno Mars still wears a lot of hats: giddy uptown-funk savant, bumping-and-grinding R&B time-traveler, Ashford & Simpson–esque quiet-storm balladeer. He also sounds like he’s wearing airbrushed overalls too since the majority of the album hearkens back to the new jack swing and Cooleyhighharmonies of turn-of-the-Nineties charts ruled by Boyz II Men, Bell Biv DeVoe and Bobby Brown. The only thing America’s greatest pastiche pop star is missing on his third album is the hooks to hang it all on.
Mars wanted Magic to recreate the nostalgic wonder of the school dances he attended in the Nineties – and his crowded productions, infectious attitude and soaring voice go well beyond “tribute” into the realm of “IMAX reboot.” “Perm” is a future-shocked James Brown hip-hop hybrid that sounds like an update of please-please-pleasers Son of Bazerk; “That’s What I Like” brings the silky vibes of 12 Play–era R. Kelly into the boom of modern trap; “Finesse” is a modern BBD bite down the rat-a-tat “Poison” snares. The chorus to “Calling My Lovelies” – “I got Alesha waiting/Iesha waiting/All the –eeshas waiting on me” – feels like he’s writing himself into the adult epilogue of Another Bad Creation’s playground romance complete with a thirsty phone call to Halle Berry’s answering machine. The arrangements throughout are simply outstanding, bubbling and percolating with ADD explosions of melodic counterpoints, overdubs, subplots and funky worms.
But while his funk game is strong and swagger is stronger, Bruno’s acclaimed hook-writing (which has garnered four Number Ones for himself and tons of co-writes on other chart-toppers) has seemingly taken a backseat. Lyrically, it seems like he’s trying to recall the Nineties subliminally via breadcrumbs scattered throughout the record, saying “freaking me” (Silk) or “nice and slow” (Usher) or “ain’t nobody” (LL Cool J via Chaka Khan) or “damn” (Mr. Show sketch Two Plus One Minus One). If it’s intentional, it scans as cloying; if it’s accidental, it scans as lazy. “Versace on the Floor” is the umpteenth tribute to Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing” in an era that didn’t need them from Wiz Khalifa, Nelly, Wale or Kygo. Lead single “24k Magic” is already drooping its way back down the charts and it’s not impossible to understand why when compared to the sugar-coated bombast of “Uptown Funk” or “Locked out of Heaven.”
So, 24k Magic may not be the most glittering display for Bruno Mars the pop star, but fans can rest assured it is a shining moment for Bruno Mars the producer, arranger and nostalgia curator. Nothing on his level of success gets to look or sound or feel like this – no diggity, no doubt.
Also improbable: that “Uptown Funk,” still inescapable at weddings and stadiums near you, still has life in it, let alone an album’s worth. The title track to 24K Magic is all but an explicit retread: YSL swapped out for designer minks, Chucks for Inglewood’s finest shoes, corny “dragon wanna retire, man” line for corny line about red getting the blues, “Oops Upside Your Head” biting swapped out for only slightly less lawsuit-prone Zapp voiceover vocoders. What it lacks in a hook it makes up for (almost) with vibe, and more importantly, earnestness.
The production on the album is top-notch, with a polished and retro sound that transports listeners to a nostalgic era. "24K Magic" was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. It also received numerous accolades, including Album of the Year at the Grammy Awards. Overall, Bruno Mars' album "24K Magic" is a standout release in his discography, showcasing his talent as a singer, songwriter, and performer. It has become a fan favorite and solidified his place as one of the biggest pop stars of his generation..
Reviews for "How Bruno Mars' 24K Magic Brought Retro Vibes Back to Pop Music"
1. John - 2/5
I was really disappointed with Bruno Mars' album "24k Magic". I was a big fan of his previous albums, but this one just fell flat for me. The songs all sounded very similar and there was a lack of diversity in the sound. It felt like I was listening to the same song on repeat for the entire album. Additionally, the lyrics were quite shallow and lacked depth. Overall, I was left wanting more from this album and it didn't live up to my expectations.
2. Emily - 3/5
While there were a few standout tracks on Bruno Mars' album "24k Magic", I found the majority of the songs to be repetitive and predictable. The production was well-done, but the lyrics and melodies lacked originality. It felt like Bruno was trying to recreate the success of his previous hits, rather than taking risks and exploring new sounds. I appreciate his talent and energy, but this album just didn't resonate with me as much as I had hoped.
3. David - 2/5
I found Bruno Mars' album "24k Magic" to be quite forgettable. The songs all blended together and there weren't any memorable hooks or choruses. It felt like Bruno was playing it safe with this album and didn't take any risks. As a result, it ended up sounding generic and uninspired. I was hoping for something fresh and exciting from Bruno, but I didn't find it in this album. Overall, "24k Magic" was a disappointment for me.