Bruno Mars Unveils ‘The Romantic,’ His First Solo Album in a Decade

LOS ANGELES (Azat TV) – Global superstar Bruno Mars officially released his highly anticipated fourth solo album, ‘The Romantic,’ on Friday, February 27, 2026, ending a decade-long wait for new solo material from the Grammy-winning artist. The nine-track collection, available via Atlantic Records, immediately captivated critics and fans alike with its lush, ’70s-inspired soul and R&B sound, further cementing Mars’ reputation as a master of throwback musicality.

A Decade of Anticipation for Bruno Mars’ ‘The Romantic’

The release of ‘The Romantic’ marks Mars’ first solo album since his critically acclaimed and multi-Grammy-winning ’24k Magic’ in 2016. While he collaborated with Anderson .Paak as Silk Sonic for the chart-topping ‘An Evening With Silk Sonic’ in 2021, fans have eagerly awaited a full-length solo project. The album’s arrival wraps up Valentine’s Month with a collection of love songs that pay homage to ’70s and ’80s predecessors, primarily focusing on the ’70s era, according to Billboard. The anticipation was palpable, with the lead single, ‘I Just Might,’ already debuting as a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 before the album’s official release.

Mars confirmed the album’s completion in early January on X (formerly Twitter), unveiling the title, release date, and cover art shortly after. The album features additional songwriting contributions from James Fauntleroy, Brody Brown, and Philip Lawrence, with Mars himself co-producing the entire record alongside R&B’s acclaimed D’Mile, as reported by Rated R&B.

‘The Romantic’s Retro Sound and Standout Tracks

‘The Romantic’ is hailed as Mars’ most straightforward throwback effort to date, meticulously crafted with loving, full-throated tributes to Philly soul and quiet storm, infused with elements of Latin rock. Reviewers noted that some tracks lift specific vibes from classics by beloved artists like The O’Jays, Curtis Mayfield, and Santana, while others internalize their lessons for Mars’ unique submissions to the genre’s canon. Soul in Stereo praised the album’s blend of funk, classic soul, and hints of hip-hop, all energized by Mars’ magnetic charisma.

The album’s nine tracks offer a cohesive yet diverse exploration of romantic themes:

• ‘Cha Cha Cha’ is ranked #1 by Billboard and highlighted for its Latin flavor, blending ballroom elegance with an interpolation of Juvenile’s ‘Slow Motion.’ It draws musical inspiration from the lush, ominous Philly soul of The O’Jays’ ‘Back Stabbers.’
• ‘I Just Might,’ the album’s third track, delivers immediate satisfaction with its infectious guitar chops and sashaying hi-hats, building on its earlier chart success.
• ‘Something Serious’ mixes slithering grooves reminiscent of War’s ‘Low Rider’ and Santana’s ‘Oye Como Va,’ showcasing a smart and fun new strain of throwback for Mars.
• ‘On My Soul’ presents Mars’ take on Curtis Mayfield’s ‘Move on Up,’ nailing the details with racing drums, backing bongos, tension-building guitars, and righteous horns.
• ‘Risk It All,’ the album opener, features near-mariachi trumpet and balladic strings, described as Mars’ most tender and dramatic love song to date.
• ‘Why You Wanna Fight,’ a track that Soul in Stereo calls the album’s ‘brightest gem,’ is a plea for reconciliation, musically echoing the ‘Leave the Door Open’ vibe with its distinctive guitar work and xylophone melody. It revives the ‘Rhythm & BEGGIN’ subgenre, a staple of ’70s and ’90s soul.
• ‘Dance With Me’ closes the album on a pleasant note, leaning into Mars’ earlier Doo-Wops influences with sweet harmonies and urgent lyrics.
• ‘God Was Showing Off’ features a dreamy, two-chord groove and clever lines, though some critics suggested it could have benefited from more funk.
• ‘Nothing Left’ stands out as a rare breakup song on the album, effective but somewhat nondescript by Mars’ usual standards.

Production Brilliance and Global Tour for Bruno Mars

Despite its concise runtime of barely 30 minutes, ‘The Romantic’ is described as a seamless, streamlined release that feels fulfilling without overstaying its welcome, thanks to its robust production and stirring performances. Soul in Stereo awarded the album 4 out of 5 stars, noting that Bruno isn’t afraid to pick up the pace on the latter half of the album, showing subtle tweaks in his sonic game.

Following the album’s release, Bruno Mars is set to embark on ‘The Romantic Tour,’ his first global stadium tour. The tour will kick off on April 10 in Las Vegas and will span 70 shows across North America, Europe, and the U.K. through the fall. Mars will be joined by Anderson .Paak and DJ Pee .Wee as special guests, with Victoria Monét, Leon Thomas, and RAYE providing support in select cities, according to Rated R&B.

‘The Romantic’ reinforces Bruno Mars’ artistic identity as a modern interpreter of classic sounds, demonstrating his ability to craft contemporary hits while honoring the rich heritage of soul and R&B. The album’s focused thematic and sonic approach, coupled with its immediate commercial and critical success, positions Mars not just as a nostalgic act, but as a dynamic force continually shaping the landscape of popular music.