The architects of modern pop music often work alone, chiseling their own masterpieces, but Bruno Mars prefers the company of another titan. As the Hawaiian-born showman celebrates his 39th birthday on October 8th, his career stands as a vibrant testament not just to his singular talent for blending funk, soul, and R&B, but to a rare genius for collaboration.
His partnerships have transcended genre, generation, and even continents, leading to era-defining hits like the global, decade-best phenomenon “Uptown Funk” with Mark Ronson, and the sophisticated ’70s R&B of the Grammy-sweeping superduo Silk Sonic, alongside Anderson .Paak.
Uptown Funk (with Mark Ronson)
Released in 2014, “Uptown Funk” stands as a monumental achievement, not just for Bruno Mars but for the decade it dominated. Produced by the genius Mark Ronson, the track is a flawless fusion of funk, pop, and soul, built on a swaggering bassline and Mars’s infectious, charismatic performance. It became the best-performing song of the 2010s on the Billboard charts and cemented Mars’s ability to take a retro aesthetic and transform it into a global, timeless smash hit. Its cultural ubiquity and longevity make it the undisputed top collaboration.
Leave the Door Open (as Silk Sonic, with Anderson .Paak)
The debut single from the superduo Silk Sonic, which Mars formed with Anderson .Paak, “Leave the Door Open” (2021) was an immediate masterclass in smooth, ’70s-inspired R&B and soul. This track single-handedly resurrected the genre’s elegance and sensuality, earning the duo multiple Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year. The creation of Silk Sonic showcased Mars’s commitment to an immersive artistic vision, proving he could not only feature on a track but co-pilot an entire, critically-acclaimed project.
Finesse (Remix) (featuring Cardi B)
While the original 2017 track from the 24K Magic album was a solid hit, the 2018 remix featuring hip-hop firebrand Cardi B turned “Finesse” into a cross-genre cultural moment. The vibrant, ’90s-inspired video and Cardi B’s energetic verses injected a fresh, undeniable urgency into the funk-pop track. This collaboration highlighted Mars’s skill in revitalizing his own work and reaching new audiences through smart, high-impact pairings.
Nothin’ on You (with B.o.B)
This 2009 track is arguably the song that introduced the world to Bruno Mars. As a relatively unknown songwriter and hook singer at the time, Mars’s smooth, soaring chorus provided the perfect pop complement to B.o.B’s breezy rap verses. The song became a massive international hit, peaking at Number 1 in the UK and catapulting Mars from a background writer into a highly sought-after artist in his own right, paving the way for his solo debut a year later.
Die with a Smile (with Lady Gaga)
One of Mars’s most recent and impactful duets, “Die with a Smile” (2024), marked a highly anticipated collaboration with pop icon Lady Gaga. This track became an instant chart-topper, spending weeks atop the Billboard Global 200 chart. The song is a nostalgic, feel-good pop anthem that showcases the effortless vocal chemistry between two of the generation’s most dynamic performers, proving Mars’s relevance and power deep into his career.
APT. (with Rosé)
The unexpected 2024 collaboration with Blackpink star Rosé resulted in a viral, cross-cultural smash hit. “APT.” is an energetic, quirky pop-rock track that quickly gained global traction, becoming another chart-topping success for Mars. Its immediate popularity demonstrated his unique ability to partner with diverse international artists and tap into massive global fanbases.
Billionaire (featuring Travie McCoy)
Another early-career collaboration from 2010 that helped launch Mars, “Billionaire” featured the Gym Class Heroes frontman Travie McCoy. Mars provided both the infectious, aspirational hook and songwriting services. The song’s catchy, laid-back acoustic vibe about dreaming of unimaginable wealth resonated widely, securing Mars a top spot on international charts early on.
Smokin Out The Window (as Silk Sonic, with Anderson .Paak)
This track from the An Evening with Silk Sonic album stands out for its dramatic, humorous, and soulful storytelling. It’s a quintessential Silk Sonic number, capturing the album’s 1970s aesthetic with a sharp, narrative edge. While not the lead single, “Smokin Out The Window” became a fan-favorite and proved the depth and quality of the duo’s collaborative album project.
Wake Up in the Sky (with Gucci Mane and Kodak Black)
A smooth hip-hop and R&B crossover from 2018, “Wake Up in the Sky” features Mars alongside rappers Gucci Mane and Kodak Black. Mars contributes a velvety, signature hook and chorus that ties the track’s diverse elements together. This collaboration is a powerful example of Mars stepping into the hip-hop space and elevating the track with his unique brand of soulful melody and production.
Forget You (Co-written and Co-produced for CeeLo Green)
While Mars is not featured on the vocals of CeeLo Green’s 2010 hit “Forget You”, his role behind the scenes was crucial. As part of The Smeezingtons production team, Mars co-wrote and co-produced the Grammy-winning single. This track is included as a collaboration highlight because it demonstrates the enormous impact Mars had as a creative force, shaping chart-topping music for other artists even as his own performing career was taking off.