For me, listening to pop music has always been unintentional. Whether it is played at a high school homecoming dance or at the grocery store, I have always detested the monotony of one-hit wonders such as Twenty One Pilots and bland music produced by Imagine Dragons.

Although I cannot stand to listen to either band, how often do you actually want to listen to them? For me, these artists are over-hyped and usually are not creative.

When it comes to musicians that will leave a lasting mark on the music industry, it is sad to think that the majority of the names and faces will derive from the pop genre. However, despite how dry I think the genre has become, Bruno Mars has created a legacy that will be remembered far past his lifetime.

What sets him apart from other artists is his change in style throughout his career. Mars’ 2010 hit “Just the Way You Are” still resonates among millennial and Generation Z listeners. Even after nine years, the song is still distinct and adored by crowds outside the realm of pop music. Other hits like “Grenade” and “When I was Your Man” also carry out the theme of finding a lost sense of love.

In 2014, his career started to evolve. After the release of “Uptown Funk,” arguably his most famous song to date, his popularity increased exponentially. I doubt that anyone listens to any other song from 2014 as often as “Uptown Funk.” Some may argue that this song is overplayed, but it is rightfully so. I would rather listen to this track than anything produced around that same time period.

Ever since 2014, Mars has used ‘80s and ‘90s themed sounds and choreography to his advantage. Releasing songs like “24K Magic,” “Finesse” and “That’s What I Like” exhibits his ability to retain a unique sound in a diverse industry while not seeming like a sell-out. His music has retained fans from his earlier, lost-lover days while appealing to a more party-driven crowd with his newer hits. It would not surprise me if he goes back to his original style at some point in his career.

Critics may refer to him as a Michael Jackson wannabe, but having sold more than 130 million records internationally, there is no argument that Mars has made a name for himself. Although I will never strive to hear one of his songs on any given day, I do acknowledge that Mars has accomplished years of success and will be remembered for decades to come.