Super Bowl 2014: 5 Songs You Didn’t Know Bruno Mars Was Behind

Kathy Iandoli | January 31, 2014 5:30 am

Bruno Mars has maintained a steady ascent into Pop Stardom since we first met his smooth vocals, assisting B.o.B. on 2010’s breakout single “Nothin’ On You.” Unbeknownst to the world back then, Bruno was not only an amazing singer, but also a killer songwriter and hitmaking producer. The Los Angeles transplant aligned with creative collective The Smeezingtons (who also include Phillip Lawrence and Ari Levine). Together, The Smeezingtons were responsible for a number of solid tracks (both producing and songwriting) from stars like Alicia Keys, Justin Bieber, Far East Movement, Mike Posner, and many, many more.

Currently, however, we know Bruno Mars for his ability to craft his own hits. Who hasn’t caught a glimpse of the Hawaii native on his Moonshine Jungle Tour by now? Who doesn’t own a copy of Unorthodox Jukebox (and Doo-Wops & Hooligans while we’re at it)? Bruno Mars has evolved into a national treasure, and as he readies his halftime performance at Super Bowl XLVIII, we take a little trip down memory lane. Let’s revisit some songs that you had no idea were either produced, written, or co-written by Bruno Mars (along with The Smeezingtons). You’ll be surprised by some of the hits that had the seal of the almighty pompadour.

“Wavin’ Flag” – K’naan (2009) If you were at all plugged into the 2010 FIFA World Cup, then you heard K’naan’s triumphant single. “Wavin’ Flag” was, in a word, anthemic. It possessed everything it needed to in order to sound uplifting, inspirational, and every other Hallmark word you can think of. The song was damn good though, and who could forget the beat? Gentle guitars, drums that sound like they were kicked with steel-toed boots, and a background of chants. It epitomized the song to rock while waving a flag. You can thank two people for that beat: Bruno Mars, and Kerry “Krucial” Brothers (of early Alicia Keys fame).