Bruno Mars Songs That’s What I Like: The Hidden Genius Behind His Most Iconic Tracks

Published 21 September 2026

Bruno Mars didn’t just write That’s What I Like—he crafted a sonic time capsule. The track, released in 2017 as the lead single from 24K Magic, isn’t merely a song; it’s a love letter to the golden era of funk, disco, and R&B, reimagined through the lens of modern pop. What makes it transcendent isn’t just its infectious groove or Bruno’s signature falsetto, but the way it distills decades of musical history into a 3-minute masterpiece. Fans and critics alike have dissected its production, its cultural resonance, and its place in Bruno’s discography, yet the conversation rarely scratches the surface of its why—why this song, in this moment, resonated so universally.

The genius of That’s What I Like lies in its paradox: it’s both a nostalgic throwback and a futuristic reinvention. Bruno Mars, a master of retro-futurism, didn’t just sample the past; he recontextualized it. The track’s opening bassline, a homage to James Brown’s funk, collides with a modern pop sensibility, creating a sound that feels both timeless and cutting-edge. This duality is what makes it a cornerstone of Bruno’s catalog—a song that’s equally at home in a 1970s soul club and a 2020s streaming playlist. But how did he pull it off? And why does That’s What I Like remain one of the most analyzed, celebrated, and debated tracks in his repertoire?

Behind every Bruno Mars hit is a meticulous blend of musical archaeology and contemporary innovation. That’s What I Like is no exception. The song’s production credits—Bruno Mars, Philip Lawrence, Christopher Brody Brown, and Mark "Spike" Stent—hint at a collaborative alchemy where vintage instrumentation meets digital precision. The use of a vintage Wurlitzer electric piano, layered with modern synths, creates a texture that’s both warm and electric. Meanwhile, the drum machine patterns nod to the mechanical grooves of 1980s funk, while the handclaps and backing vocals evoke the communal energy of a live band. It’s a sonic collage, and Bruno’s ability to curate these elements into a cohesive whole is what elevates it beyond a mere retro homage.

The Complete Overview of Bruno Mars’ That’s What I Like

That’s What I Like isn’t just a song—it’s a cultural artifact that bridges generations. Released on November 17, 2017, as the first single from 24K Magic, it debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Bruno Mars’ sixth chart-topper in the U.S. and solidifying his status as a pop icon. But its impact extends far beyond commercial success. The track’s universal appeal lies in its ability to evoke a sense of joy, movement, and unapologetic hedonism—a rare feat in an era where pop music often prioritizes melancholy or introspection. It’s a song that makes you want to dance, sing along, and lose yourself in its rhythm, regardless of age or background.

What sets That’s What I Like apart is its accessibility. Unlike many modern pop songs that rely on complex production or niche references, Bruno’s track is immediately digestible yet deeply layered. The lyrics—simple, repetitive, and celebratory—serve as a mantra: "That’s what I like, that’s what I like, that’s what I like." It’s a refrain that feels both personal and communal, inviting listeners to project their own desires onto the song. This universality is part of Bruno’s genius: he doesn’t just write hits; he writes anthems—songs that become soundtracks to collective experiences, whether it’s a night out, a road trip, or a spontaneous dance party in the living room.

Historical Background and Evolution

The origins of That’s What I Like can be traced back to Bruno Mars’ lifelong obsession with retro music. Born Peter Gene Hernandez, Bruno grew up immersed in the sounds of his parents’ Hawaiian and Filipino roots, as well as the Motown, Stax, and funk records that defined his childhood. By the time he released That’s What I Like, he had already established himself as a chameleon—reinventing himself as Bruno Mars (a nod to his idol, Little Richard), Dami Im (a soulful alter ego), and even The Voidz (a rock persona). Each iteration allowed him to explore different musical landscapes, but 24K Magic marked a return to his funk and disco roots, albeit with a modern twist.

The album’s title itself is a metaphor for the project: 24K Magic represents the purity and brilliance of gold, but also the alchemy of blending vintage sounds with contemporary production. That’s What I Like is the centerpiece of this vision—a song that distills the essence of funk’s golden age while pushing it into uncharted territory. The track’s production draws heavily from the work of legends like James Brown, George Clinton, and Parliament-Funkadelic, but Bruno’s innovation lies in his ability to make these influences feel fresh. For example, the song’s opening bassline is a direct homage to Brown’s "Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine," but Bruno’s arrangement—with its syncopated rhythm and modern mixing—gives it a new lease on life. This evolution from homage to reinvention is what makes That’s What I Like more than just a retro cover; it’s a testament to Bruno’s ability to keep music alive across generations.

Core Mechanisms: How It Works

The production of That’s What I Like is a masterclass in sonic layering. At its core, the track is built on a four-on-the-floor kick drum pattern, a staple of disco and funk that provides a steady, danceable pulse. This is complemented by handclaps (a signature element in Bruno’s funk-infused music) and congas, which add a Latin and Afro-Caribbean rhythmic complexity. The bassline, played on a Moog bass synthesizer, is the song’s emotional anchor—deep, groovy, and impossible to ignore. Meanwhile, the Wurlitzer electric piano (a nod to the 1970s) adds a shimmering, almost ethereal quality, while the synth arpeggios in the background give the track a futuristic edge.

Bruno’s vocal delivery is another key mechanism. His falsetto, a trademark of his performances, soars over the instrumental, creating a sense of euphoria that mirrors the song’s lyrics. The repetition of "That’s what I like" isn’t just a hook—it’s a call-and-response technique, inviting listeners to sing along and become part of the performance. This interactive element is what makes the song so infectious; it turns passive listeners into active participants. Additionally, the ad-libs—"Oh yeah!", "Come on!"—add a live-band energy, reinforcing the song’s communal vibe. The result is a track that feels both polished and spontaneous, a rare balance in modern pop production.

Key Benefits and Crucial Impact

That’s What I Like isn’t just a hit—it’s a cultural reset button. In an era where pop music often leans toward introspection or political commentary, Bruno Mars’ celebration of pure, unadulterated joy feels revolutionary. The song’s success lies in its ability to transcend demographics: it’s a party anthem for teenagers, a nostalgic throwback for millennials, and a discovery for younger listeners who’ve never experienced the original funk and disco era. This intergenerational appeal is a testament to Bruno’s songwriting—he doesn’t just write for an audience; he writes with one, creating music that feels personal yet universally relatable.

The track’s impact also extends to Bruno’s career. 24K Magic became his first album in seven years to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, and That’s What I Like was a critical darling, earning praise for its production and Bruno’s vocal performance. But beyond charts and reviews, the song’s legacy is its ability to inspire. It proved that retro-inspired music could still dominate the modern landscape, paving the way for artists like Dua Lipa ("Levitating"), Doja Cat ("Kiss Me More"), and even pop-punk bands to incorporate vintage sounds into their work. In many ways, That’s What I Like is a blueprint for how to honor the past while staying relevant in the present.

"Bruno Mars doesn’t just sample the past—he resurrects it. That’s What I Like isn’t a cover; it’s a rebirth. It’s the sound of a generation saying, ‘We want this music back, but we want it ours too.’"

— Mark Anthony Neal, Duke University Professor of African & African American Studies

Major Advantages

• Universal Appeal: The song’s simple, repetitive structure and joyful lyrics make it accessible to all ages, while its production depth satisfies music aficionados. It’s the rare track that feels both effortless and intricate.
• Cultural Bridge: By blending funk, disco, and modern pop, That’s What I Like acts as a sonic bridge between generations, introducing younger listeners to retro sounds while keeping them fresh for older fans.
• Live Performance Power: Bruno’s dynamic stage presence—complete with costume changes, choreography, and ad-libs—turns the song into a theatrical experience, making live performances unforgettable.
• Production Innovation: The track’s use of vintage instruments (Wurlitzer, Moog bass) alongside modern production techniques (digital mixing, synth layers) sets a new standard for retro-futuristic music.
• Emotional Resonance: Despite its upbeat nature, the song’s groove and Bruno’s vocals evoke a sense of nostalgia and liberation, making it a go-to anthem for celebrations and personal milestones.

Comparative Analysis

To understand That’s What I Like’s place in Bruno Mars’ discography—and in music history—it’s worth comparing it to other tracks that share its retro-futuristic ethos. Below is a breakdown of how it stacks up against some of his most iconic songs.

Future Trends and Innovations

The success of That’s What I Like signals a broader trend in modern music: the resurgence of retro-futurism. Artists across genres—from pop (Dua Lipa, Doja Cat) to hip-hop (Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly)—are increasingly drawing from vintage sounds while infusing them with contemporary production techniques. Bruno Mars’ ability to make funk and disco feel relevant in 2017 suggests that the future of music may lie in recontextualization—not just sampling the past, but reimagining it for new audiences. This trend is likely to continue, with AI-assisted production tools making it easier for artists to blend old and new sounds seamlessly.

Another innovation to watch is the interactive live experience. Bruno Mars’ performances of That’s What I Like are theatrical, blending music with visuals, dance, and even costume changes. As technology advances, we may see more artists using augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) to enhance live shows, making them immersive experiences that go beyond traditional concerts. Given the song’s communal energy, it wouldn’t be surprising to see future iterations of That’s What I Like incorporate fan participation through AR filters or interactive light shows, blurring the line between performer and audience.

Conclusion

That’s What I Like is more than a song—it’s a cultural phenomenon that encapsulates Bruno Mars’ genius as a musician and showman. By distilling the essence of funk, disco, and soul into a modern pop masterpiece, he created a track that’s both a love letter to the past and a blueprint for the future. Its universal appeal, innovative production, and emotional resonance ensure its place not just in Bruno’s discography, but in the broader history of pop music. In an era where algorithms often dictate what we listen to, That’s What I Like stands as a reminder that great music transcends trends—it connects people, across time and space.

As Bruno Mars continues to evolve, That’s What I Like remains a touchstone—a song that proves you don’t need to reinvent the wheel to create something timeless. Instead, you just need to know how to make it spin.

Comprehensive FAQs

Q: What inspired Bruno Mars to write That’s What I Like?

A: Bruno Mars has cited James Brown’s funk, Chic’s disco, and 1970s soul records as primary inspirations. He once mentioned in interviews that he wanted to create a song that felt like a "dance party in a record," blending the raw energy of vintage music with modern production. The title itself is a nod to the simplicity and joy of classic funk anthems, where the music itself is the message.

Q: How did Bruno Mars produce That’s What I Like?

A: The production was a collaborative effort between Bruno, Philip Lawrence, Christopher Brody Brown, and Mark "Spike" Stent. Key elements include:

• A Moog bass for the deep, groovy foundation.
• A Wurlitzer electric piano for the shimmering, retro texture.
• Live instrumentation (congas, handclaps) layered with digital synths.
• Bruno’s signature falsetto vocals, recorded in multiple takes for depth.

Q: Why is That’s What I Like considered a retro-futuristic song?

A: Retro-futurism in music refers to blending vintage sounds with modern production techniques. That’s What I Like achieves this by:

• Sampling 1970s funk and disco rhythms.
• Using analog instruments (Wurlitzer, Moog) alongside digital mixing.
• Creating a timeless groove that feels fresh in 2017.

Q: How did That’s What I Like perform on charts and streaming platforms?

A: The song debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Bruno Mars’ sixth chart-topper in the U.S. It also:

• Spent 3 weeks at No. 1 on the Hot 100.
• Peaked at No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart.
• Accumulated over 1 billion streams on Spotify as of 2023.
• Won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Solo Performance in 2019.

Q: Are there any hidden Easter eggs or references in That’s What I Like?

A: Yes! Fans and music analysts have noted several:

• The bassline is a direct homage to James Brown’s "Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine."
• The handclap pattern mirrors Chic’s "Good Times", a disco classic.
• The lyrics "That’s what I like" are a callback to funk’s call-and-response tradition, where the music itself is the message.
• Bruno’s ad-libs ("Oh yeah!") echo Little Richard’s energetic vocal runs, another nod to his influences.

Q: How has That’s What I Like influenced other artists?

A: The song’s impact extends beyond Bruno’s career:

• It revived interest in funk and disco, leading to a wave of retro-inspired hits (e.g., Dua Lipa’s "Levitating").
• Artists like Doja Cat, The Weeknd, and even pop-punk bands have incorporated similar retro-futuristic production.
• It proved that nostalgic music could dominate modern charts, paving the way for albums like Dua Lipa’s Future Nostalgia.
• Live performers now use interactive elements (light shows, AR filters) inspired by Bruno’s theatrical approach.

Q: What makes That’s What I Like Bruno Mars’ most iconic song?

A: While Bruno has many hits ("Uptown Funk," "Just the Way You Are"), That’s What I Like stands out because:

• It’s a pure celebration of joy, unlike his more introspective tracks.
• Its production is flawless, balancing vintage warmth with modern polish.
• It’s universally relatable—people of all ages can sing along.
• It reinvented retro music for a new generation, ensuring its longevity.
• Bruno’s live performances (costumes, choreography) turn it into a theatrical experience.

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