Album- Unorthodox
Jukebox
Artist- Bruno Mars
Track 1- Young Girls
The opening track is a mid tempo pop ballad that showcases
what Mars is all about in terms of his powerful vocal performance that is
layered with the same emotion that was found in his debut single Just the Way
You Are. And the “you” repetition and lyrical stress on the vowel sounds of the
word really give a sweetness to the song. But this track definitely presents a
change in sound for Mars in terms of experimentation, with the track sounding
refreshing orchestral arranged, creating a powerful sound that will easily
capture the listener. And though the lyrics aren’t as emotionally invested as
some of his work the overall sentiment of the track is really encapsulated
within a few lines and so hits the listener full force. A good solid opener.
3.5/5
Track 2- Locked Out
of Heaven
Many people have noticed the similarities between this song
and some music by the Police. Even if there are similarities, the dude is
simply showing his musical interests and expressing how other artists inspire
him. And you just can’t deny the power of this up tempo number that powerfully
diverts from the balladry of the first single off his last record, emphasising
that he has evolved as an artist. The production features a reggae rock style
sound with a propulsive beat that gives the track a great vitality, and this
vitality is also brought out by the powerful lyrical metaphors Mars employs,
speaking of how he loves his lover so much that now he feels that he was “locked
out of heaven before he met her”. And the funky vocal delivery with the
powerful sing along chorus that highlights how he will always be remembered for
his balladry but can still get the party started no matter what is just totally
irresistible. A great example of how music of the past really allows for great
new music in the present.
4.5/5
Track 3- Gorilla
This slow burning, RnB tinged number has been describe by
Mars as being about “good old animalistic sex”. And just one listen of this song’s
lyrics definitely shows this, with Mars evoking a really sultry feel to the
track and probably making many of his fans fall weak at the knees, especially
when he starts to perform this live. And the vocal also really has a nice slow
feel that has a great sexual appeal, with the power of his voice shown in the
final chorus showing how he’s all about the big finish.
3/5
Track 4- Treasure
The beginning of this track definitely shows that Mars has
embraced a bolder and perhaps more feistier side on this record, even it is in
the form of a Stephen Hawking esque introduction. But aside from the
introduction this track is a disco floor fuelled nostalgic number that sees
Mars employing his usual charismatic persona and speaking about how his girl is
his treasure. The chorus is slick and simple with a nice hook, although the
overall lyrics just tread the line of being bland cliché. But the groovy funk
of the track brought out by the dance floor disco beats and the fast paced,
slick vocal makes for a smooth track that is a really nice listen, and the auto
tune moments just have that modern edge that really makes the track feel very
2012 but old school simultaneously.
3.5/5
Track 5- Moonshine
This power op track is a mid tempo disco number that evokes
an epic, nostalgic feeling and has that Michael Jackson esque swag to it. The
clunky guitars within the song and the moody chord progression gives a
bittersweet but at the same time happily reminiscing quality to the track. And
whilsy vocally it’s a little bit flatter than some of the songs on the record,
the metaphorical idea that permeates the track is a resonating one that invokes
a sense of nostalgia within the listener and almost asks us what our moment of
moonshine was.
3/5
Track 6- When I Was
Your Man
The most delicate track on the record is a soul piano ballad
is a song all about heartbreak and hoping that a girl Mars once had is getting
the love that he didn’t show her. Whilst vocally it shows of Mars to his best
and it’s very heavily emotionally invested, for me I just felt that this song was
a little too readily available in Mars wheelhouse, and so didn’t have the spark
of some of his previous tracks. However, in saying that I did find the song
compelling in terms of the simplicity of the production, which is mere piano
production.
3.5/5
Track 7- Natalie
This track transitions the album into a more up tempo sound
from the balladry of the track and is intriguing in that it has that dangerous feel
and storytelling lyrical quality, with Mars describing a girl called Natalie
and the trouble she causes. The lyrics are great in terms of subtle verses
against the powerfully structured, aggressive chorus. And with his vocal
performance Mars really plays the lovelorn fool character, with the final
section of the track striking a good balance between vulnerability and
aggressiveness towards this woman who has wronged him. And the steady hand
clapping beats give a nice moody groove to the track that elevates the concept behind
the song, with the “mmmm” ad libs being nice, cool tone giving moments in the
track that really shows how Mars creates tracks that are subtly great as well
as in your face great.
4/5
Track 8- Show Me
This light and holiday/summer ready track is a highly reggae
influenced song that conjures up memories of Bob Marley in his prime and shows
us again the way Mars is inspired by music. The lyrics have that reggae
ideology to them and are light and breezy, and the vocals really give that sexy
appeal and island tone that many will find appealing. Besides from the siren
noises in the final verses the track is stereotypically produced in terms of
the reggae style and so perhaps is a little less exciting than it could have
been, but if its nostalgia your after then listen to this song.
Track 9- Money Make
Her Smile
The chorus of voices that open this track and are found
throughout the song give a powerful feeling to the song. And this power is
definitely seen in terms of the production of the tracks, with string synth and
drum beats and cool, interesting ad libs in terms of the “give them what you’ve
got” motif. The production nicely contrasts with the last track in that whereas
that track was quite nostalgic this has much more of a modern feel. However
whilst the production is grand and interesting, particularly in terms of the
breakdown into the final chorus, the lyrics about the power of money on a girl
and the vocal performance lacks a little passion and so becomes just that bit
overshadowed.
3/5
Track 10- If I Knew
The final track is a closing bluesy number that is a slow,
short ballad featuring a grand, band and naturally driven production. The
lyrics are a bit clichéd but in terms of the vocal performance Mars does invoke
that sense of him truly pleading, and so as an album end it’s good and means
the record isn’t dragged on.
3/5
Final Review
This album definitely sees Mars reinventing himself
musically and showing that he is an artist here to stay as he will evolve
through his stellar song writing and all-round craftsmanship, his dipping into
music that inspires him, and just a great passion for what he does. A great if
superior second album.
8/10
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