Bruno Mars - "The Lazy Song"

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Bruno Mars celebrates a day of kicking back and "not doing anything." The laidback reggae vibe fits the sentiment of the song perfectly. As we start to head toward summer, this song is one that is likely to find its place among the summer hits of 2011. There are no grand artistic statements here, but that is fitting for Bruno Mars. You can almost see yourself lounging along with him as he sings this ode to loafing.

Bruno Mars is clearly a man of many musical moods. His first hit "Just the Way You Are" was a sweet, almost fawning, love tribute. He followed that with "Grenade," one of the most direct and cutting break-up songs in recent memory. Now he backs away from any relationship concerns to relax with friends and celebrate a day of leisure.

One of Bruno Mars' first musical successes came in helping put together the worldwide hit "Wavin' Flag" for Somali-Canadian musician K'Naan. Now K'Naan returns the favor in collaborating on the writing of "The Lazy Song." The reggae beat gives the tune an international feel. That helps in delivering what is surely a universal message of the pleasures in escaping all responsibility, if only for a day.

It is difficult to believe it has only been a year since Bruno Mars made his first appearance on pop charts as a featured performer for B.o.B.'s debut smash "Nothin' On You." Since that point he has appeared on another top 5 hit and unleashed two #1 singles of his own. His voice is now one of the most familiar in pop music. "The Lazy Song" can be easily slotted into TV or film soundtracks as well as pop radio playlists. This is likely to make the voice of Bruno Mars even more recognizable. However, no need to dwell too long on the road to accomplishment for Bruno Mars. Instead, perhaps we should just take his advice, kick back, and "let everything hang loose." No need at the moment to do anything but sing along.