The Soulfulness of 24K Magic

By Ryaen Johnson

24K Magic. Bruno Mars. Atlantic Records. November 18, 2016. R&B. $11.88

24K Magic was released at the end of 2016 but still is doing very well on the Billboard Charts. The album has held a number one spot on the R&B Billboard charts on more than two occasions. Not only have people fell in love with the album of 24k Magic but have fallen in love with the sound of Bruno Mars. Bruno Mars is known for his funk and soul being heard throughout his pieces, and 24K Magic definitely keeps it soulfully funk. 24K Magic can practically be heard on any and all radio stations throughout the United States as the go-to dance and soul album. However, adults aren’t the only people enjoying the top hits of the album; many children can be found singing and dancing along to songs on the album. 24K Magic is definitely an album to be purchased for a little new school and old school flavor.

Bruno Mars’ 24K Magic album incorporates a variety of different genres throughout the album. Although there are so many different influences on the album, the main genre is contemporary r&b. The album is full of smooth and rhythmic themed songs that are perfect to dance to, sing along to, and that can be related to people’s love life. The majority of the album is almost like travelling back to the 90’s, when music was filled with passion and deep emotions. On Bruno Mars’ 24K Magic, he can be heard pouring his heart out in his vocals and relating to the lyrics that he’s singing. Especially in songs like “Calling

All My Lovelies,” “Too Good to Say Goodbye” and “Finesse.” In these songs, Bruno Mars paints a picture in the audience’s heads and allows them to feel his connection with the song. It’s as if he’s telling his own love story through his music. But these are not some sad love songs that are typically played today. Bruno Mars talks about hanging out and partying with ladies and how the lady he parties with is the girl for him. He is able to express his love for one particular woman that will not give him the attention he wants in another song. Then, in a totally different song, is he able to share his desires to enjoy spending a night with his companion. The theme centered around 24K Magic is love, fun, and enjoying things to the fullest.

24K Magic has a very similar sound to Bruno Mars’ only other album, Unorthodox Jukebox. Nonetheless, there are certainly some differences. Unorthodox Jukebox integrated a more upbeat tempo throughout the album and included connections with pop, rock, and reggae. 24K Magic has more influences from 90’s artists like Boys II Men and Bobby Brown, and it’s quite evident that these artists were in his thoughts for 24K Magic. The sound of the 24K Magic is like going into a time machine because Bruno Mars wanted to have the music be about songs he remembered hearing growing up. Even though these two albums have two different blueprints in the final project, they still have the elements that make Bruno Mars so special. Bruno Mars’ voice is what makes his music so unique and different compared to any other artist. He is not afraid to take risks and try different styles and make them is own. Having albums with different genre focuses also shows his creative as well as his ability to reach an array of different people. Bruno Mars’ talent to incorporate a variety of different sounds is really why people appreciate his music so much. Also, the fact that people can relate his music to their own life experiences, that’s always a plus.

I’m personally a big fan of 24K Magic because of his desire to travel back into time. My music selection is full of 90’s r&b. The 90’s is my favorite decade for music; the music is just so pure and genuine as well as emotional. Bruno Mars’ project fits perfectly into the category of real awesome music. There’s not a song on the album that I just truly dislike but if I must choose a song that the album could have done without, it would definitely be “Perm.” The song “Perm” is just a like too funky for my liking, not only because of some of the disco influence and slang. But also, the overall style of the song.

I also have a few favorites such as “That’s What I like,” “24K Magic,” and “Straight Up & Down.” When all three of these songs come on, the only thing I’m doing is singing and showing off my dance moves. The songs just truly move me in the right direction and due to these things, Bruno Mars has shown that he is an artist that can compete with anyone. 24K Magic is absolutely an excellent buy for a variety of people due to the creativity incorporated.