I Just Might

Bruno Mars fired up 2026 with I Just Might, a disco-pop and funk track that served as the lead single from his fourth studio album, The Romantic. Released on January 9 through Atlantic Records, the song arrived ahead of the album's February 27 drop. Mars co-wrote the track with Dernst "D'Mile" Emile II, Philip Lawrence, and Christopher "Brody" Brown, with production handled by Mars and D'Mile. The single became a global smash, hitting number one in 18 countries and cracking the top ten in over 25 others. Its infectious groove and polished production marked a return to the retro-soul sound that defined Mars's earlier work.

The official music video, directed by Mars and Florent Déchard, dropped on January 16. Set in a neon-lit 1970s-inspired nightclub, it features elaborate choreography and has racked up over 350 million YouTube views. The song also sparked a viral TikTok dance challenge, the #IJustMightChallenge, which amassed over 5 billion views. In March 2026, Pepsi used the track in a global advertising campaign, and it was featured prominently in the soundtrack for the film Love in the Afternoon.

Critics were effusive. Pitchfork praised its "meticulous production and undeniable groove," while Rolling Stone called it "a masterclass in modern pop-funk." The Guardian dubbed it "an instant classic," and NME gave it 4 out of 5 stars, noting its "infectious energy." The song earned nominations for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Pop Solo Performance at the 2027 Grammy Awards, and won Song of the Year at the 2027 Brit Awards and Best International Song at the 2027 MTV Europe Music Awards.[edit]