Bruno Mars breaks all-time record on Spotify
Bruno Mars is marking a new milestone in his outstanding career. Having officially broken the all-time record for monthly listeners on Spotify on Wednesday, October 30th, he is now pushing the barrier further every day. With his genre-defying hits and undeniable musical talent, Mars continues to dominate the streaming world, reaching millions of fans globally.
More than 126 million to be precise, on Spotify alone. And he keeps improving it by the day, flying over the previous best by The Weeknd (120.7 million). This achievement highlights his enduring popularity and solidifies his place as one of the most influential artists of his generation.
Bruno Mars: From Breakthrough Hits to Record-Breaking Streams
Bruno Mars’ journey from an unknown producer to global pop sensation is one of remarkable skills, consistent chart success, and a series of milestones that have defined his career. As of 2024, Mars set a new record for the most monthly listeners on Spotify at 126 million and counting. It’s a testament to his enduring popularity in the streaming age.
This latest achievement adds another chapter to a career filled with chart-topping hits and multi-platinum success. Let’s take a look at his rise through the music world, from his early breakthrough to his latest record-breaking moment.
The Breakthrough (2010): Just the Way You Are and Doo-Wops & Hooligans
Born Peter Gene Hernandez in 1985 in Honolulu, Hawaii, Bruno Mars was immersed in music from a young age. He learned to play multiple instruments and soaking up the sounds of rock, R&B, and funk. His career began as a producer and songwriter for other artists, like CeeLo Green‘s Fuck You. But it was his debut as a solo artist that marked the start of his superstardom.
Mars’ breakout moment came in 2010 with the release of Doo-Wops & Hooligans. The album’s lead single, Just the Way You Are, skyrocketed to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, making Mars one of the few male artists to top the chart with a debut single. The song’s blend of heartfelt lyrics and infectious melody resonated with listeners worldwide, and the success was just the beginning.
Likewise, the album followed with other hit singles like Grenade and The Lazy Song. Grenade also reached #1 in several countries and earned Mars multiple Grammy nominations. Doo-Wops & Hooligans was quickly certified multi-platinum and has now sold over 30 million copies worldwide, solidifying Mars as a global force.
Sophomore Success (2012): Unorthodox Jukebox and Continued Chart Domination
In 2012, Mars returned with his highly anticipated follow-up album, Unorthodox Jukebox. The album marked a bold departure from his debut, incorporating more rock, funk, and reggae influences. The lead single, Locked Out of Heaven, was a massive hit, debuting at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and staying there for six weeks. It further showcased Mars’ versatility and ability to combine retro sounds with modern pop.
The album’s success was immediate. Unorthodox Jukebox debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200 and went on to sell over 20 million copies worldwide. Hits like When I Was Your Man and Treasure further solidified his dominance on the charts, with both singles reaching the top of various international charts.
Mars‘ growing reputation as a hitmaker was confirmed at the 2014 Grammy Awards, where he won Best Pop Vocal Album for Unorthodox Jukebox, and he picked up several nominations for his chart-topping singles. By this point in his career, Mars was firmly established as one of the biggest names in pop music.
The song Uptown Funk, which he recorded with Mark Ronson, remains one of the best-selling digital singles of all time, ranking at inside the top 20 with over 16.3 million pure sales globally and 14 weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100. Over the last 10 years, only Pharrell Williams‘ Happy sold more.
The Super Bowl and 24K Magic (2016): Funk, Fame, and New Heights
Mars continued to impress in 2016 with his third studio album, 24K Magic. But before the album’s release, the artist had already begun capturing the world’s attention with his electrifying performance at Super Bowl 50’s halftime show, where he performed Uptown Funk and other hits. The show solidified his reputation as a powerhouse live performer and helped generate massive anticipation for the new album.
Released in November 2016, 24K Magic was a throwback to the funk and R&B sounds of the ’80s, infused with Mars’ signature modern twist. The title track 24K Magic became an instant anthem, hitting #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and winning multiple awards. Another smash hit from the album, That’s What I Like, also topped the charts and won Song of the Year at the 2018 Grammy Awards.
The album itself was a commercial success, debuting at #2 on the Billboard 200 and earning 12 million global sales. As a result, it won seven Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, making it one of the most acclaimed albums of 2016. With 24K Magic, Mars proved he could evolve with the times while still maintaining the timeless appeal that made him a global sensation.
Spotify Milestone and Continued Streaming Dominance (2024)
As of 2024, Bruno Mars continues to redefine what it means to be a modern pop star. On October 30, 2024, he broke the record for the most monthly listeners on Spotify. To do so, he surpassed The Weeknd‘s 120.7 million total that felt unreachable for other artists. This milestone highlights Mars’ continued strength in the streaming era, where his music is consistently played across the globe.
More impressively, he does so thanks to two new songs, Die With A Smile with Lady Gaga and APT. with Blackpink‘s Rosé. He has yet to release a new album. It is far from over, as since he moved to the top, he improved the record every single day. The current number is now over 126 million.
This record is down a great part to Mars’ catalog. It has performed exceptionally well on streaming platforms, with hits like Locked Out of Heaven, Just the Way You Are, That’s What I Like, When I Was Your Man, and Grenade amassing billions of streams. As we speak, these decade-old songs chart respectively at 29, 35, 37, 93, and 159 on Spotify’s global daily chart.
This ability to create songs that resonate across generations, combined with his ever-present popularity on playlists, has made him a go-to artist for listeners worldwide. His collaboration with Anderson .Paak in the duo Silk Sonic has further boosted his presence. In fact, the album An Evening with Silk Sonic garnered billions of streams as well as critical acclaim.
Highest Monthly Listeners peaks on Spotify
As of November 6, 2024, here are the Top 10 artists with the highest monthly listeners on Spotify, based on their all-time peak listener counts:
01 Bruno Mars – 126,068,452 (11/06/2024)
02 The Weeknd – 120,693,473 (10/11/2024)
03 Taylor Swift – 116,229,071 (05/17/2024)
04 Lady Gaga – 113,191,366 (11/06/2024)
05 Billie Eilish – 108,297,865 (11/02/2024)
06 Ariana Grande – 99,648,377 (12/27/2023)
07 Post Malone – 98,466,468 (05/17/2024)
08 Justin Bieber – 95,396,733 (12/27/2023)
09 Coldplay – 93,879,219 (10/20/2024)
10 Mariah Carey – 90,575,966 (12/27/2023)
Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber and Mariah Carey have their eyes set on the Christmas season to join the 100-million club. So far, only five artists ever broke this milestone. Make sure to keep track of the most monthly listeners ranking as it is updated daily. As for Mars, wonders are on how high he can go with his current incredible streak.
From Just the Way You Are to his latest Spotify achievement, Bruno Mars has proven himself a master of both the charts and the streaming world. His ability to mix nostalgia with modern pop sensibilities has earned him a place among the most beloved artists of his generation.
As Mars continues to break records and win over new fans, his legacy is only growing. And with his new Spotify milestone, it’s clear that Bruno Mars’ musical journey is far from over.
We have more for you…
… our analysis of Bruno Mars‘ full discography
… the best selling artists through the years, with Mars part of the leading pack since he debuted.
Most successful artists ever.
Numbers in equivalent album sales through all formats over 6-rolling-years eras. Based on original recordings’ release dates.
Video created with Flourish.
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