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| This man be making love like 'Gorilla' |
Okay, that may not exactly be an awesome gift if you're not a fan of Bruno Mars, but at the end of my review, I'm sure you'll be dying to know what all the hype is about. I have honestly had this CD on repeat since it showed up at my doorstep last Thursday. It eases me in a way that no album has ever done before, and I just have this urge to share this with the world! The way it pays homage to many great artists is also a cause of me being enamored with this album.
Please note that although I may or may not be totally in love with Bruno Mars, I will be doing my absolute best to keep this review objective. Any subjective thoughts I have will be inside parentheses, so feel free to skip this extraneous information. So let's get this show on the road! (And please enjoy this extremely handsome pic of Bruno Mars that was released with his new album!)
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| Ssssssh!!! I'm creating musical masterpieces right now! |
1. Young Girls
The opening of Mars' sophomore album and the album's second single, Young Girls is a slow ballad highlighting one of the pains of being in the limelight. It's a soulful piece that talks about the lovely young ladies around the world that he wouldn't mind spending all his money on. He knows it might be the death of him, but he is constantly attracted to this seemingly guilty pleasure. (To be honest, I wouldn't mind this actually being one of his real weaknesses, seeing as I'm young, lovely, bright-eyed and totally down with learning more about him...but I digress!)
Choice Lyrics:
I get lost under these lights
I get lost in the words I say
Start believing my own lies
Like everything will be okay
Oh I still dream of a simple life
Boy meets girl makes her his wife
But love don't exist when you live like this
That much I know, yes I know
All these roads steer me wrong
But I still drive them all night long, all night long
Soulful music, lovely vocals, and tantalizing lyrics, I give Young Girls a 9.5/10 (knocked off half a point only because this isn't quite as good as the songs I deem as 10's).
2. Locked Out of Heaven
Released as the album's first single (and going #1 upon its release, I might add), you just can't ignore Locked Out of Heaven when it comes on. It's one of those songs reminiscent of the '80s where basement parties were still at large, girls were dancing sexier, men were getting friskier, and parents were nowhere in sight. Mary Jane and beer cans were littered across the floor as the party goers moved and grooved to the new Michael Jackson or Police hit. Now, I've heard that Locked Out of Heaven is somewhat reminiscent of The Police, however I can't really provide commentary on that. I am too young to really know about The Police, but from what I've heard by them, I don't really hear the resemblance. (However I do realize that I knew of The Police's music. I just discovered that Diddy did a cover of "Every Breath You Take" for his song "I'll Be Missing You" and that The Police were the ones responsible for the really cool song I liked when I was younger, "Don't Stand So Close to Me". Go figure!) That aside, the song is funky, fun, and an all-around good time. And if I really have to tell you what the song is about, well then, you haven't been listening to the radio much, now have you?
Choice Lyrics:
You bring me to my knees
You make me testify
You can make a sinner change his ways
Open up your gates cause I can't wait to see the light
And right there is where I wanna stay
Cause your sex takes me to paradise
Yeah your sex takes me to paradise
And it shows, yeah, yeah, yeah
Cause you make feel like, I've been locked out of heaven
For too long, for too long
Yeah you make feel like, I've been locked out of heaven
For too long, for too long
A clear winner off of his sophomore album, Locked Out of Heaven earns a 10/10 with its foot-tapping music, its pulsating rhythm, and its seductive lyrics.
3. Gorilla
Whoa ho ho... I must admit, when this song first flowed through my headphones, my ears perked to attention. My mouth dropped open as I was hit by the sensual tone of Bruno's voice. It was an unexpected surprise, yet it seemed to be the perfect follow up to Locked Out of Heaven. It goes from metaphors straight into the actual description of the horizontal dance, and you're just unprepared for all of the heat. As for the music, it really slows down and is for one of those evenings where you and your significant other decide to turn down the lights. It's sensuous, yet raw at the same time. Bruno is doing his best to get away from the innocent picture he painted in his first album, with lyrics such as, "got a body full of liquor and a cocaine ticker," an obvious reference to Mars' small run in with the law back in 2010 (I only recently learned about this and it really surprised me). Does it work? Well for me, he'll have to get just a little bit grimier before I'll let go of my angelic view of him. As much as I love this song, I have seen from other reviews that Gorilla is a 'disappointment' for the album, but I have to disagree. It may show a peek into Mars' love for the rough, wild side of his favorite dance. It's edgy, it's a different side of Mars, and it clearly defines what this album is all about: sex.
Choice Lyrics:
If the neighbors call the cops, call the sheriff, call the SWAT we don't stop, we keep rocking while they knocking on our door
And you're screaming give it to me, baby
Give it to me, m-therf-cker
Ohhh look what you're doing, look what you've done
But in this jungle you can't run
Cause what I got for you
I promise is a killer, you'll be banging on my chest
Bang bang, gorilla
A song filled with many surprises, both good and bad (and that's the good bad), earns a 9/10 for its jaw-dropping, panty-wetting, and hormone-rising innuendos. (I knocked off a point because I can't stop comparing it to Our First Time off of his first album, "Doo-Wops and Hooligans', and I just think he did it so much better on that track)
4. Treasure
Okay, right before I get into my synopsis of this song, I would first like to address the whole Breakbot controversy. If you didn't know, fans of Breakbot are accusing Bruno Mars of stealing the music from "Baby I'm Yours", tweaking it a little bit, and renaming it "Treasure". They think this because Bruno Mars did ask Breakbot if he could do a cover of it; Breakbot refused. I have listened to both songs plenty of times and from my personal viewpoint, the songs aren't that similar. The similarities lie in the artists' music backgrounds, that's it. And if Bruno Mars did a tribute to "Baby I'm Yours" with the song "Treasure", then I honestly don't see why the fans are complaining. A mainstream artist is paying homage to an artist that isn't as well known, and doesn't that eventually lead to recognition? Seriously, fan people, get your priorities straight. Moving on... Treasure is a very disco-styled track that uses the word 'treasure' as a noun, adjective, and verb. Mars is talking about a girl who he finds fascinating and amazing, yet she herself doesn't see those qualities within herself. So basically, he sees her as a treasure and what's to treasure her the way she should be treasured. What is very interesting is at the beginning of the song, an automated voice opens with, "Baby Squirrel, you's a sexy motherf-ker..." From what I've learned, this is most likely a shout out to a fan who was promised by Bruno that he would name his next album "Baby Squirrel"... either that, or he's just referring to his fan girls by his nickname for them (squirrels). If it's the former, that fan is a very lucky lady (wish it was me!); if it's the latter, why do you call us squirrels, Bruno?
Choice Lyrics:
Gimme your, gimme your, gimme your attention baby
I got to tell you a little something about yourself
You're wonderful, flawless, ooh you're a sexy lady
But you walk around here like you wanna be someone else
I know that you dont know it, but you're fine, so fine
Oh girl I'm gonna show you when you're mine, oh mine
Treasure, that means what you are
Honey you're my golden star
I know you can make my wish come true
If you let me treasure you
If you let me treasure you
For being a song that instantly grabs my attention and makes me want to move and groove all around my bedroom, I give Treasure a solid 10/10 (Solid...*fist pump*).
5. Moonshine
As the midpoint of the album, you will definitely hear the Michael Jackson influence in Moonshine. It is a slow jam with a simple chord progression, sounding almost futuristic yet retro at the same time. Now some would argue that it's a sex song, but I also deem it a love song, specifically for the second verse. Moonshine almost makes me think of it as the rough draft for Locked Out of Heaven, with the message it's sending and how it's structured. So, you can think of if as a slower version of the hit single. The song focuses on one girl whose lovin' keeps Bruno coming back for more and he's just not himself when she's not there. It's a sweet ballad that will simply leave you mesmerized.
I know, I was with you last night but it feels like it's been so long
And everybody that's around me knows that I'm not myself when you're gone
It's good to see you again, good to see you again
On top of the world, is where I stand when you're back in my life
Life's not so bad when you're way up this high
Everything is alright, everything is alright
Moonshine, take us to the stars tonight
Take us to that special place
That place we went the last time, the last time, ohh
For paying homage to the King of Pop and being such a sweet ballad, it earns a 9.5/10 from me. (Knocked off half a point only because we haven't gotten to my favorite ballads yet!)
6. When I Was Your Man
I'll do my best to not cry while writing this review for one of the sweetest ballads on "Unorthodox Jukebox". This is a song about a man heartbroken over the woman that 'got away'. He's regretting the decisions he made in what was probably the best relationship he was ever in, and he lost her to another man because he didn't treat her the way he should have. It's a soul searching track that will have you stop and think about your past decisions in your love life. It also makes a good point that in young love, people tend to make the most foolish decisions that result in them losing out on something that could've been really special. However, you don't sense any bitterness in this song. He recognizes the mistakes he's made and owns up to it, hoping that she is happy with the new man in her life. I'm sorry, but if that isn't the most sentimental thing you've ever read, then you may not be able to appreciate this song in its entirety.
Choice Lyrics:
My pride, my ego, my needs and my selfish ways
Caused a good strong woman like you to walk out my life
Now I never, never get to clean up the mess I made
And it haunts me every time I close my eyes
It all just sounds like ooh, ooh, ooh, ooooh
Too young, too dumb to realize
That I should have bought you flowers and held your hand
Should have gave you all my hours when I had the chance
Take you to every party cause all you wanted to do was dance
Now my baby is dancing, but she's dancing with another man
A heart-jerking, tear-falling, life-thinking slow jam, When I Was Your Man earns a 10/10, and rightfully so.
7. Natalie
Now it's time to get down to business. Bruno Mars is showing people everywhere that although he loves him some women, he too knows when women are in the wrong. To get straight to the point, Natalie is a song about a gold digger who took his money and ran. It's pretty much 'Dirty Diana 2.0' and an obvious homage to Michael Jackson. The song explains how this 'pretty little thang' loved him and left him, pulled the wool over his eyes, and poker-faced him out of all of his money. I love how the song uses gambling metaphors to tell the story and every man alive is sure to appreciate a song that tackles a fact about women that isn't talked about often. If anything, men's respect for Bruno Mars will be raised tenfold.
Choice Lyrics:
Like my daddy I'm a gambling man
Never been afraid to roll the dice
But when I put my bet on her
Little miss snake eyes ruined my life
She better sleep with one eye open
Better make sure to lock her doors
Cause once I get my hands on her, imma ooohh
Natalie, she ran away with all my money
And she did it for fun
Natalie, she's probably out there thinking it's funny
Telling everyone
Well, I'm diggin a ditch for this gold diggin' bitch
Watch out she's quick
Look out for a pretty little thang named
Natalie, if you see her tell her I'm coming
She better run
With a bass-pounding beat and tongue-biting lyrics (not to mention the big balls required to write such a song), I give this personal favorite a well-deserved 10/10. (Good job with this one, Bruno!)
8. Show Me
Bruno Mars is hitting all different types of music genres on this little gem of an album, and Show Me is no exception. With a grooving tempo that will remind you of a rockin' reggae tune, Show Me captures the essence of Bob Marley in a very sexy way. It is yet another reminder of what this album is all about. The song is essentially about Bruno trying to persuade a shy woman into embracing her inner desires, specifically with him. It's a very fun song that mellows you out and makes you wanna hit the dance floor.
Choice Lyrics:
No I won't think you're easy, no I won't think you're fast
Your eyes saying 'please me', but your lips scared to ask
No need to fight it, when you know it feels fight
You say you're a woman who knows what she likes
Then show me, you gotta, you gotta show me
You tell me all day that you lonely
Well show me show me show me tonight, yeah
Girl show me, you gotta, you gotta show me
You tell me all day that you lonely
Well show me show me show me tonight, yeah
With its irresistible beats that make me want to get on my feet, Show Me gets a lovely 9.5/10 (I knocked off half a point only because I'm suspicious this song is about a random hook up and also because it's a little too repetitive for me)
9. Money Make Her Smile
Yet again, Bruno Mars blesses us with a song that pushes the boundaries and grabs attention. It doesn't take much to figure out that this song is about a stripper. Money Make Her Smile is one of those songs that men might like playing while on their way to the Gentleman's Club and might hear when a new girl hits the stage. The song seems to have been produced in a fashion similar to "Computer Love", but without the auto-tune. Mars' voice seems to have an echo, which makes you feel like he's on a stage in front of you with a mic introducing the new girl to the stage. Very clever, in my opinion.
Choice Lyrics:
All you get back, coming to the stage is a girl who's new in town
She goes by the name "Where your stacks at"
This pretty little thang I swear won't let you down
Watch her drop it like....hey
It's not complicated, so this won't take a while
You see music make her dance, and money money money make her smile
Money money money make her smile
Money money money make her smile
Like Natalie, Money Make Me Smile is an out of the ordinary song that is also, strangely, a personal favorite of mine. 10/10
10. If I Knew
If the opening song, Young Girls, was about a man admitting his guilty pleasure, then the closing song, If I Knew, is about a man feeling guilty about the things he did before he met the one. This is a very lovely ballad, very reminiscent of Motown and greats such as Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Ray Charles, etc. etc. A great ending to a great album, If I Knew delivers a very emotional side of Bruno that possibly captures the regrets of his life. It's only 2 minutes long, but it's the most soulful 2 minutes you will have experienced from the entire album. That in itself is an accomplishment.
Choice Lyrics:
Oh oh I, I know it breaks your heart
To picture the only one you wanna love
In someone else's arms
But I wouldn't have done
All the things that I've done
If I knew, one day you'd come
Now baby, now baby, now baby
Ohh baby please
Lets leave the past behind us
So that we can go where love will find us
Yeah will find us
I know most girls would leave me
But I know that you believe me
With a message that breaks my heart, brings tears to my eyes, yet comforts me in the sweetest way, I give this amazing outro to one of the greatest albums of the year a dazzling 10/10.
From an objective standpoint, this album overall earns an extremely high rating of 9.75/10 (on a very subjective note, this album is 10/10 all the way for me because it's one of the few albums where I love every single song). Bruno Mars is an extremely talented musician who knows how to work his craft. If you still don't plan on listening to Unorthodox Jukebox, even after my very thorough review of the entire album tracklist, then I'm truly sorry that you're letting a diamond of an album like this one get away.
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| What can I say? The man is gorgeous! |
Music is life, so don't be afraid to turn up the bass!
Signing off,
DesieDeep
**Bruno Bonus!**
Because I absolutely love watching Bruno Mars perform live (I promise you, he sounds better live than on the album!), here's a video that I found that expresses this little wonder. Even if you're not a fan of his music, you'll have to admit that he has some amazing vocals.
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