Bruno Mars – Unorthodox Jukebox (14/03/2013)
Producer, songwriter and singer, Bruno Mars had showcased his talent in his widely acclaimed first album Doo-Wops & Hooligans. Born Peter Hernandez, Billboard Magazine even went as far as to label him the ‘quadruple threat’, writing not only his songs but also for the likes of ‘Cee-lo Green, B.O.B, Mike Posner and Far East Movement.’ So of course with his follow-up album Unorthodox Jukebox, the talent that was poured into Doo-Wops & Hooligans was not spared.
Upon its release, Unorthodox Jukebox went on to sell 192,000 copies in its first week. Of course, this was no surprise for the Pop and RnB album as the elements of rock, soul and reggae are heavily infused in each respective song. ‘Locked Out of Heaven’, the second song out of the album flaunts its use of the Reggae genre, borrowing the usage of booming synthesizers and a catchy chorus makes Locked Out of Heaven easily the stand song of the entire album.
If you ever listened to Phoenix’s classic song ‘If You Ever Feel Better’ then you will probably have a surge of nostalgia upon hearing ‘Treasure’. Carrying a 70s disco theme, the vocals of his back-up singers creates the feeling of a Saturday Night Fever vibe accompanying Mar’s savvy yet subtle sexual undertones.
‘When I Was Your Man’ chronicles the breakdown of one Mar’s pre-famed relationship. Thrown in with a strong accompanying piano duet, When I Was Your Man quickly becomes a ballad of heartbreak.
With only 10 songs and 35 minutes of song-time together Mar’s second album illuminates his ability to produce a high-standard album upon the merits of his skill-set. Each song lists an inspiration of lost and gains, allowing the listener more depth into his world of heartbreak and joy.
Jason Cheung
Upon its release, Unorthodox Jukebox went on to sell 192,000 copies in its first week. Of course, this was no surprise for the Pop and RnB album as the elements of rock, soul and reggae are heavily infused in each respective song. ‘Locked Out of Heaven’, the second song out of the album flaunts its use of the Reggae genre, borrowing the usage of booming synthesizers and a catchy chorus makes Locked Out of Heaven easily the stand song of the entire album.
If you ever listened to Phoenix’s classic song ‘If You Ever Feel Better’ then you will probably have a surge of nostalgia upon hearing ‘Treasure’. Carrying a 70s disco theme, the vocals of his back-up singers creates the feeling of a Saturday Night Fever vibe accompanying Mar’s savvy yet subtle sexual undertones.
‘When I Was Your Man’ chronicles the breakdown of one Mar’s pre-famed relationship. Thrown in with a strong accompanying piano duet, When I Was Your Man quickly becomes a ballad of heartbreak.
With only 10 songs and 35 minutes of song-time together Mar’s second album illuminates his ability to produce a high-standard album upon the merits of his skill-set. Each song lists an inspiration of lost and gains, allowing the listener more depth into his world of heartbreak and joy.
Jason Cheung