‘Unorthodox Jukebox’ by Bruno Mars album review

Amy Deng • February 15, 2014

The album cover lives up to its title as it features a gorilla up against a retro jukebox, and seemingly amazed at the newfound machine. The album has brought mixed reactions from fans. It shows Mars’ New Wave, Rock, Soul, and R&B influences. Photo Courtesy: MCT Photo — The album cover lives up to its title as it features a gorilla up against a retro jukebox, and seemingly amazed at the newfound machine. The album has brought mixed reactions from fans. It shows Mars’ New Wave, Rock, Soul, and R&B influences.
Photo Courtesy of MCT Photo.

This album may have been released a time ago on December 11, 2012, but it is still up on the top charts with its 10 near perfect songs.

The 28-year-old Hawaiian singer has been featured on smash hits like B.oB’s “Nothin’ on You” and Travie McCoy’s “Billionaire.” His most recent album proves that he is a naturally gifted melodist and an engaging singer.

It is one of the finest pop albums with songs that move from power ballads to bedroom anthems to pop-reggae and deliver pleasure without pretension.

“Ever since I heard Bruno Mars’ album, ‘Doo-Wops and Hooligans,’ I have fallen in love with his amazing talented voice,” said Astrid Cabello, 10.

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Mars has developed the type of forceful musical personality that bleeds through the work of artists like Rihanna, Eminem, and Lady Gaga.

“Mars is an extremely talented performer, songwriter, and person,” said Cabello, 10.

Mars croons love songs and heartbreak songs, often in spectacular fashion. His highly anticipated sophomore album succeeds in mixing its safer stylistic choices with it relatively bold ideas.

The first single, “Locked Out of Heaven,” remains very enjoyable, its 80s influences makes it a lightweight affair.

“My favorite song by Mars is ‘Treasure,’ because it has this retro style and it is a happy song,” said Lily Retford, 9.

In the song, “When I Was Your Man,” Mars’ heart is tossed on the floor for all to see on this piano ballad. It chronicles a pre-fame heartbreak and will make for a great moment when in concert.

About the Contributor

Amy Deng, Managing Editor

Hello! My name is Amy Deng and I am a senior at Sycamore High School. This is my fourth year on staff and I currently hold the position of managing editor for the print magazine, The Leaf. My job is to design the style sheet, mentor new students, and oversee the design process of the print platform. I enjoy writing articles on multiple genres, including feature, news, and sports. In particular, I work with several design programs such as Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop to create pages and layouts for the Leaf. I joined journalism hoping to experience hands-on news coverage and to improve my writing skills. Over the years, I have grown to enjoy and value my experiences in the classroom. Through collaborating with other staff members, I have developed and improved my communication and leadership skills; and through working as a team, we have been able to produce an award-winning, student-run news magazine. I am excited for the new year and can’t wait to see what it holds! More about myself: I have always been involved with sports ever since I was a child. I participated in synchronized swimming for seven years and am currently a part of the school varsity swim team and during the offseason I am part of a club team, BASH. In addition, I have always been passionate about my cultural roots which is why I am the vice president of the Chinese Club. My role is to lead club presentations and organize bi-weekly activities. I also volunteer at Bethesda North Hospital as an escort where I discharge patients. Additionally, my favorite hobby is listening to music. I enjoy a wide span of genres and a few of my favorite artists include: Two Door Cinema Club, Mac Demarco, Beach House, Bon Iver, Chance the Rapper, Childish Gambino, and Stevie Wonder. Quote to live by: “As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others” - Audrey Hepburn.