"An Evening With Silk Sonic"

Written by Mikayla Buneta

Graphic by Mikayla Buneta

Superduo Bruno Mars and Anderson.Paak reintroduced the definition of  “groove” with the release of their debut album, “An Evening With Silk Sonic.” Although the idea of forming Silk Sonic dates back to 2017, the two released their first album in November 2021, which quickly brought them to stardom in less than a year. Awarded “Best Group” at the BET Awards in 2021, Mars and .Paak worked their way up to the top — literally.  Their first single “Leave the Door Open”  quickly reached #1 on the Billboard top 100. 

The experimentation with previous eras of funk and soul began with Mars’ “24K Magic” era in 2016, so the consistency of Silk Sonic’s musical aesthetic sets the standard for nostalgia and groove. Eloquently written by Sputnikmusic, Silk Sonic gives listeners a sound that is "rich and authentic, existing at the irresistible intersection between 70s funk nostalgia and the luxuries of a modern day studio.”

“An Evening With Silk Sonic” makes references to the 70s funk era which exhibits confidence, liberation, and charisma, exactly what we needed to end the tribulating year of 2021 Each song caters to different aspects of this era —  the mixture of electronic music, variety of instrumentals (featuring Bruno Mars’ expertise on the congas) and harmonious vocals. Mars and .Paak varied their music well across the whole spectrum of funk: the upbeat rock influenced “777” and wistful “After Last Night” have disparities but are equally qualified for a vibe session. 

Not only is the music exceptional, but the fashion is peak nostalgia. Warm tones, groovy patterns, designer shades, and layers of gold chains — Silk Sonic radiates the perfect mixture of 70s fashion and their personal hip-hop style. Their performances are designed just as artfully — thematic and perpetuated in swag. 

The cultural values behind the funk genre exist as another significant contributor to Silk Sonic’s quick rise in the industry. The revival of the syncopated rhythm Black musicians cultivated since the 1970s, alongside the rise of rap and hip-hop, makes this luxurious mixture of sounds the perfect link to the past. The group, brought into being by Bootsy Collins himself, was a flawless feature in establishing their musicianship and homage to the genre. 

The unique sounds Silk Sonic resurfaced this year broke the barriers of sound. Rhythmic and raw, the unexpected duo has made a successful album sure to be revisited throughout the years.