Exploring Latin Influences in the New Album

Bruno Mars is exploring his Latin influences in his latest album, *The Romantic*. This release marks his fourth album and his first solo effort in a decade. Born in Hawaii to a Filipino mother and Puerto Rican father, Mars is embracing his cultural roots through music.

Latin Influences in *The Romantic*

This album showcases a blend of soul, funk, and pop, but with a strong emphasis on Latin sounds. Mars draws inspiration from various genres, including boleros, mariachi, and salsa. Below are highlights of the tracks and their unique characteristics.

Track Highlights

• Risk It All

The album opens with “Risk It All,” featuring cinematic trumpets and strings that evoke a Mexican bolero. This romantic style originated in Cuba and gained popularity through artists like Agustín Lara and Javier Solís. The track features a range of session musicians, including six violinists, trumpeters, and conga player Daniel Rodriguez, who previously performed with Mars during his 2025 New Year’s Eve show in Las Vegas. The music video incorporates visual elements of Mexican culture, including a mariachi band and a Virgen de Guadalupe gold chain.

• Cha Cha Cha

• Something Serious

This funky track, “Something Serious,” is reminiscent of Chicano classics such as War’s “Lowrider” and Tito Puente’s “Oye Cómo Va.” The latter, a cha-cha-chá written in 1962, has deep roots in Cuban and Puerto Rican music. With lively guitar riffs and trombone bursts from Silk Sonic’s Kameron Whalum, the song captures a vibrant party spirit.

Conclusion

Bruno Mars’ *The Romantic* reflects a significant journey into his Latin heritage. With its rich cultural influences, this album is not only a celebration of love but also a tribute to his roots in the diverse world of Latin music.