Bruno Mars Embraces Latin Roots on ‘The Romantic’ with Mariachi and Bolero Influences

Bruno Mars’s highly anticipated album, The Romantic, marks a significant turn for the artist, deeply exploring his Latin heritage through genres like bolero, mariachi, and salsa. The album’s lead single, “Risk It All,” has garnered attention for its cinematic music video and authentic incorporation of traditional Mexican instrumentation.

“Risk It All” Opens with a Stunning Mariachi Bolero

The Romantic, Mars’s first solo album in a decade, opens with “Risk It All,” a bolero that immediately evokes the romantic ballad tradition originating in Cuba and popularized by Mexican musicians like Agustín Lara and Javier Solís. Rolling Stone notes the song is backed by a full mariachi ensemble, featuring trumpets, violins, guitarrón, and vihuela. In the accompanying music video, Mars, dressed in a matador suit, performs with a nylon guitar against the backdrop of a vintage Catholic church and a wedding scene, co-directed with Daniel Ramos.

The lyrics reflect a passionate devotion: “I would run through the fire just to be by your side/ If your heart’s on the line you could take mine/ It’s crazy but it’s true/ There’s nothing I won’t do/ I’d risk it all for you.”

The release has been met with enthusiasm from the Latin music community. Rancho Humilde founder Jimmy Humilde commented on Mars’s Instagram post, expressing appreciation for the artist “embracing our roots.” Fuerza Regida’s JOP called it “history,” and Ivan Cornejo simply stated, “LFGGGGGG.”

A Broader Exploration of Latin Sounds

Born Peter Gene Hernandez in Hawaii to a Filipino mother and Puerto Rican father, Mars has previously infused elements of soul, funk, and R&B into his music. However, The Romantic represents a more deliberate and extensive exploration of his Latin background. Rolling Stone highlights that the album taps into Mexican and Cuban-inspired sounds, including mariachi and salsa.

Latin Music Moments on the Charts

Beyond Mars’s release, other Latin artists are achieving significant milestones. Xavi’s breakthrough track, “La Diabla,” has surpassed one billion streams on Spotify, joining the platform’s Billions Club. Billboard reports that the song, released in November 2023, propelled Xavi to prominence and earned him his first No. 1 on the Hot Latin Songs chart.

Trueno collaborated with Gorillaz on “The Manifesto” from their novel album, The Mountain, delivering a Spanish-language rap performance. Billboard notes that Trueno will also open for Gorillaz on their upcoming tour across England, Scotland, and Ireland.

The Romantic signals a new chapter for Bruno Mars, one that celebrates and honors his Latin heritage whereas continuing to deliver the signature musicality his fans have come to expect.