24k Magic Album Review (track by track)
On November 18th Bruno Mars released his long anticipated third album titled 24k Magic. The album seems to be heavily influenced by Michael Jackson, the Jackson 5, and a good old 90’s into very early 2000s Hip Hop/R&B vibe. Just a few days ago Bruno was able to celebrate holding the number 1 spot on iTunes for Songs, Album, and Music Video.
Just below are my initial reactions and descriptions of each track
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24k Magic- The lead single and album name sake. A chart topper with a fun eclectic sound
Chunky- A call out to a girl with a particular style to get down with. Has an early 2000s funk and R&B vibe. Really good vibe song to ride with in the car.
Perm – It sounds like an old school James Brown song. Lyrically hilarious it seems he’s having a conversation with his background singers. There's a marching band-like sound with the whistle that occurs during the bridge.
That’s what I like- An early 2000s hip-hop and R&B mash up . Gives different situations and scenarios that he imagines to be lavish and enjoy; trying to impress a girl. Simple lyrics with a catchy hook. Gave mars a chance to demonstrate true vocal ability and range in ending.
Versace On the Floor- Sounds a lot like a Michael Jackson ballad. It builds to a slow beat hook. Describes the steps of hooking up with his girl with a very romantic feel. There’s a mix of old or Bruno we thought we knew with his new old school modernized sound
Straight Up & Down – A cool 90s R&B and Hip Hop fusion soul jam. Another song celebrating and serenading a special lady. Interesting barbershop quartet or boys to men like sound harmonizing in the background.
Calling All My Lovelies- 90s soul Hip Hop vibe all the way! I felt like I was waiting for the Notorious BIG to jump on the track. Iconic and uncomfortable 90s deep voice in the background. Telling a girl since she isn’t picking up the phone for him now he has to get with all his other flunkies lined up. Most epic part, he’s leaving a voice mail message for Halle Berry. Bruno has good connections and good taste.
Finesse- 90s hip hop bounce a relevant comparison would be the Martin theme song mixed with a bit of kid and play with a feature for a nostalgic sounding rap. A short and sweet song that has a good time
Too Good To Say Goodbye- ballad on a fallen relationship (there’s the Bruno we’re used to) sounds super similar to never can say goodbye girl by the Jackson 5
Review: His song titles flow into each other rather well it kind of tells a short anecdote. Overall it's a very whole album with very few to no songs I didn't enjoy. While it sounds very nice and has multiple songs you can ride along with in a car, it'll be interesting to see what is released as a single next and which songs are up for awards in the coming months.