By Andrew Ho
Almost two years after its release, Bruno Mars’ 24K Magic still remains
an album I revisit time and time again. And this is coming from someone who has actively muted his music since the release of Doo-Wops & Hooligans, his first studio release. Nonetheless, I undoubtedly recognize that Mars is unique for a pop star: his ability to ‘remix’ once outdated hits and climb back onto the top of the billboard charts is bar none.
Upon discovering 24K Magic, Mars’ eye catching cover shot immediately caught my attention. I thought I was looking at Big Daddy Kane or Heavy D's comeback album — it seemed as if New Jack Swing is back in style again. Sitting confidently in his chino shorts and fancy white dress shoes, the style Mars rocks looks both in and out of style; an excellent precursor to the album, as 24K Magic is reminiscent of the late 80's. Even his demeanour evokes a complexion of the 80’s, and I was convinced that this time, Mars' glitz and glamour would unmistakably shine through 24K Magic - and you hear this right from the get go. Lush synths, full brass sections, and an impeccable level of detail can be heard from the first track to the last. Mars’ production team, the very same who’ve helped send him to stardom has been revamped and renamed to further materialize his concept into his work.
The title track, 24K Magic, is a flamboyant mix of disco, funk, and even trap. Laced with chimes, synth worms, and the flexatone, the instrumentation of each track is inherently nostalgic. In fact, approximately 12 minutes into the album is where the meat of his work really starts to show and the 808s and analog synths start to come out. Versace on the Floor and Straight Up and Down captures the ambiance of a late night party, where the New Jack Swing groove bounces and forces one to dance, or at least to sway their hips. This is also where his style starts to become much more coherent, and the work starts to sound more timeless and less like the Top 40’s Bruno Mars.
Albeit garnering negative response from critics, the overall presentation and execution of 24K Magic is nothing short of spectacular. Where Mars lacks in ‘hook writing’, he makes up for in his vision, concept, execution, consistency, and most importantly, the sheer effort he and his production crew has put into the work. And for having put out an anxiously short album, 24K Magic has still managed to earn the title of Album of the Year of 2018, ousting the works of other industry giants like Jay Z, Kendrick Lamar, and Lorde — a title well deserved.
