The first song Bruno Mars learned on guitar was Carlos Santana’s “Europa (Earth Cry Heaven’s Smile).” The instrumental track is from Santana’s “Amigos” album. Mars told me a few months ago that he was 13 when he learned the song.
There is a sense of Santana on Mars’ new album, “The Romantic.” Especially, “Something Serious,” which actually sounds like a Mars-Santana collaboration. One day, maybe. Latin effects also drip from the mariachi horns opening “Risk It All,” and the rhythms of the boogie-inducing “Cha Cha Cha.”
At nine tracks, the new release feel like a scaled-down album, or expanded EP. It’s similar to a Mars show at Dolby Live or one of his appearances at The Pinky Ring at Bellagio. You want more, which is the point.
My hope, which is maybe hopeless, down the road is for Mars to issue a rock-cover performance from The Pinky Ring as a limited-edition, vinyl-only release. Serial numbers stamped on every cover. This would be a graduated version of “Sinatra at the Sands,” from 60 years ago.
“Live at The Pinky Ring” would be a different atmosphere and unalike genre, but a unique moment in time on the Strip. I’d even buy a new turntable, and maybe take guitar lessons.
John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section. Contact him at [email protected]. Follow @johnnykats on X, @JohnnyKats1 on Instagram.