Bruno Mars ‘24K Magic’ Review: 6 Best Songs From Mars’ New Album

Bruno Mars is back with his third studio album, “24K Magic.” Two years after teaming up with Mark Ronson on “Uptown Funk,” it appears that Mars took some notes from Ronson and returned with an album reminiscent of the “Uptown Funk” sound.

With what is easily his best album, Mars and his production team, Shampoo Press & Curl, deliver music that mixes funk, ‘80s R&B and new jack swing. At just nine songs long, “24K Magic” is a short album — 33 minutes long — but in that half hour, Mars touches on various styles of music and doesn’t fall back on his ballads like previous albums.

Bruno Mars and his team of musicians find a good balance of dance and R&B songs while never letting the album become a bore. Check out the six best tracks from the album below:

1. “Finesse”

If Bruno Mars sounded like he was bragging on “24K Magic,” than “Finesse” takes it another level. “We out here drippin’ in finesse,” Mars sings during the chorus, while one of his backup singers sings, “Yeah we got it goin’ on, got it goin’ on / Don’t it feel so good to be us,” over a new jack swing beat that sounds like it could have been produced by Teddy Riley.

2. “Perm”

The singer may want the women to “throw some perm” on their attitude and “relax,” but “Perm” is anything but relaxed. The most upbeat song on the album, “Perm” is full of horns, whistles, screams and drum break that could have come from a James Brown and the J.B.’s concert.

3. “24K Magic”

The lead single, “24K Magic,” sets the tone for the rest of the album and shows listeners that they’re in for an ‘80s and ‘90s-inspired album. Complete with a talkbox, the song instantly takes fans to a different era.

4. “Calling All My Lovelies”

It’s not just dance tracks that steal the spotlight on “24K Magic”; some of Mars’ slower songs also standout. One of the best ballads is the early ‘90s-sounding “Calling All My Lovelies,” which reminds listeners that Mars is also a good singer.

5. “Too Good To Say Goodbye”

“You’re more than my girl, you’re my best friend,” Mars sings on the album’s closer, “Too Good To Say Goodbye.” The plea for a significant other to not give up on a relationship once again showcases Mars’ excellent vocals.

6. “Chunky”

While not as catchy as “24K Magic” or “Finesse,” “Chunky” is full of memorable lyrics and could easily be the album’s next hit single.

“24K Magic” is available in stores now and is streaming on Apple Music, Spotify and more.