Bruno Mars doesn't care for "super-poetic" songs, as long as he's singing "from the heart".

The award-winning musician is influenced by artists including Little Richard, Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson, as well as Motown and reggae sounds.

Bruno loves that his records are passionate, but not overly so.

"My album is called Doo-Wops & Hooligans, but it's not a 1950s Earth Angel sound like you hear in Grease-type movies," he explained in a new interview with Playboy magazine.

"I could sing you a thousand and one doo-wop songs. I love the simplicity in that music. It's not super-poetic, it's just from the heart."

The 26-year-old singer has collaborated with a whole host of stars including Cee Lo Green, Travie McCoy and B.o.B.

However, Bruno has revealed who his ultimate music hook-up would be.

"Jimi Hendrix. I think he's the greatest guitar player in the world, and I would want to see him do his thing in person," he gushed.

"He's the reason I picked up a guitar in the first place."

Bruno also discussed his inspirations in more detail.

"Growing up in the showbiz world, I looked up to those guys: Frank Sinatra and of course Elvis Presley," he explained. "My dad was into the 1950s doo-wop era. If you look at those groups, or at James Brown, Jackie Wilson and the Temptations in the 1960s, you'll see you had to be sharp onstage."

Bruno is the tenth male to appear on the cover of the coveted publication. He took to his Twitter page to gush about the honour.

"Woke up this mornin feelin like a playboy ;)," he tweeted as the issue went on sale on Friday.