Bruno Mars! Superstar! Pop & R&B Sensation! He’s charismatic, handsome, talented, fun, young, energetic.
His latest, “That’s What I Like” is snappy, with finger popping, licketey-split lyrics that suggest over the top, decadent imagery: Cadillacs, diamonds, and gold. Lot of gold.
Gold jewelry shining so bright
Strawberry champagne on ice
And
Sex by the fire at night
silk sheets and diamonds all white
Lucky for you,
That’s what I like, that’s what I like
Cadillacs are a recurring image in rock and pop music.
In 1975, in the days of peace love and understanding, William de Vaughn knocked it out of the park with a #1 multi-million seller “Be Thankful For What You Got, ” which opened with
Though you may not drive a great big Cadillac
…may not have a car at all
His message was more kumbaya and less glitter and gold:
But remember brothers and sisters
You can still stand tall
Just be thankful for what you got.
De Vaughn’s “Just Be Thankful,” which he also wrote, is known for its seminal, hip lyrics that are sometimes referenced in other’s hits, most recently Rihanna’s “Shut Up and Drive” included this line written by DeVaughn: “I’m a fine-tuned super-sonic speed machine, with a sunroof top and a gangsta lean.”
Even though Bruno Mars is only 31-years old, his parents exposed him to the early rockers that Boomers grew up on, so even as a preschooler Mars was a fan of Elvis, Little Richard, and Jerry Lewis and admits that they are an indelible influence on his own music and style.
His connection to roots rock combined with his understanding of contemporary pop music results in a wonderful potpourri of sounds that appeals to multi generations.