Risk It All (Bruno Mars song)

Initially conceived as an uptempo track, "Risk It All" ultimately transformed into a romantic bolero to better reflect its lyrical depth and Mars's Latin heritage.^[4]

"Risk It All" was released as a single on February 27, 2026, alongside the album.^[5] It was chosen as the second single of The Romantic.^[6][7][8] On March 3, 2026, it was reported that the song was one of the most added to contemporary hit radio stations.^[9] The song impacted Italian radio stations on April 10, 2026 via Warner Music Italy.^[10] A Spanish version, "Lo Arriesgo Todo", was released on May 8.^[11] On May 22, 2026 a 7-inch single was released by Atlantic Records. The Spanish version is the A-side and the original version is the B-side.

Maya Geori of Rolling Stone described it as "a cinematic roar of trumpets and delicate strings". She notes, "Immediately, it evokes a Mexican bolero, which is a romantic ballad that originated in Cuba and became popularized by Mexican musicians like Agustín Lara and, later, Javier Solís."^[12] Alexis Petridis of The Guardian criticized the track as a "runny 70s MOR ballad not much perked up by the addition of mariachi horns. And even the blatant homages are not good enough to prevent you thinking you may more usefully spend your time listening to the originals".^[13] Writing for Variety, Chris Williman notes that it "really does feel like a bit of a risk, not just because it starts off the album on a slow, pleading note with acoustic guitar plucking and some of Mars' most supple vocals".^[14]

In a Riff Magazine review, Vera Maksymuik notes, "[The song] slows the tempo [of the album] without losing emotional intensity. Rich horn arrangements and mariachi-inspired instrumentation add warmth, while subtle nods to Mars' Latino heritage feel intentional."^[15] When ranking all nine tracks, Andrew Unterberger placed the track at number five, noting that "the opener to The Romantic starts with near-mariachi trumpet and balladic strings, with Bruno Mars almost sounding like Marc Anthony as he croons over lightly brushed drums and gently plucked acoustics" and concluding by thinking that it could be a Jumbotron kiss cam highlight.^[16]

"Risk It All" debuted at number four on the US Billboard Hot 100. On its first release week, the single debuted with 23.2 million streams, and debuted at number one on Streaming Songs, where it became his fifth leader.^[17] Following the May 8 release of its Spanish version, "Risk it All" returned to the top ten of the Hot 100 at number eight, with 11.2 million streams, 38.8 million radio audience, and 2,000 sales.^[18] The song peaked at number one on the Adult R&B Songs chart.^[19] It also became Mars 12th song to reach the top spot on Radio Songs, extending his record for the most among male artists.^[20]

"Risk It All" experienced moderate success in Europe compared to the preceding "I Just Might"; it entered the top fifty on several country charts, including Denmark, Belgium, Sweden, France, Germany, Croatia and Austria.^[21]

The beginning of the music video for "Risk It All" shows Mars fronting a mariachi band with Mars playing an acoustic guitar. Later on in the video, Mars is seen with DJ Rashida while they're on their honeymoon.^[22]

A live performance of "Risk It All" during The Romantic Tour was uploaded to Mars's YouTube channel on May 26, 2026.^[23] Karol G and Mars performed the song during the former's second of three headlining tour dates at the SoFi Stadium as part of Giraldo's Viajando Por el Mundo Tropitour [es; it; pt], in Los Angeles.^[24]

Credits are adapted from the liner notes of The Romantic.^[25]

• Mixed at MixStar Studios, Virginia Beach
• Mastered at Sterling Sound, Edgewater, New Jersey