Bruno Mars announces his return with new album ‘The Romantic’
It’s been ten years since his last solo album ‘24K Magic’.
Photo: John V. Esparza
Bruno Mars has announced his fourth solo studio album, The Romantic, marking his first full-length solo release since 2016’s 24K Magic. Arriving on February 27th, the album brings an end to a long gap between solo projects and signals a confident return to the sound that made Mars one of pop’s most distinctive voices.
In the years since 24K Magic, Mars has hardly disappeared. He’s stayed busy through high-profile projects and collaborations, from his Grammy-winning work as one half of Silk Sonic to standout singles with artists like Lady Gaga on Die With a Smile and ROSÉ on APT. (a song that was stuck in my head for months). Still, The Romantic marks his first fully solo album in nearly a decade, and the rollout so far leans comfortably into the familiar pleasures of his disco-pop, soul and funk-rooted sound.
The lead single, I Just Might, sets the tone. Groove-forward and effortlessly slick, it plays directly to Bruno’s strengths, built on tight hooks, lush production and an easy confidence that feels entirely unforced. It’s a reminder that when it comes to feel-good pop with real craft behind it, Mars still knows exactly what he’s doing.
Alongside the album announcement, Mars has also unveiled The Romantic Tour, his first full headline stadium tour in almost ten years. The run kicks off on April 10th in Las Vegas at Allegiant Stadium and spans North America, Europe and the UK, including major stops at Wembley Stadium in London, MetLife Stadium in New Jersey and SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Long-time collaborator Anderson .Paak will appear as DJ Pee .Wee, with support from Victoria Monét, RAYE and Leon Thomas on select dates.
Las Vegas has been a significant chapter in Mars’s recent career, with his extended residency at Dolby Live at Park MGM keeping him firmly in performance mode between releases. That steady presence has helped bridge the gap to this moment, but The Romantic feels like a proper return to full-length form.
And judging by the reaction so far, he hasn’t just been missed by fans and critics. My mum, for one, is absolutely thrilled he’s back, which feels like a fairly reliable measure of Bruno Mars’s enduring appeal.
The Romantic is out February 27th via Atlantic Records. Pre-order the album here.
