It's like a 1987 house party but with a 2016 production budget.
Unapologetic, high-rolling confidence paired with smooth, late-night romanticism.
Released in 2016, 24K Magic represents Bruno Mars' full immersion into 1980s and early 90s R&B, funk, and New Jack Swing. Moving away from his previous production team, The Smeezingtons, Mars collaborated with Shampoo Press & Curl and The Stereotypes to create a sonically cohesive tribute to his influences, specifically Teddy Riley, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, and James Brown. Despite its short nine-track runtime, the album achieved massive commercial success and swept the 60th Grammy Awards, winning Album of the Year. Critics noted the album's incredible attention to detail, from the specific synth patches used to the period-accurate vocal arrangements. It solidified Mars not just as a pop star, but as a premier curator of Black American musical traditions, successfully translating the swagger of the Reagan era into a 21st-century context.
Put this on for
Champagne bottle popping while the city lights blur outsideMirror-check confidence boost before the car arrivesSlow-dancing in a living room lit only by candlesWindows down on a humid night with the bass turned upFriday night outfit selection with a drink in handSunrise drive home after a night that went perfectlyKitchen dance-off while the dinner party winds down
Moments worth waiting for
The explosive talkbox opening of the title track that immediately sets the vintage tone.
The James Brown-inspired rhythmic breakdown and 'big hair' commands in Perm.
The shimmering, DX7-style synth pads that introduce the slow-jam balladry of Versace on the Floor.
Sounds like
2016s production with a 1980s soul
Sits beside
Control - Janet Jackson, Don't Be Cruel - Bobby Brown, Off the Wall - Michael Jackson, Hearsay - Alexander O'Neal
Lyrical territory
love_romantic, party_celebration, nostalgia
03Deviation
24K Magic · vs · Bruno Mars
Artist
This Album
Urban_night
Atmosphere · ↑ +8% more than usual
On this album, urban_night sits about 8% more prominent than across the rest of the artist's catalogue.
