Silk Sonic: The Revival of '70s Funk for Our Generation
Image Courtesy: Twitter
In February 2021, two of the biggest names in R&B joined forces to create the super duo known as Silk Sonic. The collaboration between Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak evokes feelings of pure anticipation and excitement as fans are transported back to the unique sounds of 70s soul music. Melding the old with the new, Silk Sonic’s charismatic and seductive melodies are a fusion of R&B, rap, and funk.
Before the inception of Silk Sonic, Mars created a name for himself in the industry with chart-topping hits like Uptown Funk, blending the genres of pop, funk, soul, rock, R&B, and reggae. On the other hand, .Paak is regarded as more of an underground artist—a hidden gem. .Paak has curated a distinguishable sound by joining Mars’ mainstream pop and R&B with gospel, jazz, and hip-hop. He has been acclaimed for his ability to combine nostalgic influences with contemporary ones. The chemistry between the duo is evident on stage and in their discography. In an interview with R&B Now Radio on Apple Music, .Paak shares, “[Silk Sonic] couldn’t have happened unless it was organic and natural, and every day we would get to the studio, and it was a blast. It was just jokes. Some days we didn’t even make any music, we just laugh all day and ramble. We were having too much fun, man”. Their collaboration represents a glorious blend of talent and passion under the genre of soulful R&B.
Image Courtesy: Strike FSU
In November 2021, the powerhouse duo released their debut album, An Evening with Silk Sonic, which is composed of nine songs offering smooth and groovy R&B tunes. The album is lined with soulful beats and funky riffs that could make anyone want to travel back in time. One of the most notable features of this album is the contribution by funk legend and innovator, Bootsy Collins. Collins is one of the leading names in funk who has worked with artists like James Brown and Kali Uchis. Collins acts as the funk duo’s special commentator for the entire album, and he serves as a link to the sounds of the past.
Image Courtesy: Twitter
Although many musicians incorporate vintage sounds into their music, there has yet to be an act like Silk Sonic that has simultaneously transported listeners into another moment in time and topped the music charts by producing major hits. Their debut single, Leave the Door Open, received over two-hundred-million streams, climbed to the #1 spot on Billboard's Hot 100 charts, and earned several Grammy Awards within the first month of its release.
The entire Silk Sonic record oozes nostalgia and modern soul with smooth vocals from both Mars and .Paak. This is particularly evident in the slow rhythm. .Paak’s percussion is coupled with the high notes of the piano in each track. The instrumentation is reminiscent of a classic Motown artist. Silk Sonic is one of the only groups that has managed to revive classic sounds to redefine genres and transcend time. While putting their own modern spin to the classic sounds of 70s funk and soul, they have accomplished making these sounds cool again.
Silk Sonic fosters this sense of nostalgia in their music videos, each of which serves a glamorous and groovy vibe with its decade-inspired costumes. The men of Silk Sonic can be seen in retro essentials like flat caps, chains, funky sunglasses, and earth tones, capturing the glitz and glam of the era. The group has mastered the art of the throwback, crafting a wholly unique sound while paying homage to their ‘70s inspirations.
Image Courtesy: Pitchfork
Silk Sonic has remarkably brought back the essence of an era that is instrumental in creating the music of today. Mars and. Paak as stand-alone acts have always been fun to listen to, but Silk Sonic is a nostalgic experience that has brought soulful magic to a new generation of listeners.
Strike Out,
Writer: Fatima Hamad
Editor: Noelle Knowlton
Graphic Designer: Luis Arriaga
Tallahassee