‘It’s good music, not a guilty pleasure’: how Bruno Mars embraced cheese to become pop’s most popular star

February 27, 2026

TL;DR

Bruno Mars is the most-streamed musician globally, with more monthly listeners on Spotify than Bad Bunny and Taylor Swift.
His single "I Just Might" reached No. 1 on the US Hot 100, making him one of few male solo artists with 10 No. 1 singles.
Songwriter and producer Philip Lawrence has been a key collaborator since 2006, forming the songwriting trio the Smeezingtons and shaping Mars's career.
Bruno Mars's music is described as aging well due to its nostalgic feel without being tied to a specific era, focusing on universal themes.
His upcoming album "The Romantic" and compilation "Collaborations" are expected to solidify his global presence.
Mars's enduring popularity is linked to his childhood exposure to the "great American songbook" and his ability to write from an emotional space.
Despite some perceiving his music as "corny" due to its focus on love, he owns it, and fans embrace it as "good music."
His "head down" approach, favoring vintage funk, soul, and R&B sounds, keeps him current without chasing trends.
The compilation "Collaborations" highlights his history of successful duets and co-writes across various artists and genres, indicating a broad fanbase.

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