Born Peter Gene Hernandez in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1985, the multi-talented singer, songwriter, and producer has captivated audiences worldwide with his electrifying performances and a sound that effortlessly blends pop, RandB, funk, and soul.
In honor of his special day, let’s celebrate his remarkable career by revisiting 10 of his most instantly recognizable and beloved songs.
Die With a Smile (2025)
In a year of remarkable collaborations, Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga delivered one of the most talked-about hits. “Die With a Smile” showcases a perfect blend of their artistic styles, with a powerful pop ballad that has resonated with audiences worldwide. The song has quickly climbed the charts, adding yet another iconic hit to Mars’ already impressive discography. The song has more than 3 billion streams on Spotify.
When I Was Your Men (2013)
A poignant and heartbreaking piano ballad, “When I Was Your Man” showcases Mars’ raw vulnerability. The lyrics tell the story of a man filled with regret over a past love, and his powerful, emotive vocals made the song an instant hit. Since its release in 2013, it remains one of his most powerful and widely acclaimed emotional performances.
The Lazy Song (2011)
A complete shift in tone, “The Lazy Song” is a lighthearted and relatable ode to doing absolutely nothing. Its simple, acoustic guitar-driven melody and humorous lyrics resonated with anyone who has ever wanted to spend a day “in my birthday suit and I’m a-gettin’ high.” The playful music video, featuring Mars and a group of friends in monkey masks, became a viral sensation.
Just the Way You Are (2010)
This heartwarming ballad was the song that introduced many to Bruno Mars as a solo artist. With its simple, yet profound message of unconditional love, “Just the Way You Are” became an instant classic. Its gentle piano melody and sincere vocals made it a staple at weddings and a favorite for anyone looking for a feel-good anthem.
Locked Out of Heaven (2012)
Inspired by new wave and reggae rock, this high-energy track was a departure from his earlier sound. With its infectious beat and funky guitar riffs, “Locked Out of Heaven” became a major commercial success, topping charts globally. The song’s retro-infused sound and powerful chorus made it a staple at live shows and a fan favorite.
APT. (2024)
In late 2024, Bruno Mars teamed up with BLACKPINK’s Rosé for “APT.,” a track that has since become a global sensation. The song, which cleverly incorporates the rhythmic chant from a popular Korean drinking game, is a vibrant and infectious blend of pop, funk, and K-pop energy. “APT.” shot to the top of charts worldwide, spending weeks at number one on the Billboard Global 200 and setting records for streaming. The song’s success is a testament to Mars’s ability to seamlessly collaborate across cultures and genres. The song has more than 2.000 million streams on Spotify.
24K Magic (2016)
The title track from his Grammy-winning album, “24K Magic” is a vibrant, party-starting anthem that embodies Mars’ signature showmanship. The song is a celebration of luxury and good times, with a heavy dose of funk and hip-hop. Its catchy chorus and infectious beat made it a go-to song for dance floors and celebrations everywhere.
That’s What I Like (2017)
Another smash hit from the “24K Magic” album, “That’s What I Like” is a smooth, R&B-infused track with a relaxed and confident vibe. The song’s catchy melody and witty lyrics about living a lavish lifestyle resonated with listeners, earning it a Grammy for Song of the Year. Its simple yet effective music video, featuring Mars dancing and interacting with animated drawings, became instantly recognizable.
Talking to the Moon
While many artists struggle to keep a song relevant for a single year, Bruno Mars saw a track from his 2010 debut album find a whole new audience over a decade later. “Talking to the Moon,” a poignant pop and R&B ballad about loneliness and a failed relationship, unexpectedly went viral on social media.
Uptown Funk (2014)
A collaboration with Mark Ronson, “Uptown Funk” is arguably Mars’ most iconic and recognizable hit. The song is a masterful tribute to 80s funk and R&B, with its undeniable groove and slick production. The track dominated global charts, won a Grammy Award for Record of the Year, and became a cultural phenomenon with its catchy hooks and stylish music video.