This week #OnRepeat is Bruno Mars’ “Treasure.” I know that this song has been out now for some time, but I have to bring this one out and dust it off, so to speak.
The music for the song, “Treasure,” has a very throw-back feel to it, and truth-be-told, this song is what really made me start to take notice of Bruno Mars. The lyrics talk about a guy who absolutely adores this girl, which doesn’t really set the song apart from anything else that you would hear out there; however the musical arrangement and melody makes the song very catchy. He had great hits before this–“Count On Me,” “Just the Way You Are,” “Locked Out Of Heaven”–but they just didn’t have the same pull for me like this song.
One of the main things that was so appealing about, “Treasure,” was the music video itself. You can see the clear influence of the Jackson Five, with the dancing and cinematography, but you can also see influences of Earth, Wind, and Fire (matching outfits, singing lovingly at the camera and including a full “band” in the video). This song is also one of the very first songs that features Mars’ voice; you start to hear subtleties in his voice that allude to his influences. The raspy, funk-like quality is reminiscent of James Brown while his vocal timbre and melodic choices reflect Michael Jackson. Have a listen below:
Do any of you guys have a Bruno Mars song that is reminiscent of another musician or group out there? Let us know in the comments below!