Bruno Mars likes fedoras, magic and Brooklyn girls

May 31st, 2010

Bruno Mars

If the name Bruno Mars doesn’t ring a bell, it is very likely that his soulful, gorgeous voice will set off a raging series of obnoxious alarms. C’mon, I know the chorus to B.o.B.’s “Nothin’ On You” is echoing in your ears and you can’t get this dude off your mind – well, I can’t!

A lot of artists out there lend their vocals to humongous hits and never get the credit. HOWEVER. Bruno Mars? Yeah, he deserves your attention. He has talent and versatility stamped all over him, but you need to lend your ears so homeboy can receive some deserved recognition.

So this is how it goes: help me to help you AND Mr. Mars by clicking the jump to get a review of Bruno’s debut EP, It’s Better If You Don’t Understand and some deets on this up and comer.

Bruno Mars climbed his way up the ladder by joining forces with two gentleman named Phil Lawrence and Ari Levine, collectively forming a production/song-writing group called The Smeezingtons. Their work set the stage for Mars, who, with his fellow members, chose to wet their feet in a little bit of everything. They’ve produced tracks for B.o.B., Travie McCoy, Brandy, AND they made our heads spin round and round all of last year!
…um, ya know, the Flo Rida song? Right Round? They co-wrote the track. Big up.

BUT WAIT. I’m supposed to be focusing on Bruno, right? Right. I guess there are a few things you really need to know about this Hawaiian native. Before his high-rollin producing days, Mars used to work as a cover artist at a Las Vegas magic show. I guess the benefits weren’t all that great, so he left to begin his pursuit for his record deal – but he ended up turning over his work for another artist, and decided to build a name on the production side before singing debut.

ALAS. The time has finally arrived! The Smeezingtons are currently working on Bruno’s album, Lady Killer, but were kind enough to give us a taste of his sound with his EP, It’s Better If You Don’t Understand. His crooning vocals and folk/pop/r&b production work will make you melt, and boy, is it worth it.

The first track, Somewhere in Brooklyn, is about the girl of your dreams who is, well, somewhere in Brooklyn. Probably near a fedora shop in Bruno’s case (I keed. He looks good with one). I particularly enjoy the “Little miss perfect sitting at the train stop / Red Nike high tops listening to hip-hop” lines in the first verse…except he got it wrong. My Nike’s are black.

The Other Side, which features B.o.B. and Cee-lo, kind of reminds me of something you’d find on a talk show in the 80s, with its speedy beats. B.o.B.’s verse is pretty fly, but the harmony on the chorus leaves a mark. Nom.

What I really loved is that we get a good mix of sounds on this EP. Count On Me hits the hearts, and reminds me of Jason Mraz (I’d also like to note that Mraz loves his fedoras. HMM. Coincidence!?!). The song is also pretty romantic. For the record, almost any combination of soft vocals, a tambourine, and acoustic guitar will make a gal swoon. Sigh.

The last track, Talking to the Moon, is a lonesome tale of heartbreak and distance where you’re just hoping that you can reach that one person who gets you better than anyone else. * sniff * – we all have that person. I’m looking at you Cudi. I’m looking at you.

…ahem. It hits home, especially with that piano. All heavy-duty songs do well with some solid piano. Halo, Fallin’, The Scientist, Gone by Nsync…. they’re all so beautiful!

But my words only mean so much – so why don’t you head over to Bruno Mars’ MySpace and listen to the record yourself. Then spread the word. GO. NOW. I ORDER YOU.

While you’re at it, hit me back with your thoughts at mehekmusicmonday@gmail.com or in the comments. Please? I have Snickers. We’ll bond.

Tags: B.O.B., Brandy, Bruno Mars, Cee-Lo, flo rida, Jason Mraz, Kid Cudi, NSync, The Smeezingtons, travie mccoy