The album has influences from pop-soul, jazz, funk, disco, quiet storm, reggae rock and soft rock. His songs are characterized by Mars' usual style of composing melodies and arrangements, and although his composition explores themes such as love, heartbreak and relationships, Unorthodox Jukebox incorporates more explicit lyrics and themes than on his previous album, such as sex, revenge, anger and chauvinism.
The album's first single, "Locked Out of Heaven", was a commercial success, reaching the Billboard Hot 100 for six consecutive weeks and entering the top 10 in more than 20 countries. His second single, "When I Was Your Man", also peaked at number one on the Hot 100 and experienced similar commercial success. "Treasure" was released as the album's third official single in May 2013, peaking at number 5 on the Hot 100 with less commercial success than previous singles. The fourth single, "Gorilla", peaked at number 22 on the Hot 100, becoming the first single not to make the Top 10, ending their streak. It was the best-selling album of 2013 and received the Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album.