Doo-Wops and Hooligans… Bruno Mars album review

Kevin Benoit

Most people discovered the sound of Bruno Mars on the B.O.B. hit, “Nothin On You,” but prior to that, Mars has been writing for many artists for a few years now. Set to drop his debut, Doo-Wops and Hooligans on October 5, Mars yields his falsetto to an array of different genres.

Opening with “Grenade,” it slowly eases you toward his vocal agility, with a soul dance beat. This writer was actually quite surprised that Mars decided to open with the song as it is the weakest of the collection. The following track and current single, “Just the Way You Are,” makes up for the ordinary sounding opener. Running under four minutes, it fits many styles of music ranging from soul to pop to the sounds emanating from mix stations across the country and is an ode to priceless women out there that are just, perfect. “The Lazy Song,” immediately brings forth visions of hammocks, palm trees, and pina coladas with its Jason Mraz-esque style. It is a pleasing piece that is slick and will find its way on many iPods.

“Liquor Store Blues,” is a lamentation on getting through the day by visiting a liquor store. His vocals, an addition of Damian Marley and reggae composition make this a cut that will be most likely sent to radio as one of the album’s singles. “The Other Side,” mixes doo-wop with modern flairs as B.O.B. and Cee-Lo join Mars. It is a decent closer to a favorable debut. Mars said he “is a big fan of doo-wop music….it’s straight to the point, very simple. I have songs like that. I have that simple, romantic side of me but I’m also just a young, regular dude and that’s like the hooligan side.” There is a song on the album for just about everyone making it hard not to like.

Doo-Wops and Hooligans receives a PARL

Rating:

P…Horrible

PA…Tolerable

PAR…Good

PARL…Kinda Great

PARLÉ…Classic

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