Today brought a much-needed light and airy album, “Unorthodox Jukebox”, the second album from Bruno Mars. I have said it many times before, but sometimes there is just no substitute for fun, catchy, pop songs with alluring hooks, and that is exactly what this album delivers. I consider Bruno Mars to be one of the premier performers of the past ten years, and his run of success really accelerated with this album.
In total, there were five singles released from this album. Two of them were major hits that I instantly recognized, “Locked out of Heaven” and the lamenting love lost ballad, “When I Was Your Man”. Those are great songs indeed, but as I always hope for, some of my favorites turned out to be songs I didn’t recognize, even if they may be familiar to the more in-tune Bruno Mars fanbase.
My top pick is “Treasure”, which was released as a single to not quite the same degree of commercial success. This is just a perfect summertime hit, no matter what time of year you hear it, and I don’t know how anyone couldn’t love this song. My next favorite is the island-calypso-reggae feel of “Show Me”. This song is also a perfect soundtrack for a steamy hot beach day, and an instant add to my “Island” playlist.
“Young Girls” and “Gorilla” were also released singles, and equally easy on the ears. This album in total is just an absolutely ideal dose of simple pop magic, and Bruno and his songwriting team demonstrate notable prowess in creating these infectious tracks. In total, the album is only 35 minutes, but I highly recommend it as fantastic add to any gathering you are enjoying, even if it is a gathering of one.
A Lifetime-Plus of Music 