11-time Grammy award winner, Bruno Mars and seven-time Grammy-nominated, Anderson .Paak started the R&B duo, Silk Sonic, releasing a couple of singles that would appear on their first album, “An Evening with Silk Sonic,” which was released on Nov. 12, 2021. 

The album contains nine tracks, eight of which are songs, the exception being the intro track which is an instrumental where Bootsy Collins introduces the duo. The first preview single, “Leave the Door Open” was released back in March and was well received around the globe, reaching the top 10 chart in 13 different countries including five where it reached number one. The album was released along with a series of music videos, which are all very explicitly 70’s style, to accompany the soulful style of the songs.

The album is mostly about relationships and all the ups and downs that come with having feelings for someone. “Leave the Door Open” is about first catching feelings for someone. It includes Mars’ smooth vocals on the chorus along with catchy verses by Paak and Mars singing backup. The song talks about metaphorically leaving the door open which Mars and Paak likely intend to mean an emotional door. Mars talks about how he is speaking with an open heart and how he will leave his profession of love open for his partner to consider. A later song in the album, “Smokin’ Out The Window,” contrasts the beginning of a relationship, as it is represented by “Leave The Door Open” and “After Last Night,” with the final days of his relationship. Mars and Paak sing about getting used for their money and being forgotten and eventually cheated on while in a relationship. 

The album as a whole is extremely soulful and energetic with many verses with creative rhythms, especially on “Fly As Me” and “Skate,” which reflect Paak’s rapping background. In addition to the hip-hop-esque style Paak uses, there are also plenty of opportunities where Mars passionately flexes his high vocals. The 70s style is a refreshingly unique idea which is likely part of the reason the album has been so well received so far.