Bruno Mars Returns After Decade

His last solo project, "24K Magic," was released in November 2016 and debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 with 231,000 album-equivalent units sold in its first week. The album, a blend of R&B, funk, and new jack swing, went on to win six Grammy Awards, including the coveted Album of the Year. In the intervening years, Mars formed the supergroup Silk Sonic with Anderson .Paak. Their 2021 album, "An Evening with Silk Sonic," was a tribute to '70s soul and funk that debuted at number two on the Billboard 200. Its lead single, "Leave the Door Open," won four Grammys, including Record and Song of the Year. Mars also remained a chart presence through a series of high-profile collaborations. He teamed up with Lady Gaga for the 2024 soft-rock duet "Die With a Smile" and achieved global success with "APT.," a 2025 collaboration with Rosé of Blackpink. "The Romantic" sees Mars working extensively with producer D'Mile, who was also a key architect of the Silk Sonic album. The nine-track, 31-minute album explores a "soft soul" sound and incorporates Latin influences, including mariachi horns on the ballad "Risk It All." The lead single, "I Just Might," debuted atop the Billboard Hot 100 but has been described by critics as not fully representative of the album's more laid-back, romantic tone. Critical reception for "The Romantic" has been generally favorable, with many reviews praising Mars's vocal performances. However, some critics have been divided on the musical style, with some calling it unoriginal and a "glaring self-parody" that relies on imitating classics. In support of the new album, Mars has announced The Romantic Tour, a 71-show concert series scheduled to run from April to October 2026 across North America and Europe.