It may be 2014, but don't ever think for a second that the power of funk has gone away. Today (Nov. 10), Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars teamed up to release a new single "Uptown Funk," a true bass-heavy throwback that also just so happens to be one of the best tracks of the year.
"Uptown Funk" marries the worlds of '70s funk with modern pop music, pulling the track into 2014 with ease. From the very first moments, when backup singers rush in with baritone bumps, it's clear that "Uptown Funk" is fire. Hand claps and a high guitar riff set the stage for the modern funky tune before Ronson and Mars kick in with the lyrics.
"This here that ice cold / Michelle Pfeiffer / That white gold / This one's for the, hood girls, them good girls / Straight masterpieces," the two duet on, bringing sass and pure, unadulterated funk into the mix with half spoken, half sung vocal styles.
The lyrics aren't particularly deep, with the largest focus being on just how hot Mars and Ronson are and how "uptown funk gon' give it to ya." But it's a dance track, and this song succeeds on pulling you to the dancefloor, even if it's just mentally.
Mars truly sells his vocals, though his aptitude with funk was well seen on his last album 2012's Unorthodox Jukebox, with tracks like "Treasure." He grits his way through "Uptown Jukebox," injecting plenty of attitude and charisma all throughout the track.
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Watch out for this one, it's going straight to the top of the charts. Listen to "Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars below:
The track will get its live debut on Saturday Night Live for this year's Thanksgiving episode on Nov. 22 alongside host Cameron Diaz. "Uptown Funk" is the lead single from Ronson's new album Uptown Special which will be released in January 2015.
