On November 12, the Silk Sonic duo, consisting of Anderson .Paak and Bruno Mars, released their highly anticipated album “An Evening with Silk Sonic.” Since March, they’ve teased fans with their hits like “Leave the Door Open” and “Skate,” but their full album filled with groovy rhythms was finally released. Teamed up with funk veteran Bootsy Collins and producer D’Mile, the album was guaranteed to have many feel good tunes.

The first song on the album, “Silk Sonic Intro,” is used as an appetizer for what’s to come. Its heavy funk sound sets the stage for the rest of the songs while also being a solid stand alone song. Nearly all intros offer a snippet of the album but this intro holds so much substance that it holds its weight compared to the other tracks.

“Leave the Door Open” was the first of the album’s drops, garnering over 438 million views from its music video while it debuted at number four on the U.S. Billboard Top 100.  The success is completely warranted as the song ushers back 70s love ballads. The duo’s enchanting melodies mixed with the R&B/Soul sound brings a sense of nostalgia and warmth to listeners. The band in the background really brings a certain authenticity that hasn’t been heard in music for a while. From the piano to the drums and tambourine, each instrument differentiates the song from the manufactured sounds heard today.

Silk Sonics second release, “Skate,” is a light hearted Pop funk and R&B fusion that was an instant summer hit. Debuting at number 14 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and number four on Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop, the song quickly jump started the summer with great vibes. Compared to other songs within the album this track is more bubbly and upbeat. The lyrics are flirty and the instrumentals are exciting, the ambiance reminiscent of a first date.

“Fly as Me” starts out with an addicting cymbal, snare and guitar mix, instantly setting an assertive tone. Throughout the song Anderson .Paak demonstrates his rap and lyrical prowess, which aids in the song’s invigorating tone while Bruno Mars’ harmonization adds a suave sweetness to the track. The song sounds like it belongs in an old action movie when the main character is walking in slow motion with an explosion in the background.

“777” is the embodiment of modern funk, it’s a witty and airy track that is an instant mood booster. What makes this track so amusing is Anderson’s rhyme scheme that almost has a sing-song effect. The title itself is fitting, signifying a jackpot “777” makes you feel like a hot commodity.

“After Last Night” is the perfect love ballad, Mars’ and Anderson’s synchronization provides heavenly joy while the instrumentals accentuates the sensual tones within the song. It’s a slow jam that highlights the sweet and sultry sound Silk Sonic is single handedly reviving. The mix of risqué lyrics with Bootsy Collins refined-narration creates a smooth sounding track that instantly becomes a Soul staple.

Everything about “Blast Off” is psychedelic, from their hypnotic voices to the trance inducing instrumentals this track induces feelings of pure euphoria. The subtle sounds of piano and string instruments makes the listening experience feel tranquil. Out of all the tracks Bruno’s voice gleams while Anderson provides sturdy support, both voices integrating beautifully. 

“Put on a Smile” is a true heartbreak anthem which entails the duo’s attempts to move on. The honesty and sincere emotions in the song really resemble early R&B songs. The part that enthralled me the most was their projection on this track. Bruno’s vocals were lovely as always but Anderson truly completes the song with his sonorous melancholy. You can really hear the affliction and passion placed into this song, effectively making it a playlist must have. 

The songs throughout the album are a tribute to the beginnings of R&B and Soul, serenading listeners around the world. “An Evening with Silk Sonic” was the album I eagerly anticipated and the music blew me away. Being a long time Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak fan this project was the best of both worlds and exhibited how far each artist has come since their humble beginnings.