What makes Finesse by Bruno Mars notable?

The 'Finesse (Remix)' featuring Cardi B became a cultural sensation, topping charts and earning a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. Its music video, heavily inspired by the aesthetics of 'In Living Color,' further cemented its place in the zeitgeist, showcasing Mars' ability to blend modern sounds with nostalgic visuals. Released in early 2018, 'Finesse' marked Bruno Mars' continued evolution following his critically acclaimed album '24K Magic.' At this point, he was solidifying his status as a leading figure in contemporary pop and R&B, building on the success of previous hits while channeling nostalgic influences.

How many songs are on Finesse?

Finesse has 2 tracks, running approximately 6 minutes.

Finesse

Bruno Mars · 2018

6 min · 2 tracks · contemporary R&B

A vibrant blend of funk and R&B, infused with playful lyrics and a retro vibe that evokes the 90s.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Finesse (remix) — This remix features Cardi B's dynamic verses that complement Mars’ smooth vocals, creating a fresh take that amplifies the song’s infectious energy.
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Finesse — The original version showcases Mars' signature style, merging catchy hooks with an irresistible groove that highlights his vocal prowess and charisma.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The track blends retro influences with modern pop elements, showcasing strong production and engaging vocals.

What we noticed

The remix features a call-and-response vocal style between Bruno Mars and Cardi B, creating a dynamic interplay throughout the track.
The production employs a prominent bassline and layered synths that evoke a retro 90s sound, enhancing its funk influence.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Established Bruno Mars as a leading figure in contemporary pop and R&B.
Themes: 90s R&B revival· party-ready grooves· colorful nostalgia
Career context: Released in early 2018, 'Finesse' marked Bruno Mars' continued evolution following his critically acclaimed album '24K Magic.' At this point, he was solidifying his status as a leading figure in contemporary pop and R&B, building on the success of previous hits while channeling nostalgic influences.
Stylistic neighbors: Anderson .Paak· Justin Timberlake· Charlie Puth