Uptown Special
by Mark Ronson
  • Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: Jan 13, 2015
User Score
6.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 85 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 55 out of 85
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 85
  3. Negative: 19 out of 85
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  1. jankywalker
    Jan 15, 2015
    8
    Retro throwback right up the alley of those wanting a "vintage" feel. Ronson strikes a homerun in terms of bringing out the best of a pivotal era in music/cultural development, and has probably just done enough to answer the question circulating since "Uptown Funk" dropped: "Who the hell is Mark Ronson?"
  2. BrandonTrotter
    Jan 17, 2015
    7
    Mark Ronson is still a great producer it's just that all these songs lyrically are not that great but the production is strong and that is what I like about Ronson and it did not have that well known features which I like.
  3. thaleslucas
    Mar 5, 2015
    9
    This is a great album that brings us back a good old R&B mixed with a little bit of Funk and Soul/Jazz. I really didn't understand why many people hated it ... You know, sometimes we just have to feel the music and not examine whether it's a fad or not.
  4. CiphirSol
    Jan 13, 2015
    10
    Compelling and funky, the tracks that stand out the most to me are the one's featuring Tame Impala's Kevin Parker. His guest-spots give me insight into what an Impala funk album would be about, and let me tell you, it's glorious.
  5. Petrocelli
    Apr 4, 2015
    7
    I know it's not cool, but I really like Uptown Funk. There are a few other songs on this album that make it worth listening to. A total throwback to disco and funk. It's a lot of fun.
  6. MatthewColombia
    May 2, 2015
    9
    Great funk album! Kevin Parker from Tame Impala does great on the three tracks he's on. Very fun to listen to... I don't get the low scores it's receiving from users.
  7. Hackskeptic
    May 28, 2015
    8
    Gathering Stevie Wonder, Bruno Mars, Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker and Kanye collaborator Jeff Bhasker could have resulted in the too many cooks effect.

    Surprisingly, “Uptown Special” is a collection that faithfully replicates 80s funk, soul and pop with aplomb. It’s a project of obvious, yet fluid dynamics, carried largely by the verve and enthusiasm Ronson and co. have injected into    Gathering Stevie Wonder, Bruno Mars, Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker and Kanye collaborator Jeff Bhasker could have resulted in the too many cooks effect.

    Surprisingly, “Uptown Special” is a collection that faithfully replicates 80s funk, soul and pop with aplomb. It’s a project of obvious, yet fluid dynamics, carried largely by the verve and enthusiasm Ronson and co. have injected into every groove.

    Wouldn’t look out of place as a GTA soundtrack radio station.    … Expand
  8. Mab_987
    Jan 25, 2015
    8
    While it's pretty obvious what the biggest standout on the album is (and deservedly so), Uptown Special is a consistently really fun, enjoyable record that revives classic sounds with the great songwriting & production to keep it from being a mere throwback novelty.

    (For a more in-depth review, look up "Spin It Reviews" on YouTube)
  9. stfuadam
    Dec 16, 2015
    8
    This is a decent album, I'm not getting all the bad user reviews on here. Very weird. Daffodils, Uptown Funk, Feel Right, Leaving Los Feliz and I Can't Lose are all good tracks, and that's just off the top of my head.
  10. Nicoswift
    Mar 1, 2015
    8
    Mark never give your quality in yours productions and in this album not is different. The retro in album making her so attractive and intelligent, introducing the listener on another world. though have many songs with a bad lyric, this no intervenes highly.

    notable songs: I Can't Lose, Uptown Funk, Daffodils
  11. cipriano
    Feb 6, 2020
    10
    Bringing together great singers of many styles, and making versatile album with 80s footprint is risky, but Mark knew how to work this in a mature producer form and totally knowing what is done. The album has its dynamic and great sound, flow very well within your ears. You go from a good world to an even better world. Impeccable!

Awards & Rankings

74
#74 Most Discussed Album of 2015

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. Under The Radar
    Feb 26, 2015
    70
    For all the technical charm that Ronson is able to pull off on this album, a lyrically nimble one with the employment of Pulitzer Prize winning author Michael Chabon, it never reaches sexy.
    Read full review
  2. No Ripcord
    Feb 24, 2015
    40
    Somehow, because Uptown Funk is so, so good, Uptown Special is even more disappointing.
    Read full review
  3. Uncut
    Feb 3, 2015
    60
    Novelist Michael Chabon's lyrics fail to illuminate the theme, while the music settles for tasteful reverence. [Mar 2015, p.81]
See all critic reviews »