Bruno Mars’ much-awaited LP, Doo-Wops & Hooligans, is still a month away from being released. Bruno Mars gained some big time exposure in the music industry after exposing those mad vocals of his in the chorus of B.o.B’s Nothin’ On You. However, it must be known that Peter Hernandez, more known as Bruno Mars, has already been a fixture in the music industry before receiving his huge exposure and has written songs for artists such as Sugababes, Flo Rida, and Alexandra Burke.  Bruno Mars released his debut Extended Play (EP) last May and features some production from The Smeezingtons and has tracks featuring the vocals of Cee-Lo Green and B.o.B.

As evident in the lovely chorus of Nothin’ On You, Bruno Mars clearly has mad vocals. The EP does not fail in showcasing such vocals which serve as a proper introduction of Bruno’s overall musicality. Though the EP serves its purpose with some aplomb, problems do surface. None of the tracks match that ‘special feeling’ that Nothin’ On You brought. At times, music is about the feeling and sadly, the four tracks included in the EP do not give that ‘sense of excellence.’ However, it must be said that the EP sports a lot of R&B elements which many people would like.

As I have said, nothing out of the ordinary happens in the EP. However, the EP closer, Talking To The Moon, displays some much-needed emotion (or vulnerability, whichever you prefer) from Mr. Bruno Mars. The EP does its job in introducing strut his vocals, albeit in a solo setting this time around. Is Bruno Mars a legit solo musician though? We will find out once his LP comes out by October. For now, this EP should suffice.

Date Released: May 11, 2010
Label: Elektra Records/Atlantic Records/Fueled By Ramen