Bruno Mars has unveiled plans for 'The Romantic,' his first solo album in nearly a decade, due out February 27, 2026. Shared via social media on Wednesday, the news teases new music this Friday, January 9, marking a return to solo work after high-profile collaborations.
In an exciting Instagram post on Wednesday, Bruno Mars announced his fourth solo studio album, 'The Romantic,' slated for release on February 27, 2026, via Atlantic Records. This follows his last solo effort, the Grammy-winning '24K Magic' from November 2016.
Pre-orders are now live on his official website, including vinyl editions for collectors and a limited-edition T-shirt featuring the album's black-and-white cover art: a close-up of Mars' face with a bandana, framed by a decorative border of chains and roses that evoke romance and intensity.
Building hype, Mars revealed 'new music coming this Friday,' January 9—likely the lead single, though details like tracklist remain under wraps, with no pre-save links on streaming platforms yet.
The project caps a busy stretch for the Hawaii-born artist. Recent collaborations include 'Die With A Smile' with Lady Gaga (fall 2024), 'APT.' with Blackpink's Rosé, and 'Fat Juicy & Wet' with Sexyy Red. He previously partnered with Anderson .Paak as Silk Sonic, releasing 'An Evening with Silk Sonic' in 2021, with no further material since. Mars has also headlined a long-running Las Vegas residency at Dolby Live since 2016.
While specifics on 'The Romantic's sound are sparse, the title hints at romantic themes, blended with Mars' signature pop, funk, and soul. This initial announcement kicks off coverage of the album's rollout—stay tuned for the Friday drop and more updates.