In the world of contemporary pop music, Bruno Mars stands tall as a beacon of talent, creativity, and sheer musical brilliance. One of his most iconic and beloved hits, "That's What I Like," encapsulates everything that makes Mars such a captivating artist.
Released in 2016 as the lead single from his third studio album, "24K Magic," "That's What I Like" took the world by storm, topping charts around the globe and earning Mars numerous accolades, including a Grammy Award for Record of the Year. It's a song that effortlessly blends elements of funk, soul, and R&B, creating a sonic tapestry that's both irresistibly catchy and deeply groove-driven.
While the song's infectious melody and undeniable danceability are undeniable, it's the lyrical content of "That's What I Like" that truly sets it apart. Mars' lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man who's completely captivated by a woman's sensual allure, using clever wordplay and vivid imagery to express his desire for her.
bruno mars thats what i like
Here are 7 important points about the song "That's What I Like" by Bruno Mars:
- Funk, soul, R&B fusion
- Catchy melody, infectious groove
- Sensual lyrics, clever wordplay
- Grammy Award for Record of the Year
- Worldwide chart success
- Dance-inducing beats, energetic performance
- Cultural impact, enduring popularity
These elements combine to create a song that's both timeless and universally appealing, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry and solidifying Bruno Mars' status as one of the most celebrated artists of his generation.
Funk, soul, R&B fusion
At its core, "That's What I Like" is a masterful blend of funk, soul, and R&B, three genres that have long been intertwined and have shaped the evolution of popular music.
- Funk:
The song's infectious groove is driven by a funky bassline, syncopated drum patterns, and shimmering guitar riffs, all of which create an irresistible rhythmic foundation.
- Soul:
Mars' passionate vocals and the song's soulful harmonies evoke the raw emotion and heartfelt delivery that are hallmarks of soul music. The lyrics themselves, with their expressions of desire and longing, tap into the genre's core themes.
- R&B:
The song's smooth, sensual melodies and the use of R&B-influenced vocal runs and ad-libs add a layer of sophistication and urban flair, further expanding its appeal.
- Fusion:
Mars seamlessly blends these three genres, creating a sound that's both familiar and fresh. "That's What I Like" transcends genre boundaries, appealing to a wide range of listeners and showcasing Mars' versatility as an artist.
The result is a song that's both timeless and timely, a testament to Mars' ability to fuse classic sounds with contemporary production techniques. It's a song that can get you moving on the dance floor or lost in its sensual embrace, a true testament to the power of funk, soul, and R&B.
Catchy melody, infectious groove
One of the most striking features of "That's What I Like" is its incredibly catchy melody. The song's main hook, with its repeated phrase "That's what I like," is instantly memorable and impossible to resist. The melody is built around a simple yet effective chord progression, which gives it a sense of familiarity while still maintaining its freshness.
Complementing the melody is the song's infectious groove. The drumbeat, with its syncopated rhythms and steady backbeat, provides a solid foundation for the rest of the instruments. The bassline, with its funky, walking pattern, adds a layer of rhythmic complexity and keeps the song moving forward. The guitars, with their shimmering riffs and occasional solos, add a touch of energy and excitement.
Together, the melody and groove of "That's What I Like" create an irresistible combination that gets you moving and keeps you hooked. It's a testament to Bruno Mars' songwriting prowess and his ability to craft songs that are both catchy and musically sophisticated.
The song's infectiousness is further enhanced by Mars' energetic and charismatic performance. His vocals are full of passion and soul, and he delivers the lyrics with a sense of conviction and joy. The accompanying music video, with its vibrant colors and playful choreography, perfectly captures the song's upbeat and celebratory spirit.
Overall, the catchy melody and infectious groove of "That's What I Like" are major factors in its enduring popularity. It's a song that's impossible to resist, one that will have you singing and dancing along from the first listen.
Sensual lyrics, clever wordplay
Bruno Mars is known for his ability to craft lyrics that are both sensual and clever, and "That's What I Like" is no exception. The song's lyrics are full of innuendo and double entendres, all delivered with Mars' signature charm and wit.
The song's opening lines set the tone: "I like the way you move it, move it / You like the way I do it, do it." These lyrics, with their suggestive wordplay, immediately create an atmosphere of seduction and desire.
Throughout the song, Mars uses clever metaphors and similes to express his attraction to his lover. He compares her to a "cherry pie" and a "sweet treat," and he sings about wanting to "shake it like a Polaroid picture." These lyrics are both playful and provocative, and they leave little to the imagination.
However, Mars' lyrics are not simply about physical desire. He also sings about the emotional connection he has with his lover. He praises her "beautiful mind" and her "sweetest smile," and he expresses his desire to be with her "forever." These lyrics add a layer of depth and sincerity to the song, making it more than just a catchy pop tune.
Overall, the sensual lyrics and clever wordplay in "That's What I Like" are a testament to Bruno Mars' songwriting skills. He manages to create a song that is both seductive and heartfelt, one that appeals to both the senses and the emotions.
Grammy Award for Record of the Year
One of the highest honors that a song can receive is a Grammy Award, and "That's What I Like" took home the Grammy for Record of the Year in 2018. This award recognizes the song's overall excellence, from its songwriting and production to its performance and cultural impact.
- Songwriting:
The song's catchy melody, infectious groove, and clever lyrics all contributed to its Grammy win. The songwriting team, which included Mars, Philip Lawrence, and Christopher Brody Brown, crafted a song that is both sonically pleasing and lyrically engaging.
- Production:
The song's production is also top-notch. The instrumentation is lush and layered, and the mix is clean and balanced. The producers, Mars, Lawrence, and Shampoo Press & Curl, created a soundscape that perfectly complements the song's vibe and lyrics.
- Performance:
Bruno Mars is known for his energetic and charismatic live performances, and his performance of "That's What I Like" at the Grammy Awards was no exception. He commanded the stage with his smooth dance moves and his passionate vocals, leaving the audience mesmerized.
- Cultural impact:
The song's popularity and cultural impact also played a role in its Grammy win. "That's What I Like" was a massive hit around the world, topping charts and receiving widespread acclaim from critics and fans alike. Its catchy melody and dance-inducing beats made it a staple at parties and dance clubs, and its positive message of self-love and appreciation resonated with people from all walks of life.
Overall, "That's What I Like" is a deserving winner of the Grammy Award for Record of the Year. It is a well-crafted and expertly performed song that has had a significant impact on popular culture. Its Grammy win is a testament to the song's quality and its enduring appeal.
Worldwide chart success
"That's What I Like" was a massive commercial success, topping charts around the world and becoming one of the biggest songs of 2017.
- United States:
The song spent a total of 24 weeks in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, including seven weeks at number one. It also topped the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart.
- United Kingdom:
The song reached number two on the UK Singles Chart, becoming Mars' highest-charting single in the country.
- Canada:
The song spent 16 weeks in the top 10 of the Canadian Hot 100 chart, including four weeks at number one.
- Australia:
The song reached number one on the ARIA Singles Chart and remained in the top 10 for 18 weeks.
In addition to these major markets, "That's What I Like" also topped the charts in numerous other countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Sweden. It became Mars' first song to reach number one in over 20 countries.
The song's worldwide success is a testament to its universal appeal. Its catchy melody, infectious groove, and sensual lyrics resonated with audiences around the globe, making it one of the most popular songs of the 21st century.
Dance-inducing beats, energetic performance
One of the things that makes "That's What I Like" so infectious is its dance-inducing beats. The song's syncopated drumbeat and funky bassline create an irresistible groove that gets you moving from the first note.
Bruno Mars is also known for his energetic and charismatic live performances, and he brings that same energy to his performances of "That's What I Like." He commands the stage with his smooth dance moves and his passionate vocals, leaving the audience mesmerized.
Whether you're listening to the song on your headphones or watching Mars perform it live, it's impossible to resist the urge to dance. The song's infectious rhythm and Mars' energetic performance make it the perfect party anthem.
Here are some specific examples of the dance-inducing beats and energetic performance in "That's What I Like":
- The song's introduction features a catchy drumbeat and a funky bassline that immediately grab your attention and get you moving.
- The chorus is particularly dance-inducing, with its repetitive lyrics and energetic melody. The line "That's what I like" is especially infectious, and it's sure to get you singing and dancing along.
- The bridge features a breakdown where the music drops out and Mars sings the line "I want you to feel like you're free." This moment builds anticipation before the song explodes back into the chorus, giving it even more impact.
- Mars' live performances of "That's What I Like" are always high-energy affairs. He dances around the stage, interacts with the audience, and delivers his vocals with passion and charisma. His performances are a joy to watch, and they always leave the audience wanting more.
Overall, the dance-inducing beats and energetic performance in "That's What I Like" are major factors in its popularity. The song is impossible to resist, and it's sure to get you moving and grooving.
Cultural impact, enduring popularity
"That's What I Like" has had a significant cultural impact since its release in 2016. The song's catchy melody, infectious groove, and sensual lyrics have made it a favorite at parties, weddings, and other social events. It has also been featured in numerous TV shows, movies, and commercials.
The song's popularity is also evident in its enduring presence on the charts. It spent a total of 24 weeks in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and it has been certified six-times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
In addition to its commercial success, "That's What I Like" has also been praised by critics for its musicality and its positive message of self-love and appreciation. The song won a Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 2018, and it was also nominated for Song of the Year.
Here are some specific examples of the song's cultural impact and enduring popularity:
- The song has been used in numerous TV shows and movies, including "The Voice," "Lip Sync Battle," and "Girls Trip."
- The song has been covered by numerous artists, including Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, and Justin Bieber.
- The song has been parodied and referenced in popular culture, including in a skit on "Saturday Night Live" and in a commercial for Apple Music.
- The song has been used in numerous dance challenges and viral videos on social media.
Overall, "That's What I Like" is a song that has had a lasting impact on popular culture. Its catchy melody, infectious groove, and positive message have made it a favorite among fans around the world. The song's enduring popularity is a testament to its quality and its ability to connect with people on a deep level.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about Bruno Mars' hit song "That's What I Like":
Question 1: What genre is "That's What I Like"?
Answer 1: "That's What I Like" is a funk, soul, and R&B fusion song.
Question 2: Who wrote "That's What I Like"?
Answer 2: The song was written by Bruno Mars, Philip Lawrence, and Christopher Brody Brown.
Question 3: When was "That's What I Like" released?
Answer 3: The song was released on January 18, 2017, as the lead single from Mars' third studio album, "24K Magic."
Question 4: How successful was "That's What I Like"?
Answer 4: The song was a massive commercial success, topping charts around the world and winning a Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 2018.
Question 5: What is the meaning behind "That's What I Like"?
Answer 5: The song is a celebration of love, self-confidence, and appreciation for a romantic partner.
Question 6: Why is "That's What I Like" so popular?
Answer 6: The song's catchy melody, infectious groove, and positive message have made it a favorite among fans around the world.
Question 7: Where can I listen to "That's What I Like"?
Answer 7: The song is available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.
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These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about "That's What I Like." If you have any other questions, feel free to search online or ask a music expert.
In addition to these frequently asked questions, here are a few tips for enjoying "That's What I Like" to the fullest:
Tips
Here are a few practical tips for enjoying "That's What I Like" to the fullest:
Tip 1: Listen to it in a good quality sound system.
The song's catchy melody, infectious groove, and lush instrumentation are best appreciated on a good quality sound system. This will allow you to fully experience the song's sonic richness and detail.
Tip 2: Watch the music video.
The music video for "That's What I Like" is a vibrant and visually stunning affair that perfectly complements the song's upbeat and celebratory vibe. Watching the video will give you a deeper appreciation for the song's lyrics and message.
Tip 3: Learn the dance moves.
The song's infectious rhythm and dance-inducing beats make it perfect for dancing. There are numerous tutorials available online that can teach you the basic steps. Once you've mastered the moves, you can show them off at your next party or social gathering.
Tip 4: Sing along to the lyrics.
The song's catchy lyrics and Bruno Mars' soulful vocals make it perfect for singing along. Whether you're in the car, in the shower, or just relaxing at home, belt out the lyrics and let the song's positive energy wash over you.
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These are just a few tips for enjoying "That's What I Like" to the fullest. Whether you're a longtime fan of Bruno Mars or you're just discovering his music, this song is sure to put a smile on your face and get you moving.
Now that you know more about "That's What I Like" and have some tips for enjoying it to the fullest, it's time to experience the song for yourself. Listen to it, watch the music video, learn the dance moves, and sing along to the lyrics. Let the song's positive energy wash over you and enjoy the ride.
Conclusion
Bruno Mars' "That's What I Like" is a masterclass in pop music songwriting and production. The song's catchy melody, infectious groove, and sensual lyrics have made it a favorite among fans around the world. Its worldwide chart success, Grammy Award for Record of the Year, and enduring popularity are a testament to its quality and its ability to connect with people on a deep level.
The song's success is due in part to its universal appeal. Its message of self-love and appreciation for a romantic partner is something that everyone can relate to. The song's dance-inducing beats and energetic performance also make it perfect for parties and social gatherings.
Overall, "That's What I Like" is a song that has something for everyone. Its catchy melody, infectious groove, and positive message make it a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you're listening to it in your car, watching the music video, or dancing along to the beat, "That's What I Like" is sure to put a smile on your face and get you moving.
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So next time you need a song to brighten your day or get you in the mood to dance, put on "That's What I Like" and let Bruno Mars' infectious energy wash over you. You won't be disappointed.