Okay, so maybe Tuesday isn't your typical lazy day, but this Bruno Mars track is a nice reminder to chill out once in awhile -- including on weekdays, you workaholic Americans.
We collectively discovered Bruno Mars in 2009, when he lent vocals to B.o.B.'s "Nothin' on You" and Travie McCoy's "Billionaire." His debut album dropped in October 2010, and it peaked at number 3 on the Billboard charts. People love him, he's a focused and natural talent, and he's got more live videos up on YouTube than artists who have been around decades. Mars was nominated for seven Grammys last year and won one, for "Just the Way You Are" (Best Male Pop Vocal Performance), and he's been nominated for six more this year. Expectations are high for his sophomore album, but his ease and candor in live performance indicate he's here to stay.
The month his debut album was released, Billboard invited Bruno and his band to record live versions of the singles off the album. There are also some nice interview clips with Bruno talking about his music and journey. (He's from Hawaii!) I couldn't choose just one, so today you get three jams!
I speak for every
And one more. There seems to be a theme here. All of his music is infused with emotion, but it's also happy. He seems to take real joy in performing.
'Just The Way You Are': a good song, I'll give you that. But completing the landscape of American music? Hyperbole much? What was the landscape lacking that he filled in?
ReplyDeleteI'm a writer. Hyperbole is what I do. Though you have a good point; perhaps the language was a bit lofty. I meant this song is wonderful for its positive, straightforward, and sincere message. Can you find me more admirably earnest lyrics than "When I see your face there's not a thing that I would change, 'cause girl you're amazing just the way you are." It's not cheesy, it's not glib, it's not vague, it's not working on ulterior motives.
ReplyDeleteHow about the landscape of American music in the 21st century?