Bruno Mars is not just a hitmaker. He’s an incredible artist—the type that only comes once in a generation. Whether you are a fan of his songs or not, there is no denying that he has motivated millions of fans to dance to his funky songs or belt to his emotional ballads.
Read the list below to find out Bruno Mars’ greatest songs!
Most Popular Bruno Mars Songs
10) Grenade
This pop ballad is from his debut studio album, Doo-Wops & Hooligans (2010). The heavy, heartbreaking lyrics convey unrequited love and how Mars’ heart was broken, despite his best efforts. “Grenade” was well received by critics, praising Mars’ vocals and emotional lyrics. The song is also considered one of the stand-out tracks on his debut album. It peaked at number one in 15 countries, giving Bruno Mars his third number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100. It was also the second best-selling digital single of 2011, with 10.2 million copies worldwide.
9) Treasure
This track was the third single from his second studio album, Unorthodox Jukebox (2012). The song is a bass-driven, energetic disco thumper, one of several genres that Mars utilized on the album. Receiving media attention for his funk and disco vibe, Mars said that he was inspired by all the different styles of music while writing the song. It was certified 5x platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and 2x platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) and Music Canada (MC).
8) Finesse (Remix) (feat. Cardi B)
You’ll find “Finesse” to be one of the most upbeat tracks on his third studio album 24K Magic (2016). A remix version was released featuring verses from American rapper Cardi B as the album’s fifth and final single in 2018. In this song, you’ll hear Mars singing about happiness from being with someone he loves. It received several accolades, such as Video of the Year at the 2018 Soul Train Music Awards, Favorite Song Soul/R&B at the 2018 American Music Awards, and Best Collaboration at the 2019 iHeartRadio Music Awards. This tune might be one of the greatest Bruno Mars songs, but you must also acknowledge Cardi B for almost stealing the show with her perfect hip hop flow in the remix.
7) Locked Out Of Heaven
It is the lead single from Mars’ sophomore album, Unorthodox Jukebox. Mars sings about a relationship so good that he feels like he was “locked out of heaven” before meeting his lover. The reggae-pop-rock song is about the rapturous feelings brought about by a relationship. You’ll find that the song is infused with positive emotions and euphoria. It features 80s-styled funk beats and wildly infectious percussion. In 2012, it became the first song ever to be streamed more than one million times on Spotify over a seven-day period. This single also won Best Song at the 2013 MTV Europe Music Awards.
6) Leave the Door Open
Silk Sonic, an R&B duo comprising Anderson Paak and Bruno Mars, released “Leave The Door Open” as their debut single in 2021. In this steamy tune, the duo persuades a woman to come over, telling her they will “leave the door open” for her to come in anytime. They invite her playfully with some cheeky “come-ons” and an assure her that she will have a good time. The musical style of the song is reminiscent of ’60s and ’70s R&B which both Anderson Paak and Bruno Mars are fans of. It features the duos’ smooth vocals, romantic lyrics, lush instrumentation, and showy groove changes. At the 64th Grammy Awards, the single received four nominations, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
5) When I Was Your Man
Before Bruno Mars received accolades for his funk and R&B tracks, he was first known for his emotional piano ballads. “When I Was Your Man” features Mars’ unmatched vocals with a piano accompaniment. In here, he sings about regret for letting his lover go. It was inspired by Mars’s anxiety about losing his long-time girlfriend, Jessica Caban. This song was the second piano-and-vocal-only tune to top the Hot 100, following Adele’s 2011 hit “Someone Like You.” It was also Bruno Mars’ fifth US #1 single. Many critics praised Mars in this vulnerable and emotional ballad, mainly due to his vocal prowess.
4) Just The Way You Are
When Bruno Mars sings to you that “you’re amazing just the way you are,” you believe it. In 2010, he turned a common phrase into an undeniably catchy chorus that made him his first charting single as a lead artist. He had previously earned fame as a vocalist on “Nothin’ on You” by B.o.B and “Billionaire” by Travie McCoy. When the single became #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2010, Mars became the third solo male artist to peak at the top with a debut solo release. It also became the best-selling digital single of 2011 after selling more than 12.5 million copies.
3) 24K Magic
“24K Magic” is what Bruno Mars and his crew bring to the party. But take note that the title isn’t purely figurative. Mars is also wearing lots of 24-karat gold, including the “Cuban links” chains in the music video. “24K Magic” is the lead single from his studio album of the same name. Mars sings of extravagances, glamour, and the party lifestyle in this funky track. A few days before the single was first released in 2016, Mars posted on Instagram: “You can call it my first single, but I call it the invitation to the party.” Indeed, “24K Magic” is a joyful party song wherein you can find Bruno Mars tearing up the town. The single won Record of the Year at the Grammy Awards in 2018.
2) That’s What I Like
Many fans can’t get enough of Bruno Mars in his groovy R&B track “That’s What I Like.” It’s one of his many successful singles for his album 24K Magic. Like his other songs that speak of extravagance, this track addresses a woman and tells her all of the luxury items he likes that will hopefully impress the girl. However, Mars’ possessions aren’t the only things that are impressive here. This track became so successful that it received multiple accolades at the most highly recognized award shows. The song won Favorite Soul/R&B Song at the 2017 American Music Awards and Song of the Year at the Soul Train Music Awards. In 2018, it won Grammy Awards for Song of the Year, Best R&B Song, and Best R&B Performance. That’s surely a lot for just one single in a highly-recognized album!
1) Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars – Uptown Funk
We know it’s surprising that Bruno Mars’ biggest hit isn’t even his song, but you most likely already bobbed your heads to this track. “Uptown Funk” gives a giant party vibe with its fun lyrics and well-crafted mix of rhyming patterns. The song was a massive success, being the best-selling single of 2015 in the US and UK. It also won Best Male Video at the MTV Video Music Awards during the same year. The song received high recognition at the 2016 Grammy Awards after being named Record of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. The accolades come as no surprise, especially that this track is also Bruno Mars’ most-streamed song.