Just the Way You Are

Way back in 1977, Billy Joel released a heartfelt ballad called "Just The Way You Are" where he sang: I love you just the way you are In 2010, Bruno Mars borrowed that same title and sentiment for his "Just The Way You Are," which is much more casual but still quite affirming: Girl, you're amazing, just the way you are There's a big difference in inspiration: Billy Joel's song is about his wife, but Bruno didn't have anybody specific in mind for his "Just The Way You Are."

Released in 2010 on his debut album, Doo-Wops & Hooligans, "Just The Way You Are" was Bruno Mars' first single, but he was already well known thanks to his features on "Nothin' on You" by B.o.B, and "Billionaire" by Travie McCoy. Mars was also a member of the production trio The Smeezingtons, who worked on Flo Rida's 2009 international hit "Right Round," so he already had an impressive list of credits. "Just The Way You Are" (as well as "Nothin' on You" and "Billionaire") were Smeezingtons productions and co-writes. Two other writers also have credits on "Just The Way You Are": Needlz and Khalil Walton.

The song was written with Cee-Lo Green in mind, but the Gnarls Barkley singer didn't feel it was right for him. "I personally think ['Just the Way You Are'] was better for [Mars], like 'F--- You' was better for me. I don't think he could have sung that song," Green told Billboard magazine. Another artist the songwriters had in mind before Bruno Mars decided to keep the tune for himself was Lupe Fiasco. The rapper ended up on the remix.