Review
Bruno Mars: Doo-Wops & Hooligans (Elektra/Asylum)
8
6.0
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UK release date 24.01.2010
Fresh from the massive success of his No1 smash 'Just The Way You Are' comes Hawaiian born Mars' debut album Doo-Wops & Hooligans. This album is a rampant radio friendly tour de force that will explode round the world with it's dulcet toned, sugar coated hooks and feel good friendliness.
Bruno has cornered the market in pubescent knicker wetting wizardry tracks like the Jackson inspired 'Runaway Baby' with it's '60s rock groove and Clapton/Cream like guitar lick are pure bubble gum R&B, enjoyable even though it's completely vacuous! Check the reggae tinged 'The Lazy Song' somewhat of a filler but for the likes of Peter Andre-perfect!
'Marry You' is 'Just The Way You Are' part 2 - same but different. That euphoria gets deployed again. It's the simplicity of the song (i.e a basic chord structure) that form the perfect platform for Mars' angst ridden yearning vocals to ride over the top complete with church bells 'Marry You' is the perfect union of soul and pop.
The formula begins to drag with dreary ballad 'Talking To The Moon' but by then a million pre-teenagers will already be hooked, a kind of soul Willy Wonka factory!
With only 10 tracks on the album the record execs aren't exactly the milk of human kindness but you can't help liking the lad, and regardless of what I say he's destined to stay right on top.
Words Emrys Baird
