Bruno Mars Strikes Gold With Funk-Ridden ‘24K Magic’

Stephanie Hernandez

Since his debut, it’s been apparent that Bruno Mars is an enduring soul music star with the same worldwide appeal of Michael Jackson. His third full-length record, “24K Magic,” sounds like Bruno has carved an even deeper groove. The 9-track follow-up to 2012’s “Unorthodox Jukebox” is laden with unrelenting bass-lines, old school rhythm and Mars’ signature voice and lyrical flair. Mars continues to modernize a lost era of music with new school attitude.

The nine-song track list comes in at just over 33 minutes, making this a quick but nonetheless intoxicating listen. Opening with the lead single and title track, “24K Magic” sets the scene with nineties throwback, gold-dusted grooves and solid bouncing beats; its provocative and funky swagger pull you right in. The tracks are filled with spry genre-defying pop that knows exactly when to speed up and when to slow down. From the soulful synths of “Chunky” to the James Brown-esque “Perm” and the slow-jam Prince-style flourishes on “Versace On the Floor” (one of his best ballads to date), Mars is not shy about paying his respects to the past. You can also hear the influence of artists such as 2Pac and Michael Jackson throughout the record, but the music still sounds authentically Bruno Mars. His genuine love and technical understanding for the music of the past shines through; this throwback pop and soul sounds effortless.

Like Mars’ previous hits, “24K Magic” benefits from his attention to detail and focused finesse. In the age of auto-tune and lip-syncing, Bruno Mars stands out as a performer who would never need to fake it – his vocal chops and creative energy is indisputable on these candid and catchy tracks. But perhaps what makes him and his music so likable is the pure joy you can hear emanating through the speakers. “24K Magic” is a call to the dance floor, and it’s got the stuff that guarantees people will actually get up and start moving.

“24K Magic” is available on Apple Music Nov. 18. Bruno Mars announced has his “24k Magic Tour” Nov. 14. More info here.