Bruno can catch a Grenade

Album: Doo-Wops & Hooligans
Artist: Bruno Mars
U.N.Owen's Rating: 3.99/5
Standout Tracks: " Just The Way You Are", "Grenade","Marry You","Talking To The Moon"

1.Grenade : Bruno Mars' second single. Personally, I feel this is the best track of the album even better than award-winning first single "Just The Way You Are". The lyrics & tone are sublime on this record, you actually feel bad for him.The video accompanying the track helps it's success. Also, it has got to be the most "covered" track on youtube!

2. Just The Way You Are: The very first single from the album & has received a lot of praise for its awesome tune. Lyrics-wise this song is at the top with "Grenade" and deserves its #1 Billboard spot rightfully.

3. Our First Time: Now this where the album falls apart for me. This track tries too hard to be a R&B-reggae mix with its slow beats & its annoying "Oohs" & "Aahs". While Bruno does some cool runs & uses his flawless falsetto, it isn't enough to carry the track as a potential single.

4. Runaway Baby: Fast-paced,Motown-ish with a twinge of rock - this track is infectious. However, once it reaches the chorus, it fizzles out. Not a bad track, not great either. Meh!

5.The Lazy Song: Keinan "Waving Flag" Warsame (aka K'naan) co-wrote this song.Doesn't sound anything like what K'naan would sing! The title is pretty apt & the tune feels like a "loll-on-a-hammock" beach type song. Fun song, yet lazy attempt. Can anyone smell "Filler"!!!

6.Marry You: The only worthy track after "Grenade" & "JTWYA". Fun,catchy & vivacious song which has even been covered by Glee! Actually feels like a wedding song with the bells ringing in the background.Funny, it sounds like a Lene Nystrom song. Score 3 for Mr.Mars

7.Talking To The Moon: Whoah! Is it Grenade part 2?? Well it does sound a lot like Grenade but isn't as good as the former.His strong suit seems to be slow & heart-felt songs.

8.Liquor Store Blues Ft. Damian Marley: If you like Bob Marley-like songs(Bob's son is featured in this song), you might like this one. While its good at certain parts, its passable.

9.Count On Me: Snooze! Skip it.

10.The Other Side Ft. Cee-Lo Green & B.o.B: Bruno Mars had his first hit with the brilliant B.o.B song "Nothin' On You". Teams up with him again as well as "Crazy" hit-maker Cee-Lo Green. While the album ends on a good note, this song has too many similarities with "Crazy".

Verdict: Overall, a good album from Bruno Mars , but could have been so much better.He has a lot of potential & hopefully his second album will be proof of  his musical talent.Vocally flawless, this guy should do more collabs which would ensure more hits like "Nothin' On You" & "Billionaire". I would recommend you buy the standout singles from iTunes & skip the rest of the album.