Background

I just might be convinced that Bruno Mars is allergic to making flops. If there was any doubt that he’s forgotten how to make a solo banger, “I Just Might” will put that reservation to rest.

“I Just Might” is the lead single from Bruno Mars’ fourth solo studio album, The Romantic, released on January 2026. This track marks his return to solo music after nearly a decade, following 2016’s 24K Magic. The song was written by Bruno Mars, Philip Lawrence, Christopher Brody Brown, and Dernst “D’Mile” Emile II, while production was done by Mars and D’Mile.

Releasing the Same Song for 10 years

I’ve always believed that the comments sections of YouTube and Instagram, as well as X/Twitter, have some gems but are also home to the cesspool of humanity. One user was quick to jump on a Bruno hate train and described his solo comeback as him “releasing the same song for 10 years”. Bruno clapped back with a now viral response of “And u never been sh** in yo life”. The response is messy and I live for it. While no one is immune to criticism, I fully support Bruno in this moment. I prefer stanning individuals who put themselves out in the world for art’s sake than those who stand in the sidelines.

Don’t get me wrong, I hear the similarities. Is the 1970s funk and disco pop sound getting old? No. If anything, we need more musical styles and genres to penetrate popular music.

Is there a formula he’s simply repeating? Even if the answer is yes, why fix something that isn’t broken? If his artistry is lazy and merely a copy, why haven’t record labels and other artists manage to replicate it and yield the same success he continues enjoying? The answer is simple. He has a gift and he’s also inspired by an era. Both can be true and he’s hardly the only one.

The Bruno Mars Collaboration with Bruno Mars

Although Bruno hasn’t released solo music in the last ten years, he still felt inescapable during this time period. He collaborated with Lady Gaga and Rose of BLACKPINK, resulting in two award-winning and commercially successful singles, “Die with a Smile” and “APT”. He formed R&B superduo Silk Sonic with Anderson Paak, and that was well received by the public and the Recording Academy.

He didn’t need them to stay relevant. If anything, I think his collaborators benefitted more from their work together than he did. But let’s not get into stan wars. “I Just Might” is a great continuation to all the solo work he’s delivered in the last decade.

I don’t know if he’s being cheeky or if it’s even related at all. But in the music video, he even came back as six Brunos, portraying all members of a band and the cameraman. As a power move, or just a creative decision, his upcoming album has no features. And history has shown he shines with or without other artists lending him a helping hand.

It’d Break My Heart If I Found Out You Can’t Move

Bruno and I couldn’t be more different except for the fact that we’re both Filipinos. But if he ever meets me, I’d break his heart. I cannot move and I cannot find the beat. I should even feel offended with this track.

But I just might become a dance if the song came to my rescue. In the music video, his moves are simple, yet smooth. The clip is inviting and inspiring, making the viewer believe that the only things required to excel on the dancefloor are confidence and attitude. The track itself has a groove that gets the listener to feel energised and alive. I just danced to it alone in my living room but I know it’s meant to be played with crowds.

Conclusion

Debates will continue for some time about Bruno’s artistry, originality and predictability. But I will not entertain any discussion regarding the song’s uplifting energy, danceability and repeat value. This one simply has the making of a classic.