By Pleshae McPhee, Copyeditor
Bruno Mars took a long hiatus after the release of his wildly successful studio album, “24k Magic,” in 2016. However, this year, he made a comeback with neo-soul, funk, and hip-hop artist Anderson .Paak to deliver the sounds of the 70’s packaged in a nine-track project. Released on Nov. 12, the album charted number one on Billboard’s R&B charts, and 2nd behind Taylor Swift’s “Red” on the all-genre chart.
Successful in their own way, both artists are noted for their consistent homage to 70’s iconic funk, soul, and R&B figures such as the Jackson 5 and James Brown. There was no doubt that this project would sonically feature sounds from the past with a modern flair.
Produced by Mars, Paak and Grammy-nominated record producer, D-Mile, and narrated by funk icon, Bootsy Collins, “An Evening with Silk Sonic” has been a defining moment of 2021. Let’s take a look at the track list.
1. Intro
This track features a narration from Collins as he ‘opens’ the evening with “Silk Sonic.” It is full of charm, and the upbeat along with brass instruments and strings anticipates listeners. Paak’s drums are crisp on this track and, sonically, the duo captures the feeling of curtains opening at a live show.
2. Leave the Door Open
Released with Intro in March 2021, “Leave the Door Open” was the project’s first three-minute single and plunged the pair into the 2021 music scene. This track is a seamless follow up to “Intro,” and solidified the album’s 70’s concept. It sounds like a classic R&B song with a smooth moderate tempo, steady percussion, and pitch changes in the end, but the lyrics are modern with a bit of cheek and humor.
3. Fly As Me
“Fly As Me” is a confidence anthem and captures the lyrical cockiness of 70’s R&B figures. The opening is sealed with a dirty guitar riff as Paak handles the majority of the verses and Bruno provides chorus vocals. Paak brings back 90’s rap patterns on an upbeat tempo alongside a choppy drumbeat. This song is a perfect take up from its soulful predecessor.
4. After Last Night
Bootsy has a lengthier narration in this track along with a feature from jazz artist Thundercat on the bass and three-part harmony. This song delivers a sensual feel with comedic R&B crooning. Trumpets shine bright under Mars’ unmatched vocal ability and Paak’s infamous rasp.
5. Smokin’ Out the Window
This track was the duo’s first project since their 2017 partnership, but it was the third promotional single. The instrumentation has a retro tone with Motown underlays. The bassline pops under Paak’s and Mars’ vocals, with strings and glockenspiels sitting comfortably under their witty lyrics. It is a subtle dial up from the strong R&B ballad in “After Last Night.”
6. Put On a Smile
“Put on a Smile” captures the sounds of the blues accompanied by theatrical rain sounds. Paak’s raspy vocal ability compliments the theme of pain and heartbreak of a lost love. Babyface was a noted contributor to the mellow soulful chord progressions and the electric blues guitar sound that this track executes well.
7. 777
This track delivers the strongest rock feel on the project. It has a funked-up bassline as Mars and Paak riddle off boasts backed with Paak’s signature crisp drum beat. “777” is an ode to Vegas casino life and living, which offers an up-tempo break from the themes of relationships and heartbreak that permeated the album’s first six tracks.
8. Skate
As the second promotional single, “Skate” emulates the feel of Michael Jackson’s “Rock with You” and Rose Royce’s “Car Wash.” It is truly a summer barbecue contender. Mars and Paak deliver rich vocals with a warm hook that takes listeners on a sonic ride. Although not as musically complicated as their other tracks, Skate is a simple dial down from the powerhouse that was “777.”
9. Blast Off
This track seals the album as it features a benediction from Collins. It emulates a space feel with heavy use of the glockenspiel and strings climbing to a crescendo. Paak and Mars deliver harmonies akin to the mellow beat formula they displayed in the body of the album. It is the perfect signoff from the themes and sounds listeners experienced throughout.
“Silk Sonic” captured the 70’s sound and mastered layering fast and slow tempos on this album. Since Nov. 23, the project has secured four Grammy nominations, and continues to chart Billboard. Although the biggest criticism is its minimal track list, the 30-minute evening with “Silk Sonic” forces listeners to relive it once again after the final track fades.
