Unorthodox Jukebox
Bruno Mars · 2012
52 min · 15 tracks · contemporary R&B
A vibrant blend of funk, pop, and R&B that radiates infectious energy and romantic charisma.
Top tracks — play these first
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Locked Out of Heaven Start here — This track combines reggae-infused rhythms with rock influences, showcasing Mars' ability to fuse genres while delivering an irresistible chorus that became an anthem for the year.
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When I Was Your Man — A poignant ballad highlighting Mars' vocal range and emotional depth, this song stands out for its raw lyrics about regret and longing, resonating with many listeners.
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Treasure — With its disco-inspired beat and catchy hooks, this track exemplifies the album's upbeat energy while paying homage to classic funk influences, making it a dancefloor favorite.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and production but lacks full cohesion due to its varied pacing.
What we noticed
- The first five tracks maintain a consistent upbeat tempo, while the sixth track introduces a slower ballad that contrasts sharply with the preceding energy.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies and call-and-response sections, particularly in 'Locked Out of Heaven' and 'Treasure'.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady groove for dancing
- playful energy for gatherings
- catchy choruses for sing-alongs
- vibrant sound for celebrations
Maybe skip if you
- prefer slow, introspective music
- seeking deep lyrical narratives
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album solidified Bruno Mars' reputation with major hits and commercial success.
- Themes
- Locked Out of Heaven· sultry nightlife· heartbreak ballads
- Career context
- Released on December 6, 2012, Unorthodox Jukebox is Bruno Mars' second studio album, following his highly successful debut Doo-Wops & Hooligans. At this point in his career, Mars was solidifying his place as a leading pop artist after achieving multiple chart-topping hits, including 'Grenade' and 'Just the Way You Are'. The album showcases Mars' artistic versatility and confidence as he explores a broader range of genres.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Anderson .Paak· Justin Timberlake· Charlie Puth
Tracklist
- 1 Young Girls 3:49
- 2 Locked Out of Heaven Start here 3:54
- 3 Gorilla 4:04
- 4 Treasure 2:59
- 5 Moonshine 3:49
- 6 When I Was Your Man 3:34
- 7 Natalie 3:45
- 8 Show Me 3:28
- 9 Money Make Her Smile 3:24
- 10 If I Knew 2:13
- 11 Old & Crazy 1:53
- 12 Young Girls (demo) 3:39
- 13 Gorilla (demo) 3:43
- 14 Moonshine (The Futuristics remix) 3:42
- 15 Locked Out of Heaven (Major Lazer remix) 4:04
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Kiss Land
The Weeknd
Shares a sultry vibe and explores themes of nightlife and emotional complexity with an urban R&B sound.
Uptown Special
Mark Ronson
Combines funk and pop elements with vibrant production, echoing the eclectic energy found in Mars' work.
The 20/20 Experience
Justin Timberlake
Blends R&B and pop with sophisticated arrangements, focusing on themes of love and heartbreak similar to Mars.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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