Bruno Mars – Unorthodox Jukebox – CD

CLEAN. 2012 sophomore album from the singer, songwriter and international superstar. The album includes production from Mark Ronson, Jeff Bhasker, Emile Haynie, Diplo and Supa Dups, as well as the Smeezingtons, Mars’ three-man songwriting and production team. He notes that the album is more musically varied and refuses to "pick a lane". "Locked Out of Heaven" was released as the lead single from the album. It has been described as having strong influences of New Wave, with striking resemblances to "Message in a Bottle" and "Roxanne" by the Police, the Romantics’ "Talking in Your Sleep", and even Michael Jackson’s "Beat It", while some have mildly referenced it to the Outfield’s "Your Love".

Album Tracks

1. Young Girls
2. Locked Out of Heaven
3. Gorilla
4. Treasure
5. Moonshine
6. When I Was Your Man
7. Natalie
8. Show Me
9. Money Make Her Smile
10. If I KnewBruno Mars’ debut album, Doo-Wops & Hooligans, made the talented singer/writer/producer into a star, racking up hit singles and becoming something of a romantic icon. His second album, Unorthodox Jukebox, hints at a turbulent love life, but many of the songs retain the easygoing charm of Doo-Wops, especially the lilting reggae come-on "Show Me" and the MJ-inspired disco jam "Treasure." At his best, like on the single "Locked Out of Heaven," which sounds like a breezy mashup of "Beat It," the Police, and Dire Straits, Mars’ light vocal delivery and way with a hook are quite appealing, and thanks to production help from heavy-hitters like Mark Ronson, Diplo, Emile Haynie, and his own crew, the Smeezingtons, the album sound is clean and punchy. ~ Tim Sendra, Rovi