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Bruno Mars ended an almost decade-long gap between solo studio albums on Friday, Feb. 27, with the release of his fourth, The Romantic.

The upbeat record follows Mars’ experiences in his early 40s through a blend of Latin-influenced instrumentation, pop, slow-dance rhythms and nostalgic 2010s sounds. Its style departs from the punchy energy of songs such as “24K Magic” and “Finesse,” leaning closer to the danceable feel of his 2021 Silk Sonic album, An Evening With Silk Sonic, and “APT,” his 2024 collaboration with Rosé of Blackpink.

Mars previewed the album with “I Just Might,” released as a single on Jan. 9 and promoted across social media.

The opening track, “Risk It All,” begins with mariachi-style trumpets before shifting into a slow, melodic guitar passage. Mars sings softly about his willingness to risk everything for someone, establishing the album’s romantic theme and its recurring mixture of drums and Latin instrumentation.

“Cha Cha Cha” follows with a restrained dance-floor mood and echoes of Mars’ earlier work. Its beat resembles a slower take on “That’s What I Like,” then accelerates near the end as mariachi-inspired sounds and violin enter the arrangement.

The album changes direction with “I Just Might,” which brings a more contemporary tone. Playful lyrics and a beat reminiscent of the 2010s highlight Mars’ familiar millennial-pop style before “God Was Showing Off” returns the record to its Latin-influenced sound.

Throughout The Romantic, slow-building songs present Mars as a devoted lover. That approach contrasts with earlier material centered on breakups and heartache, suggesting growth in both his music and perspective.

Despite moving among Latin American-inspired sounds, 2010s nostalgia, pop and slow-dance music, The Romantic holds together as an energetic and polished pop escape.