RSVP for our listening party HERE
There are artists whose work feels like it belongs to every soundtrack of your life — from graduation dances to late-night drives — and Bruno Mars is unquestionably one of them. With a career that spans decades of chart-topping hits, viral dance floor anthems, and genre-blending mastery, he’s back with his most personal project in years: The Romantic, dropping February 27, 2026.
Bruno’s journey began long before the spotlight, but he exploded into global success in the early 2010s with songs like “Just the Way You Are,” “Grenade,” and later “Uptown Funk,” a collaboration that became one of the most iconic pop hits of the decade. Along the way, he’s accumulated multiple Grammy Awards — from Record of the Year to Best Pop Vocal Album — and earned a reputation as one of pop music’s most charismatic performers. He’s equally at home in stadiums and in intimate settings, seamlessly blending pop, R&B, funk, and soul.
And now — nearly a decade since his last solo studio album — Bruno returns with The Romantic, his fourth solo LP and first since 2016’s 24K Magic. This fresh chapter showcases his musical and emotional depth, spotlighting his signature vocals, songwriting flair, and sophisticated arrangements. The lead single “I Just Might” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, signaling that fans are more ready than ever for this new era.
Record Store Day Ambassador & Why This Matters
In 2026, Bruno Mars steps into a new role — as Record Store Day Ambassador, championing independent music culture and the experience of listening to records together. As ambassador, he’s supporting events like our The Romantic listening party on Wednesday, February 25 at 6 PM, where fans can hear the album early and celebrate its release in community. This role reinforces something vinyl lovers already know: music is best experienced in person, surrounded by others who care about sound, craft, and shared moments.
Bruno’s Career & Why He’s Worth Hearing Together
Bruno doesn’t just write songs — he builds moments. His catalog spans infectious grooves (“That’s What I Like”), heartfelt ballads (“When I Was Your Man”), and unforgettable collaborations (including with Anderson .Paak as Silk Sonic). His live performances are top tier, too: he’s performed multiple Grammy-winning shows and appeared on the world’s biggest stages.
In 2026, he’s taking that stage energy global with The Romantic Tour, his first full stadium tour in nearly a decade. The tour kicks off in Las Vegas on April 10, makes multiple stops across North America — including two in Arlington, Texas at Globe Life Field on April 18 & 19 and a show at NRG Stadium in Houston on April 22 — and winds across Europe and beyond. Anderson .Paak will join as DJ Pee .Wee on every date, with special guests like Victoria Monét, RAYE, and Leon Thomas adding high-caliber support.
Why Our Listening Party is Special
At Curious Collections, the only indie record store in Bryan/College Station, we’re thrilled to host our early listening party for The Romantic on Tuesday, February 25 @ 6 PM. This is your chance to:
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Hear the full album before its official release on Feb 27
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Immerse yourself in the sound with fellow local music lovers
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Celebrate Bruno’s artistry with fans near Texas A&M University
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Experience unique record store energy that you just can’t get at home
Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering his music for the first time, this night is about connection — to the music, the community, and the shared excitement of a new era.
More about our listening party...
Few artists know how to soundtrack love, heartbreak, and late-night drives quite like Bruno Mars. From silky slow jams to irresistible grooves, his music has always felt timeless — and with his brand-new album The Romantic, Bruno leans fully into that legacy. Before the album officially releases on February 27, we’re inviting our community to experience it early, the way new music is meant to be heard: together, on great speakers, inside an independent record store.
On Wednesday, February 25 at 6 PM, Curious Collections will host an early listening party for The Romantic right here in Bryan/College Station. We’ll be spinning the album in full ahead of release, giving fans a chance to hear the record before it hits streaming platforms or store shelves. Whether you’re a longtime Bruno Mars fan or just love discovering new music on vinyl and CD, this night is for you.
To make the evening even sweeter, we’ll have exclusive goodies for attendees while supplies last, including posters and lanyards, plus a exclusive t-shirt for a few lucky guests will take home — you must be present to win. These listening parties are about more than just music; they’re about community, shared moments, and celebrating new releases the indie way.
If you love vinyl, CDs, and supporting local record stores near Texas A&M University, this is the perfect way to welcome Bruno Mars’ latest era. Mark your calendar, bring a friend, and fall in love with The Romantic before anyone else.
Pre-order the Indie Exclusive Vinyl here!
Pre-order the CD here!