Bruno Mars has always been known for his energetic, throwback pop. And like his past two albums, he hit the target dead-center. Unlike most artists these days, Mars stuck with what he knows and is undeniably good at gettin’ funky. Artists like Frank Ocean or Kendrick Lamar tend to take a more abstract route. But Mars knows how to make his fans happy with his snazzy tunes.

Mars starts his album strong with his dance-worthy song, “24k Magic.” Easily singable and upbeat as always, it will go down as a highlight song in the pop genre for 2016. “This is what I like” is yet another song that will swoop up listeners from the lowest mood to the highest. “Calming All my Lovelies” has the change in the name. It rightfully slows the album down. It’s a nice juxtaposition that allows the listener to take a quick break before getting back in that all too familiar Mars dancing mood. Last but not least, “Chunky” is an attempt to replicate his huge hit “Uptown Funk,” but it doesn’t quite live up to those high expectations. It is still a song that would give a person a swagger walking down the street. There’s just one thorn in the side of an otherwise very groovy album. That is “Perm.” “Perm” just doesn’t have the normal Mars funk and contains an odd sounding combination of beats and rhythm that don’t quite match.

Mars managed to do something most artists can’t do these days, stick to his quality and provide a steady stream of quality albums. The four-year wait was definitely worth it for the fans, and for all the people finding them self on a dance floor in the near future where “24k Magic” will likely be playing.

Rating:

⭐⭐⭐⭐∙

4 out of 5 stars

24k Magic can be purchased at any major media outlet.