It’s New Music Friday and that means all the latest records are out now. Scroll down to see a list of the top releases in music this week. First, here’s a deeper look at a highly anticipated album arriving today.
The Best of New Music Friday:
Bruno Mars – The Romantic
Today, Bruno Mars has shared his first album since 2016’s 24K Magic. In the decade since, Mars has featured on major singles. He’s one of the greatest pop icons to ever live. Mars has sold over 150 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time. He has ten number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 and is the only to surpass 150 million monthly listeners on major streaming services. Mars’ accolades include 16 Grammy Awards, 14 American Music Awards, four Brit Awards, 14 Soul Train Awards, and eight Guinness World Records. Six of his songs are diamond-certified. Anything Mars touches is gold.
The Romantic is no exception. At age 40, Mars is less focused on doo-wops and hooligans (get it?) as he is making a complete record. The album’s opener “Risk It All” showcases Mars’ vocals overtop a slow finger-picked guitar and horns. On “God Was Showing Off,” Mars croons over a latine style arrangement of percussion and brass while dishing out the ultimate compliment: “God was showing off when he made you, girl.”
Between his lyricism, beloved voice, and ability to test out various instrumental sections, The Romantic proves Mars’ fans right. He is regarded as one of the best musicians ever. This album is a testament to Mars’ ability to not just have commercial success. He’s a complete artist.
There are poppy songs that will become staples of Mars’ discography. “I Just Might” has already garnered massive radio play with its fuzzy guitar tones and four-on-the-floor beat. “On My Soul” is a grand fast-paced performance about love. It sounds like a disco hymn with rock influence.
Mars will embark on a massive world tour, playing stadiums around the globe beginning this spring and lasting into late 2026. Combining his greatest hits with his new sound on The Romantic, there is an opportunity for Mars to complete one of the most critically-acclaimed years in music history.
New Music Friday Top Picks:
Bill Callahan – My Days of 58 [Drag City]
Blackpink – Deadline [YG]
Buck Meek – The Mirror [4AD]
Gorillaz – The Mountain [Kong]
Mitski – Nothing’s About to Happen to Me [Dead Oceans]
Iron & Wine – Hen’s Teeth [Sub Pop]
Maria BC – Marathon [Sacred Bones]
Nothing – A Short History of Decay [Run for Cover]
Voxtrot – Dreamers in Exile [Cult Hero]
Which of these tracks from New Music Friday will you add to your favorite playlists today? Any we missed? Let us know in the comments or on Instagram!
Ben is a music journalist living and working in Chicago. They joined Beyond The Stage as an intern and have stayed on the staff for several years. Now serving on the editorial board, Ben is proud to be BTS’ Music Projects Manager, coordinating coverage between international record labels and our staff. Ben has interviewed, photographed and written about bands from across the world. Ben has lived all over the United States working in television and media. They are an Emmy Award-winning writer. Ben can be found spinning records as ‘DJ Wearing Sunglasses’ in clubs and basements across the US.
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