With more than 100 million streams across Spotify and YouTube, Australian composer, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter Mark Andrew Hansen has built a reputation for versatility. From neo-classical piano and orchestral works to jazz and acoustic pop, Hansen’s catalogue rarely stays in one lane for long. On his latest single, Love Is Wrong Without You, he takes another creative turn, embracing groove-driven pop with impressive results. Released on 16 May 2025, the track finds Hansen stepping away from his more familiar sound and diving headfirst into a bass-led, dance-infused arrangement inspired by the classic funk-pop stylings of Stevie Wonder. The influence is immediately apparent, particularly in the song’s infectious bass line and punchy brass accents, which echo the energy of Wonder’s timeless hit “I Wish” without feeling derivative.
What makes Love Is Wrong Without You work so well is the balance between light-hearted storytelling and sophisticated musicianship. At its core, the song is a humorous reflection on romantic frustration. Hansen captures the experience of being deeply invested in someone who simply doesn’t have enough time to fully invest back. Rather than leaning into heartbreak or resentment, he approaches the situation with wit, self-awareness, and charm, making the narrative instantly relatable. the single thrives on its groove. The bass line serves as the foundation for everything that follows, creating an irresistible momentum that carries the listener through the track. Hansen’s production remains refreshingly organic, recorded entirely in his home studio without the use of compression or auto-tune. That decision allows the performance to breathe naturally, giving the song a warmth often missing from modern pop productions.
Beneath the accessible hooks lies a deeper level of craftsmanship. Hansen incorporates subtle yet ambitious musical ideas, particularly within the bridge, where ascending string lines intertwine with chromatically shifting bass movements. It’s a clever moment that showcases his compositional background while never disrupting the song’s infectious flow. Love Is Wrong Without You proves that catchy pop music and musical sophistication don’t have to exist at opposite ends of the spectrum. Playful, polished, and packed with personality, the single highlights Hansen’s ability to evolve creatively while staying true to his instincts as both a songwriter and producer.