Bruno Mars’ Hopes for a New Number 1 Album May Have Just Hit a Snag after a Big Announcement

Since announcing his new album, The Romantic, and releasing his brand-new single, “I Just Might,” Bruno Mars has set the music world ablaze. When you add the fact that tickets for his highly anticipated tour went on sale on January 14, and the "Treasure" singer has a history of cranking out hit after hit,  it looked as if the Billboard Charts were slated to be dominated by Mars, in the first quarter of 2026 at least. However, Mars’ domination may have just hit a snag. 

Although some assumed Mars would bag another number one album when The Romantic dropped, another popular music act just let it be known that they are releasing an album the same day as Mars. And, they may have the star power to ensure Mars has to settle for a number two debut when it’s all said and done. 

Blackpink Releases a New Album on February 27

On January 14, K-pop sensation Blackpink announced they plan to release their third mini-album, Deadline, on February 27, which sets up a pending chart battle with Mars, who is releasing The Romantic on that day as well. Blackpink may not have as many years under their belt in the industry as the co-founder of Silk Sonic, but their resume is quite remarkable. The K-pop group currently holds the records for the most-streamed female group on Spotify and the most-viewed music group on YouTube. Additionally, their debut album rose to number two on the US Billboard charts, while their second album ruled the very top of the chart. 

Reception of Bruno Mars’ New Single

The long-awaited single from the superstar is certainly moving its way up the charts. According to Chart Data, it debuted at #3 on the Global Spotify Chart, making it the “biggest solo streaming debut of his career on Spotify.” It also rose to the top spot on the iTunes chart. With that being said, there are some Mars fans, such as myself, who are at best lukewarm to the new bop. If I had to truncate my thoughts, I’d say the single comes off as a Silk Sonic track that was left on the editing floor, and the track doesn’t sound like a new era of Mars is on the way. However, I’ll hold out hope that the rest of The Romantic will exceed my expectations.

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