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Unorthodox Jukebox Image
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 283 Ratings

  • Summary: The second full-length release for the singer-songwriiter/producer includes production by Jeff Bhasker, Diplo, Paul Epworth, Mark Ronson, The Smeezingtons, and Andrew Wyatt.
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Top Track

When I Was Your Man
Same bed but it feels just a little bit bigger now, our song on the radio but it don't sound the same when our friends talk about you all it does is... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 16
  2. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. 91
    His talent for crafting little pop perfections of all stripes is undeniable.
  2. Dec 12, 2012
    80
    All in all, this is a truly accomplished and slick pop album, but its lyrical content will probably lose Bruno Mars some sales and some of his core audience.
  3. Dec 11, 2012
    77
    His highly anticipated sophomore album succeeds in mixing its safer stylistic choices with its relatively bold ideas.
  4. Dec 10, 2012
    60
    Overall, there is rather less doo-wopping on Unorthodox Jukebox, an album that, despite its title, deserves your grudging respect, and a little more hooliganism.
  5. Jan 3, 2013
    60
    His second album is the same conventional mish-mash as his 6m-selling debut.
  6. Dec 10, 2012
    60
    While not an unqualified triumph, Unorthodox Jukebox is a step forward.
  7. Dec 10, 2012
    50
    Too bad it's a step back from Doo-Wops in so many ways, leaving people who saw promise in his debut shaking their heads in disappointment and hoping Mars can sort out his feelings about women and get back to being a sweet romancer, instead of an icky hater.

See all 16 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 44 out of 51
  2. Negative: 6 out of 51
  1. Dec 11, 2012
    10
    Bruno Mars has proven with this album that he is not a one-trick-pony. If you did not like his first album, I urge you to give UnorthodoxBruno Mars has proven with this album that he is not a one-trick-pony. If you did not like his first album, I urge you to give Unorthodox Jukebox a chance. There are so many different styles on this album, that it never becomes stale or boring. He has taken the risky path that not many choose to take with a sophmore album, but it paid off big time. Expand
  2. Nov 11, 2013
    10
    New reviewer reviewing my top cds of 2013 what can you say about bruno mars true brilliance, rock, r&b, etc. he has a prince feel on oneNew reviewer reviewing my top cds of 2013 what can you say about bruno mars true brilliance, rock, r&b, etc. he has a prince feel on one song and an old school r&b feel on another rock and sting are present i think he is one of the most intiguing and brilliant artists of our century. Expand
  3. Dec 11, 2012
    10
    When bruno mars first came out i swore...i found his first single a bit mediocre! i was like...mehh...couldn't care less! then i heardWhen bruno mars first came out i swore...i found his first single a bit mediocre! i was like...mehh...couldn't care less! then i heard billionare and i found d song interesting having recognised his face as well. but then i was introduced 2 Count and me and fell in love! so i gave the guy a chance on his first record ''doo wops and hooligans"! and to my surprise i actually enjoyed it! so when i heard he had a follow up i followed his every single release curiously to see if he could up the ante and deliver something even better than his breakout smash! and boy did he deliver! unorthodox is probably one of the best album i have heard this year and an addition to my favorites list! Is he original? no...u can play guess the singer he's imitating on most songs(moonshine-micheal jackson, when i was your man-elton john, etc). but man is he a good mime...making his imitations his very entertaining! Agreed that he is one of the best musicians we have in our time to give it some dignity(john mayer, adelle, frank ocean, miguel kanye west to name a few) definetly a buy....and he deserves some grammies too! Expand
  4. Mar 29, 2017
    8
    I remember this so long ago. I hated Locked Out Of Heaven, loved Treasure, the songs were all pretty good. I loved it. Thats why I give it an 8/10....
  5. Dec 12, 2012
    8
    I wish everyone would stop giving reviews that are 10s and 1s, very few things are either perfect or abysmal. The numbers 2-9 do exist. II wish everyone would stop giving reviews that are 10s and 1s, very few things are either perfect or abysmal. The numbers 2-9 do exist. I digress.

    The album is certainly different, and unique, not what his first album was, and that probably has to do with having more control over what he can and can't sing about. Locked Out of Heaven is the obvious hit, but other songs like Moonshine, When I was Your Man and Natalie are all just as good, and potential hits. It's a really good sophomore album. Where others have failed, Bruno Mars has succeeded.
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  6. Mar 25, 2020
    7
    Unorthodox Jukebox by Bruno Mars: 6.40

    Young Girls: 1 Locked Out of Heaven: 1 :) Gorilla: 1 :) Treasure: 1 :) Moonshine: 1 When I
    Unorthodox Jukebox by Bruno Mars: 6.40

    Young Girls: 1
    Locked Out of Heaven: 1 :)
    Gorilla: 1 :)
    Treasure: 1 :)
    Moonshine: 1
    When I Was Your Man: 1! :)
    Natalie: 1 :)
    Show Me: 0.25
    Money Make Her Smile: 0
    If I Knew: 0.75

    8/10 = .800 -> 6.40

    Unorthodox Jukebox has some absolutely outstanding songs. Unfortunately, there are also a few songs on here that sadly (I’m so sorry) just aren’t fun to listen to. This includes Money Make Her Smile, which I honestly had a hard time listening to the whole thing. While Show Me isn’t a bad song, the bridge ruined it for me, with the foghorns and how sexualized it was. I supposed that was a minor issue with Gorilla as well. It wasn’t hard to listen to, I mean, I really enjoyed the interludes and the cleverness in the kickdrum placement; overall the actual music of that song was great. The lyrics were just a little too much for me. That being said, the rest of the songs on the album were fantastic! Three of them were already on my playlists, but after listening to these, I’ll have to add Natalie. Bruno Mars should be congratulated after writing this really good album, especially with writing (for the most part) very fun and catchy songs. Highlights: Young Girls, Locked Out of Heaven, Treasure, Moonshine, When I Was Your Man, and Natalie.
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  7. Dec 3, 2013
    0
    Peter Gene should pay me for listening to this album because I don't have enough money to repair all the damage that these horrible songsPeter Gene should pay me for listening to this album because I don't have enough money to repair all the damage that these horrible songs caused in my ears. Expand

See all 51 User Reviews