Bruno Mars' 'The Romantic': Disco Never Happened

Bruno Mars has released "The Romantic," his first solo album in ten years, which heavily leans into 1970s soul balladry, notably omitting any disco influence. This stylistic choice positions the album as a spiritual successor to his collaboration with Anderson .Paak on "An Evening With Silk Sonic." While the album showcases Mars' vocal capabilities and the meticulous craft of his production team, critics observe a notable lack of personal connection in the lyrics, which rely on common clichés.

The collection features a range of throwback sounds, from slow-dancing anthems to tempos reminiscent of The O'Jays, with not a hint of modern production. Early tracks incorporate subtle Latin influences, including mariachi horns and rhythms inspired by Chicano rock, though these elements are not consistently present throughout the nine-song project. Despite its considerable musical artistry and its appeal to nostalgists, "The Romantic" is described as a well-executed stunt, potentially more enjoyable as background ambiance than a groundbreaking artistic endeavor.