Content Guide
The Romantic Review: Look, I’m going to be completely honest with you. When Bruno Mars casually tweeted “my album is done” on January 5th, I nearly dropped my phone. After almost ten years of silence on the solo front, those four words hit differently. Sure, we got Silk Sonic with Anderson .Paak back in 2021, and yes, the man’s been absolutely dominating charts with features on “Die With a Smile” and “APT.,” but this? This is what we’ve been starving for since 24K Magic changed the game back in 2016.
The Romantic drops on February 27th, and while I haven’t heard the full nine track collection yet, everything I know about this album tells me we’re in for something special. The lead single “I Just Might” already gave us a taste, and honestly, it’s exactly what I needed in my life right now. But before we dive deep into what makes this album so anticipated, let me tell you why this moment feels so significant.
Quality Over Quantity Every Single Time (The Romantic Review)
Bruno Mars doesn’t drop albums like other artists. The man takes his sweet time, and maybe that’s exactly why his catalog hits different. Each project feels like a complete thought, a fully realized vision rather than just some songs thrown together to meet a release schedule. When you look at his discography, you’ve got Doo Wops & Hooligans from 2010, Unorthodox Jukebox from 2012, 24K Magic from 2016, and now The Romantic in 2026. That’s a lot of space between releases, but every single one has been a cultural moment.
The Dynamic Duo Returns (The Romantic Review)
The fact that he’s been working with Philip Lawrence again for this album makes perfect sense. These two have chemistry that goes way back to their Smeezingtons days. Lawrence has been there for literally every major Bruno Mars moment. When people talk about “Just the Way You Are,” “Grenade,” “Locked Out of Heaven,” “When I Was Your Man,” “Uptown Funk,” and “That’s What I Like,” they’re talking about songs that came from that Mars and Lawrence partnership. The guy isn’t just a collaborator, he’s basically Bruno’s musical soulmate. Industry chatter suggests there are no guest features on this album either, which is a bold move in 2026 when everyone and their mother is doing duets and remixes.
Breaking Down “I Just Might” (The Romantic Review)
Now let’s talk about “I Just Might,” because this song is doing exactly what it needs to do. From the second those bright guitar licks come in, you know you’re in Bruno Mars territory. The production is immaculate, courtesy of Mars and D’Mile (Dernst Emile II), with additional writing credits going to Lawrence and Christopher Brody Brown. The song lives in this beautiful space between disco pop and pop soul, with funk influences that feel both retro and completely current.
What strikes me most about “I Just Might” is how comfortable Bruno sounds. There’s no desperate attempt to chase whatever trend is dominating TikTok this week. Instead, he’s doing what he does best: crafting an infectious groove that makes you want to move. That buzzy bassline? Chef’s kiss. The brass section that punches in at just the right moments? Absolutely perfect. And those “doo doo doo” vocal hooks that some people complained about? I think they’re genius. They’re earworms, pure and simple, and they lodge themselves in your brain in the best possible way.
Why Safe Can Still Be Brilliant (The Romantic Review)
The comparisons to Leo Sayer’s 1976 hit “You Make Me Feel Like Dancing” are spot on, and honestly, that’s a compliment. Bruno has never hidden his love for mining the sounds of the past and reimagining them for modern audiences. Some critics called “I Just Might” safe, predictable even, but I think they’re missing the point. When you’ve got a formula this good, why mess with it? The song hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100, which made it his tenth chart topper, tying him with Drake, Michael Jackson, and Stevie Wonder. Not bad company to keep.
The DNA of a Timeless Sound (The Romantic Review)
What I appreciate about Bruno’s approach to music is how he honors his influences without becoming a simple tribute act. Growing up, he was influenced by a wild mix of sounds: R&B artists like Keith Sweat, Jodeci, and R. Kelly; 1950s rock and roll and Motown; classic rock groups like The Police, Led Zeppelin, and The Beatles; and icons like Michael Jackson, Prince, Little Richard, and Bob Marley. You can hear all of these influences swirling around in his music, but it never feels derivative. It feels like evolution.
Philip Lawrence once talked about how they approach writing and production, and it really sheds light on what makes their collaboration work. They don’t start with commercial goals or radio play in mind. They start with freestyle jams, just vibing out in the studio, letting the music flow naturally. Lawrence would freestyle while Bruno plays piano, or vice versa. That organic approach is why their songs feel so genuine, even when they’re polished to perfection.
Romance as a Central Theme (The Romantic Review)
The title “The Romantic” itself tells you everything you need to know about the album’s direction. This isn’t Bruno trying to be edgy or experimental. This is him leaning into his strengths as a lover of classic soul, as someone who knows how to write songs about romance that feel timeless. Look at his track record: “Just the Way You Are” became an anthem for couples everywhere. “Marry You” soundtracks weddings around the globe. “When I Was Your Man” still makes people cry. The man knows how to tap into universal emotions without being cheesy or over the top.
What to Expect Sonically (The Romantic Review)
Musically, I’m expecting The Romantic to pull from multiple eras while maintaining a cohesive sound. The disco pop elements we heard in “I Just Might” will probably appear throughout, but I wouldn’t be surprised if we get some slower, more intimate moments too. Bruno’s falsetto is one of his secret weapons, and I hope we get tracks that showcase his vocal range in different ways. One of the things that made 24K Magic so successful was its variety within a consistent aesthetic. You had party starters like “24K Magic” and “Chunky,” but you also had the smooth seduction of “Versace on the Floor.”
A Dream Team Behind the Boards (The Romantic Review)
The production team for this album is stacked. Besides D’Mile and Philip Lawrence, reports suggest Bruno worked with James Fauntleroy, Andrew Watt, and Andrew Wyatt. These aren’t just names on a credits list; these are hitmakers who understand how to craft songs that last. D’Mile alone has worked with everyone from Silk Sonic to Janet Jackson to Anderson .Paak. His production style is clean but warm, polished but never sterile. That’s exactly what Bruno needs.
Bringing Back the Listening Party Experience (The Romantic Review)
One of the interesting things about this album cycle is the rollout. Bruno announced that over 200 record stores across the United States, plus venues in Australia, Asia, Europe, and Latin America, will host listening parties on February 25th, two days before the official release. As someone who misses the communal experience of music, this move feels special. In an era where everything streams immediately and privately, there’s something beautiful about gathering with other fans to hear an album together for the first time.
The Vinyl Renaissance Continues (The Romantic Review)
The vinyl releases are also noteworthy. The Romantic will be available in three different vinyl variants, including a limited edition indie exclusive on red vinyl with an eight page lyric booklet. Bruno becoming the 2026 Record Store Day ambassador shows his commitment to physical music and the culture around it. It’s not just about selling units; it’s about preserving the ritual of buying music, of holding an album in your hands, of reading the liner notes while the record spins.
The Album Artist in a Singles World (The Romantic Review)
Let me talk about what I think sets Bruno apart from so many of his contemporaries. In an industry that often feels like it’s chasing viral moments and algorithm friendly snippets, Bruno makes albums. Full albums. Nine songs might seem short to some people, but I’d rather have nine excellent songs than sixteen songs with five skips. His albums are tight, focused, and remarkably free of filler. Every track serves a purpose. Every song earns its place.
How He Stayed Relevant During the Silence (The Romantic Review)
The decade between solo albums could have been career suicide for some artists, but Bruno used that time wisely. The Silk Sonic project with Anderson .Paak reminded everyone why we fell in love with his music in the first place. Those songs weren’t trying to compete with whatever was trending; they were creating their own lane, their own moment. “Leave the Door Open” swept the Grammys, winning Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best R&B Performance, and Best R&B Song. That’s validation that his approach works.
And then there were the collaborations. “Die With a Smile” with Lady Gaga became one of the biggest songs of 2025, spending five weeks at number one and becoming the fastest song to reach a billion Spotify streams. “APT.” with ROSÉ topped the year end Billboard Global 200 chart. “Fat Juicy & Wet” with Sexyy Red showed he could vibe with younger artists while still being himself. Each of these songs kept him in the cultural conversation while he worked on The Romantic in private.
The Complete Package Performer (The Romantic Review)
When you think about technical execution, Bruno is in a class of his own. His live performances are legendary for good reason. The man can sing, dance, play multiple instruments, and command a stage like few others can. His residency at Park MGM in Las Vegas between his studio albums proved he didn’t need new material to pack houses night after night. People just want to be in his presence, to experience his showmanship up close.
Tour Plans That Match the Hype (The Romantic Review)
The Romantic Tour that kicks off in April will be massive. Seventy one shows across North America, Europe, and the UK is no joke. Anderson .Paak will be there as DJ Pee .Wee, which makes sense given their chemistry. Opening acts include Victoria Monét, RAYE, and Leon Thomas, all of whom bring their own flavor of contemporary R&B and soul. The tour sold so well in pre sales that they had to add thirty two additional dates. That’s the kind of demand you can’t manufacture.
The Personal Yet Universal Approach (The Romantic Review)
From what I can gather, the album explores different facets of romance without getting too specific or personal. Bruno’s always been good at writing songs that feel personal but universal. You can insert your own story into his lyrics because he leaves just enough room for interpretation. The production will likely be immaculate, because that’s what this team does. Every drum hit, every bass note, every horn stab will be exactly where it needs to be.
Confidence in the Vision (The Romantic Review)
I think what excites me most about The Romantic is that it represents an artist completely confident in his vision. Bruno Mars doesn’t need to prove anything to anyone at this point. He’s sold over 130 million records worldwide. He’s won fifteen Grammy Awards. He’s had nine number one singles. He could have easily chased trends or tried to reinvent himself for a new generation, but instead he’s doubling down on what makes him special. That takes courage in this industry.
More Than Just Nostalgia (The Romantic Review)
The retro soul sound that defines his music isn’t just nostalgia bait. It’s a genuine love letter to the artists who came before him. When he channels Earth, Wind & Fire or Michael Jackson or Prince, he’s not copying them. He’s continuing their legacy, showing that great songwriting and production never goes out of style. Every generation needs artists who can take the best of the past and make it feel new again. Bruno does that better than almost anyone working today.
The Final Verdict (The Romantic Review)
As we count down the days until February 27th, I’m confident this album will be worth the wait. Nine songs might go by quickly, but if they’re as strong as “I Just Might,” we’ll be playing them on repeat for years to come. This is music for summer nights and wedding receptions and road trips with friends. This is music that makes you feel good, that reminds you why you fell in love with pop music in the first place.
The Romantic isn’t trying to change the world. It’s not a political statement or a genre busting experiment. It’s simply Bruno Mars doing what Bruno Mars does best: creating timeless music that makes people happy. And honestly? In 2026, we could all use a little more of that. Sometimes the bravest thing an artist can do is stay true to themselves, and that’s exactly what this album promises to deliver.
Listen To “The Romantic” By Bruno Mars (The Romantic Review)
You can listen here.
- The Romantic Review – Bruno Mars – Album Review - February 17, 2026
- Placebo Review | Villanelle | Single Review | 4/5 - February 13, 2026
- My Ego Told Me To Review – Leigh-Anne – Album Review - February 11, 2026
