24K Magic
by Bruno Mars
  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: Nov 18, 2016
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
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  1. Q Magazine
    Dec 13, 2016
    60
    Ultimately 24k Magic's luxe exterior writes cheques its soul can't cash. [Feb 2017, p.115]
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  2. The Guardian
    Nov 28, 2016
    60
    James Brown is referenced unto pastiche on the crisp Perm, but Finesse and That’s What I Like respectively revisit new jack swing and the young R Kelly with such love that it’s not so much throwback as righteous resurrection.
  3. The Observer (UK)
    Nov 21, 2016
    60
    Is anything here the equal of Uptown Funk? Not quite, but the opening three songs are excellent party starters. The mid-tempo cuts lack the lustre of the uptempo ones, and the album’s closing ballad--Too Good to Say Goodbye--isn’t as persuasive as When I Was Your Man off Unorthodox Jukebox.
  5. Slant Magazine
    Nov 18, 2016
    60
    The album features the strongest set of beats and rhythmic hooks in Mars's canon to date, making it a could-be heir to gratuitous groove records like 1999, Off the Wall, and Remain in Light--if only it were as innovative. Ultimately, the album's magic is a trick everyone already knows.
  6. Rolling Stone
    Nov 18, 2016
    60
    While his funk game is strong and swagger is stronger, Bruno's acclaimed hook-writing (which has garnered four Number Ones for himself and tons of co-writes on other chart-toppers) has seemingly taken a backseat.
  7. The Independent (UK)
    Nov 23, 2016
    40
    There’s scant distinction overall, with Bruno’s eager-beaver personality wearing perilously thin on “That’s What I Like”, a tiresome tick-list of unimaginative hedonism, and “Chunky”, a big-lass anthem lacking even the roguish, cheeky [sic] charm of Sir Mixalot’s “Baby Got Back”.

Awards & Rankings

19
#19 Most Discussed Album of 2016
37
#37 Most Shared Album of 2016

User Reviews

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User Score
6.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 426 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 270 out of 426
  2. Mixed: 57 out of 426
  3. Negative: 99 out of 426
  1. chidime
    Nov 18, 2016
    2
    WOW. How did we get here? I never for the life of me, ever expected I'd give a Bruno album anything less than an 8 (or 7 at the very least).WOW. How did we get here? I never for the life of me, ever expected I'd give a Bruno album anything less than an 8 (or 7 at the very least). But I have to be honest. This album sucked. Big time. I love the 80s influence. I love the sonic direction. but he could have done better with the songs. If you're gonna make an album of 9 songs, you better bring it for each song on the album. However, Bruno failed to bring it. This album sounds like an 80's album of throwaways from popstars' albums. I like 24k Magic, and love 'Versace on the Floor'. But apart from those two, there's nothing else on the album that I can even manage. Bruno, you are better than this. I know 'Uptown Funk' and it's success gave you a lot of ideas, but this album isn't it. I hope you do better cos writing this is breaking my heart. Do better bro!

    BEST: Versace on the Floor, 24K Magic.
    WORST: The rest.    … Full Review »
  2. zeus80
    Nov 18, 2016
    5
    Big fan, but I am surprised this album is such a disappointment after such a long absence. To me it seems like the type of album that getsBig fan, but I am surprised this album is such a disappointment after such a long absence. To me it seems like the type of album that gets rushed out, not your big album after a layoff. It's essentially a concept album, and it's not bad, and there isn't truly a bad track on the extremely short album, but it's not good either. I wasn't crazy about the 24K Magic single when I first heard it, but it grew on me quickly and now I love it, so maybe the rest will have the same effect with multiple listens. In any case, I hope there is better material already in the works.… Full Review »
  3. Marcosotica
    Oct 18, 2017
    0
    This album sucked. Big time. I love the 80s influence. I love the sonic direction. but he could have done better with the songs. To me itThis album sucked. Big time. I love the 80s influence. I love the sonic direction. but he could have done better with the songs. To me it seems like the type of album that gets rushed out, not your big album after a layoff.… Full Review »
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