24k Magic: C-

Like most Bruno Mars songs, you’ll be belting “24k Magic” at the top of your lungs for about a month, and then you’ll never want to hear it again. This song hardly strays from the stereotypical party anthem, with references to Mars’ designer shoes and coat along with the pocketful of cash he intends to spend on the many “pretty girls” that surround him. The song documents his night out, and does only that. The song lacks any meaning beyond the surface and the lyrics were hardly up to par with what one would expect from someone with four Grammys. On that note, the song will plague our radios for months because of it’s catchy tune, which uses a ‘70s style pop-funk beat. The sound strays from the so-called normal pop heard on the radio, but it’s hardly anything new. Mars gained momentum with songs “Treasure” and “Uptown Funk” and has been running with it. Unfortunately, this has allowed him to progress very little musically, if at all. This is the kind of song that makes you want to roll your windows down and belt out with your friends on a long drive. But that’s all it is. It’s not the kind of song you’ll be listening to 20 years from now and reflecting on how great music was in your generation.

Love me now: B

John Legend’s smooth vocals and sincere lyrics always have a way of making listeners swoon. His newest single, “Love Me Now”, from upcoming album Darkness & Light, has done just that. The song describes his desire to live in the moment and take advantage of the love he shares with his wife, because tomorrow is not guaranteed. The lyrics are not extremely cryptic or clever and the music does not feature a large variety of instruments or variations. As always, the staple feature of this song is the message. It’s a simple, yet important message. At a time when the world is plagued by instability, distrust and a lack of love, Legend encourages listeners to take advantage of today. He acknowledges that the future of his relationship is not guaranteed, and he decides to give all that he has to it anyways. Young or old, married or single, he encourages listeners to find something they love and love it wholly. This song is strikingly similar to Legend’s hit singles “All of Me” and “You & I” and it seems to be received just as well.