2021 has been an interesting year so far especially in this era of disposable music song’s come and go streaming. being a super fan of all things old-school music since the age of 3, plus playing instruments in adolescence/teen years gravitating towards artist’s that are in the caliber of constructing great music versatility is an important factor without it what is an artist? that is when I discovered Bruno Mars's performance of “Gorilla” at The MTV VMA’s in 2013 my first thought who is this guy? Wait he got horn players? he singing live with an actual band my second thought is this guy is incredible what a talent.. fast forward to Uptown Funk I really got infatuated with his performances by fall 2016 his third album “24K Magic” dropped I played it from top to bottom every day and waited for his visuals to this masterpiece of an album that paid tribute to a decade in music when linn-drums/Akai-MPC and synth bass synth patches analog recording ruled an era that is Babyface Jam and Lewis Teddy Riley as producers but still managed to do it his way updated in his own compositions, watching Bruno in concert last show 24K Magic World Tour in 2017 at The Inglewood Forum in California was a sight to see energetic with his backing band The Hooligans with the crowd in sync in tune I knew right then and there I had to see it again I got to see him 9 months afterward in 2018 same energy, not a disappointment fire and instruments dancing singing it was refreshing. a satisfaction to me,
Anderson Paak I became a fan instantly when I heard the funky “Come Down” but still wasn’t sure about his discography I later find out he was signed to Dr.Dre Aftermath then found out he is one hell of a drummer threw me for a loop. then one rainy night 3 days before Christmas driving to LA I heard Mac Miller feat Anderson Paak's “Dang!’ on the radio ‘I just can’t keep on losing you over complications gone too soon wait! we was just hanging” very soulful and pop, fast-forward to 2018 “Tints” feat Kendrick Lamar and Who R U’ by 2019 Make It Better feat Smokey Robbinson dropped, his Ventura came out I took a listen and was hooked I bought a physical copy without hesitation played it from top to bottom analyzing Anderson Paak Genius and style musically he is a legend already in his own right
2020 suddenly Covid 19 hit us then George Floyd was the center of attention me myself feeling like a target was on my back and traumatized from the protests I was seeing against Police Brutality music was my only outlet then Anderson Paak came swinging with a protest social context “Lockdown” genius masterpiece on all levels I felt as if this was a modern-day homage to Sly Stone and Marvin Gaye artistry which I have grown up listening to then we heard rumblings about a collaboration seems as if I got tipped off in a Youtube comment section on some video then in an IG live stream of Anderson Paak then confirmation came to be Bruno and Anderson formed Silk Sonic an album was underway but the mystery remains sealed was it really an album? or a few songs? fan’s dreams came to be real
we got the first single in Spring of 2021
“Leave The Door Open” is an ode Philly/Smokey modern 70s sound hearing Anderson Paak and Bruno Mars on the same track felt so good and right it was destined amongst the stars these two get together and create new soulful history
we couldn’t wait for another track their hush secret attitude is what the anticipation that made it much greater then long behold a second single was born in the summer of 2021
“Skate” a breezy flowing track-inspired 70s soulful pop sound by this single we got a taste of how the rest of the album would be we were hungry
our patience was tested in the process with the announcement this project was pushed back to 2022 we questioned and left wondering why? I had my own theories then we got major news this month a new single with the album release date in the same month a week apart brilliant strategy give us the pie while interested we got lucky and blessed
with the soulful funny 70s sounding “Smoking Out The Window” but in between the lines that is some heavy stuff being sung the lyrics have truth
This album doesn’t let up from the funk energy Fly As Me and 777 stays within the pocket reach giving us Hip Hop and Soul two for one there is some Average White Band and James Brown Tower OF Power Influenced elements
the sexy burning funk erotic After Last Night gives us 3 part harmony a nephew of I Rather Be With You by Bootsy Collins who is featured throughout the majority of the album as an MC one of my favorite tracks incredible song
we get a sentimental track similar to the first track on the album “Put On A Smile” and a dose of modulation thanks to Babyface input, another great song, and incredible vocal soul performance harmonies on point. reminds me of Looking Through The Windows LP of The Jackson 5 era
Blast Off is another favorite and final track that pushes this project to a higher caliber a double infusion of Soulful Rock/Funk Heatwave and Switch, Early Earth Wind and Fire, and The Dramatics influences can be heard unmistakably
all and all this is a great album and a comeback for Bruno Mars, with Anderson Paak makes the project that much sweeter and tighter they did their homework for sure served us with a pot of soul stew we are listening to real live instruments and songwriting in a pure form mixed with influences from past to shape a modern masterpiece. not every day your two favorite artists get together to collab as a duo it make me wonder what if Michael and Prince did the same.. we can only dream. but as for Silk Sonic
it was worth the wait and energy.
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