"24K Magic" is the third studio album by American singer-songwriter Bruno Mars, released on November 18, 2016, by Atlantic Records. The album saw Mars reuniting with his longtime collaborators Philip Lawrence and Christopher Brody Brown, who formed the songwriting and production trio Shampoo Press & Curl. In addition, Mars worked with new collaborators such as the production team the Stereotypes and singer-songwriter James Fauntleroy. Recording sessions for 24K Magic took place between late 2015 and September 2016 at Glenwood Place Studios in Burbank, California.
The album incorporates a mix of R&B, funk, pop, and new jack swing, genres that Mars was inspired to explore in order to capture the sound of 1990s R&B—music he enjoyed listening to and dancing to as a child. His aim was to create an album that would make people want to dance and have the same fun he experienced with music growing up. Lyrically, 24K Magic touches on similar themes as his previous album Unorthodox Jukebox (2012), including money, sex, and living a lavish lifestyle. Although Mars was passionate about the sound he envisioned for the album, he initially faced some hesitation from his label, Atlantic Records, who were unsure about the direction.
Upon release, 24K Magic debuted at number two on the Billboard 200, selling 231,000 equivalent album units in its first week. It also became Mars’s first number-one album on the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. The album performed well internationally, reaching number two in Canada, France, and New Zealand. It produced five singles: the title track "24K Magic," "That's What I Like," "Finesse" (remixed with Cardi B), "Versace on the Floor," and "Chunky." "That's What I Like" topped the Billboard Hot 100, marking Mars’s seventh number-one hit in the United States, while "24K Magic" hit number one in New Zealand. The album sold over five million copies worldwide and was certified triple platinum in multiple countries, including the United States, Canada, and New Zealand.
Critical reception to 24K Magic was generally positive, with many reviewers praising the album's throwback sound, blending contemporary R&B with a retro vibe. Critics noted improvements in the production and Mars’s ability to create a polished, danceable record. However, some reviewers criticized the album for feeling less vulnerable compared to Mars’s previous ballads and for being somewhat detached from the casual listener. Despite these critiques, 24K Magic received widespread acclaim and was named one of the best albums of 2016 by several publications.
At the 2018 Grammy Awards, 24K Magic was highly recognized, winning seven Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, Best R&B Album, and Record of the Year for the title track. "That's What I Like" also won Song of the Year at the same ceremony. In addition to its critical success, the album was promoted through the 24K Magic World Tour (2017–2018), along with a number of television appearances. 24K Magic became one of the defining albums of the 2010s and was named the tenth-best album of the decade by the Associated Press.
