Bruno Mars was one of the biggest new artists following the release of his debut albumĀ Doo-Wops & HooligansĀ in 2010. The album sold over 1.2 million copies in the UK and scored three number one singles;Ā Just The Way You Are,Ā GrenadeĀ andĀ The Lazy Song. Since then Bruno has been touring and writing and recording his follow-up album.Unorthodox JukeboxĀ is the end result and itās already shot to number one in the UK following the success of lead singleĀ Locked Out Of Heaven.
Unorthodox JukeboxĀ was always going to have a tough time trying to matchĀ Doo-Wops & HooligansĀ and unfortunately it falls slightly short. Whereas Marsā first album was packed with instant hits and obvious singles,Unorthodox JukeboxĀ isnāt. The Police-esque lead singleĀ Locked Out Of HeavenĀ is the most obvious single here, which would explain why it led the project, but across the album nothing else screams out as a potential hit.
The album opens with the unfortunately namedĀ Young GirlsĀ (seriously weād stay away from titles like that in the current climate) and sets a low-key tone for the record. The tempo rarely rises above mid and the uptempo gems that littered Marsā debut are nowhere to be seen here.Ā TreasureĀ is the only real uptempo number mixing slinky 70s beats with Marsā distinctive vocal.
Show MeĀ is a sun-drenched mid-tempo reggae-influenced track that is a little different for Mars,Ā When I Was Your ManĀ is a heart-on-your-sleeve piano ballad andĀ MoonshineĀ enlists Mark Ronson for an 80s sounding cut.Ā The best track on the record is the slow-buildingĀ GorillaĀ as it showcases Marsā vocals the best and the beat is infectious. We wouldnāt say it came anywhere close toĀ GrenadeĀ though.
We love Bruno Mars and whilst the quality of the music is high thereās something missing for us onĀ Unorthodox Jukebox. We donāt want to listen to an entire album of ballads and the personality that shone through onĀ Doo-Wops & HooligansĀ is oddly missing here. Weāre sure the album is a grower but after living with it for a couple of weeks our opinion hasnāt passed the average mark.