An Evening with Silk Sonic
An Evening with Silk Sonic is the debut studio album by the American R&B supergroup Silk Sonic, consisting of singers Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak. Released on November 12, 2021, by Warner Records, the album pays homage to 1970s funk, soul, and R&B music, featuring production by the duo alongside D'Mile.[1][2] The album comprises nine tracks, including the lead single "Leave the Door Open", which topped the Billboard Hot 100 and won four Grammy Awards in 2022: Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best R&B Song, and Best R&B Performance.[3][4] Subsequent singles "Smokin Out the Window" and "Skate" also achieved commercial success, with the former peaking at number five on the Hot 100.[5][6] Upon release, An Evening with Silk Sonic debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 104,000 album-equivalent units in its first week, and topped the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.[7][8] It has since been certified platinum by the RIAA and received widespread critical acclaim for its nostalgic yet fresh sound, earning Silk Sonic the Album of the Year award at the 2022 BET Awards and R&B Album of the Year at the 2022 iHeartRadio Music Awards.[9][10][11]Concept and Development
Background
Silk Sonic originated as a collaborative project between Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak, who first connected in 2017 when .Paak served as the opening act for Mars on the European leg of the 24K Magic World Tour.[12] Their onstage chemistry quickly translated to the studio, where they began experimenting with music together, laying the groundwork for what would become the supergroup without a predefined agenda beyond their shared passion for classic sounds.[13] The duo drew initial creative inspirations from the vibrant funk and soul music of the 1970s, channeling the energy of pioneers such as James Brown, The Isley Brothers, and Bootsy Collins to craft a retro-infused aesthetic.[13] This era's emphasis on groovy basslines, horn sections, and smooth harmonies resonated deeply with both artists, who sought to evoke the escapist joy of that time period amid modern challenges.[14] The project remained under wraps until February 26, 2021, when Mars and .Paak announced Silk Sonic via social media, accompanied by a promotional video featuring Bootsy Collins narrating an introduction as if from a fictional 1970s radio station, complete with his signature playful flair; Collins, who also coined the name 'Silk Sonic' for the duo.[12] The COVID-19 pandemic had interrupted their early momentum by halting live performances, but it ultimately shaped the album's direction, prompting them to deepen their focus on nostalgic, feel-good tracks as a form of uplift during isolation.[13] As Mars reflected in a 2021 interview, they aimed to create "the greatest record of all time" by immersing themselves in this retro style, while .Paak emphasized the therapeutic escape it provided, stating it felt like "medicine for the soul" in tough times.[13]Recording
The recording of An Evening with Silk Sonic primarily took place at Shampoo Press & Curl Studios in Los Angeles, beginning with initial jam sessions in 2017 that laid the foundation for the project.[15] Sessions were paused amid the COVID-19 pandemic but resumed in early 2020 and continued through mid-2021, allowing Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak to refine their collaborative vision under challenging circumstances.[13] Key collaborators shaped the album's sound, with Bootsy Collins serving as special guest host and providing narration to evoke a live 1970s variety show atmosphere.[16] Producer D'Mile contributed to songwriting, instrumentation, and overall production, while drummer Homer Steinweiss of the Dap-Kings delivered the retro-infused grooves essential to the funk-soul aesthetic.[17] Saxophonist James King and background vocalists including Thundercat added layered textures, emphasizing ensemble interplay over digital polish. To replicate the warmth and immediacy of 1970s recordings, the team employed vintage equipment such as analog tape machines for capture and analog synthesizers for authentic tonal depth.[18] Live instrumentation was prioritized, with full band setups—including horns, strings, and percussion—tracked together to foster organic chemistry and mimic era-specific techniques like tape saturation and room miking.[19] Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak built their duo dynamic through intensive rehearsals, often extending studio jams into marathon sessions that honed their interplay. As Mars described the process, “We’d just vibe and let the music happen,” underscoring the spontaneous energy that defined their partnership.[13] .Paak echoed this, noting their natural rapport emerged from shared musical intuition during these collaborative rehearsals.[13]Music and Lyrics
Composition
An Evening with Silk Sonic is classified as a blend of contemporary R&B, retro-soul, funk, and disco, drawing heavily from 1970s Motown and Philadelphia soul influences.[2][20][21] The album features prominent instrumentation including groovy basslines, horn sections, wah-wah guitars, and live drums, creating a live-band feel across its tracks.[21][20] Most songs adhere to traditional verse-chorus formats, incorporating extended bridges and vocal ad-libs for dynamic flow; the opener "Silk Sonic Intro," featuring Bootsy Collins, runs 1:03 and sets a conversational tone with spoken-word elements before transitioning into the full album.[20][22] Tempo and key variations provide contrast, with upbeat tracks like "Leave the Door Open" in F major at 148 BPM exemplifying lively energy, while slower ballads such as "Put On a Smile" shift to 72 BPM for a more introspective mood.[23][24] Comprising 10 tracks for a total runtime of 36 minutes and 26 seconds, the album is intentionally concise, evoking the brevity of an intimate "evening" musical session.[25]Themes and Influences
The album An Evening with Silk Sonic centers on themes of romance and seduction, unfolding as a fictional evening in a 1970s nightclub where the duo invites listeners into a world of sensual pleasures and ardent flirtations.[26] Through velvety harmonies and evocative lyrics, tracks like "Leave the Door Open" portray a heartfelt plea for reconciliation after a lovers' quarrel, emphasizing vulnerability and the desire to rekindle intimacy.[27] Similarly, "After Last Night" delivers a humorous take on the awkward morning-after scenario, blending lighthearted regret with emotional attachment following a passionate encounter.[28] The 2023 addition of "Love's Train" further extends this narrative with a cover emphasizing romantic longing. These motifs of flirtation, heartbreak, and escapism create an immersive narrative arc that prioritizes emotional connection over contemporary complexities. The album's storytelling is framed by funk legend Bootsy Collins, who serves as the charismatic radio host introducing tracks with intergalactic narration, enhancing the performative, time-capsule feel of the project.[29] This device draws listeners into a nostalgic yet playful universe, evoking the smooth radio broadcasts of soul's golden era. Influences from Blaxploitation-era aesthetics and soul icons such as Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and James Brown infuse the lyrics with a sense of luxurious escapism, certified by Collins himself as a nod to Parliament-Funkadelic's innovative spirit.[26] Bruno Mars's longstanding retro inclinations and Anderson .Paak's roots in live-band soul further personalize the homage, rooted in their shared appreciation for vintage R&B's emotional depth and rhythmic swagger.[26] Subtly, the album comments on modern relationships through its nostalgic lens, offering a respite from present-day tensions without delving into explicit politics or social issues.[30] By channeling 1970s sophistication—complete with strings, horns, and tales of wooing and longing—Silk Sonic highlights timeless aspects of love and desire, providing comfort amid contemporary unease.[26] This approach underscores the duo's intent to craft an uplifting, apolitical haven that celebrates Black musical heritage while inviting broad escapist enjoyment.[30]Release and Promotion
Singles
The lead single from An Evening with Silk Sonic, "Leave the Door Open", was released on March 5, 2021, by Aftermath Entertainment and Atlantic Records. The track, a blend of R&B and soul, debuted at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and later ascended to the top spot, holding number one for two non-consecutive weeks in April and May 2021. It has been certified twice Platinum by the RIAA, reflecting over two million units sold in the United States (as of 2021). The second single, "Skate", arrived on July 30, 2021, continuing the duo's retro-inspired sound with funky basslines and smooth vocals. It peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached the top 10 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The accompanying music video showcases Silk Sonic performing amid a group of roller skaters, evoking 1970s disco culture through vibrant choreography and nostalgic visuals.[31] "Smokin Out the Window" was released as the third single on November 5, 2021. The track peaked at number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. The music video, co-directed by Bruno Mars and Florent Dechard, features the duo in a retro narrative chasing an ex, with humorous elements and 1970s styling.[32] "After Last Night", featuring guest appearances by Thundercat and Bootsy Collins, was issued as the fourth single on July 5, 2022. The track achieved modest chart success, debuting and peaking at number 68 on the Billboard Hot 100, though it later topped the Adult R&B Airplay chart in 2022. Critics highlighted its humorous lyrics depicting the awkward morning after a passionate encounter.[20] The music videos for the singles were co-directed by Bruno Mars and Florent Dechard, emphasizing retro aesthetics with elaborate sets, period costumes, and synchronized choreography that pay homage to classic R&B and soul performances.[33] At the 64th Annual Grammy Awards in 2022, "Leave the Door Open" won four Grammy Awards: Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best R&B Song, and Best R&B Performance (the latter tied with Jazmine Sullivan's "Pick Up Your Feelings").Marketing and Delays
The development of An Evening with Silk Sonic began during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak started collaborating remotely, but the project's official rollout was delayed multiple times due to production challenges stemming from the pandemic's impact on live music and studio work.[34] Initially planned for fall 2021 following the March debut single, the album's release was pushed to January 2022 to allow additional singles to establish momentum and "breathe" on radio, compounded by Mars' ongoing solo career obligations.[34][35] Ultimately, the duo accelerated the timeline, announcing the November 12, 2021, launch via Aftermath Entertainment, Atlantic Records, and Warner Records to capitalize on growing anticipation.[36] Marketing efforts leaned heavily into a nostalgic 1970s motif to build pre-release hype, framing the project as an immersive "evening" experience hosted by funk icon Bootsy Collins, who provided narrative voiceovers evoking vintage radio broadcasts.[37] A key tactic was the creation of teaser content styled as retro TV commercials, including music videos and promotional spots that mimicked era-specific lounge aesthetics and smooth soul vibes to transport audiences back in time.[38] This extended to social media campaigns featuring throwback-inspired visuals, such as digital recreations of old-school concert flyers and filtered posts that amplified the duo's suave, era-hopping personas.[39] The surprise release of the lead single "Leave the Door Open" on March 5, 2021, without advance promotion ignited immediate buzz, quickly topping charts and setting the tone for the album's soulful sound while encouraging fan speculation about the full project. Warner Records supported these efforts with targeted physical media pushes, including webstore-exclusive vinyl editions featuring unique gold-velvety sleeve inserts and splatter designs to appeal to collectors, alongside merchandise lines evoking 1970s flair such as retro apparel.[40] Post-release, the duo extended the campaign's legacy by withdrawing An Evening with Silk Sonic from 2023 Grammy Awards consideration on October 13, 2022, stating they aimed to "gracefully bow out" and honor the project's 2022 victories without competing further.[41]Live Performances
Silk Sonic made their live debut performing "Leave the Door Open" at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards on March 14, 2021, accompanied by a full live band and synchronized choreography that evoked 1970s soul aesthetics.[42] The performance, which opened the ceremony, featured Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak in tailored suits, delivering smooth vocals and intricate dance moves backed by horns and strings, setting the tone for the duo's retro-inspired project.[43] The duo's primary live showcase was the Las Vegas residency titled An Evening with Silk Sonic at Dolby Live in Park MGM, running from February 25 to August 19, 2022, comprising 34 sold-out shows that captured the album's intimate, supper-club vibe on a grand scale. The production transformed the venue into a 1970s lounge with red velvet curtains, dim amber lighting, mirrored disco balls, and a prominent horn section, emphasizing opulent staging and period-appropriate attire like silk suits and fedoras.[44] A strict no-cell-phone policy enforced audience immersion, with pouches distributed at entry to heighten the nostalgic, phone-free era feel.[45] Setlists centered on the full An Evening with Silk Sonic album, performed in sequence with seamless transitions, augmented by select covers of 1970s and early 1980s soul and funk tracks such as Roy Ayers' "Everybody Loves the Sunshine" (1976) and Con Funk Shun's "Love's Train" (1982), alongside individual hits like Mars' "Treasure" and .Paak's contributions.[46] Performances highlighted dynamic interplay between Mars and .Paak, including vocal harmonies, drum solos by .Paak, and guitar riffs by Mars, with room for improvisation during extended jams and call-and-response segments to engage the crowd.[44] The shows concluded with encores blending high-energy funk medleys, fostering a party-like atmosphere that evolved slightly across dates to incorporate spontaneous banter and guest appearances by band members. Beyond the residency, Silk Sonic delivered notable television appearances, including an opening performance of "Smokin Out the Window" at the 2021 American Music Awards on November 21, where they recreated the song's narrative with velvet backdrops and synchronized stepping.[47] They also performed "Leave the Door Open" at the BET Awards on June 28, 2021, and a cover of "Love's Train" at the 2022 Billboard Music Awards on May 15, maintaining the project's radio-station conceit through scripted announcements and era-specific visuals.[48] These outings, often with the full eight-piece band, amplified the duo's live chemistry and contributed to Grammy wins for "Leave the Door Open," including Record of the Year at the 2022 ceremony where they also performed.[49] Following the residency's conclusion, Silk Sonic's joint appearances became sporadic, with no full duo tour announced as of 2025.[50] Mars incorporated elements of the project into his solo Las Vegas residency at Dolby Live, performing tracks like "Leave the Door Open" and "777" during shows in 2023 and 2024, occasionally joined by .Paak for select dates, while .Paak focused on individual projects without reviving the duo onstage.[51] This limited activity preserved the intimate scale of their live presentations amid each artist's broader commitments.[52]Critical Reception
Contemporary Reviews
Upon its release on November 12, 2021, An Evening with Silk Sonic received widespread critical acclaim for its evocation of 1970s soul, funk, and R&B. The album earned a Metascore of 83 out of 100 on Metacritic, based on 15 reviews, signifying "universal acclaim."[53] Critics frequently highlighted the project's nostalgic authenticity, the seamless vocal interplay between Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak, and the meticulous production that captured the era's warmth and polish. For instance, Rolling Stone lauded it as a vibrant revival of seventies soul, praising how the duo's chemistry delivers an immersive, feel-good experience.[21] Much of the praise centered on the album's joyful energy and tight songcraft, with reviewers noting its ability to transport listeners back to a golden age of Black music without feeling gimmicky. Far Out magazine described the tracks as brimming with "slippery funk and infectious joy," emphasizing the duo's commitment to the genre's spirit.[54] Similarly, NPR acknowledged its fun, escapist appeal, even as it critiqued the overt retro styling, calling it an entertaining showcase for the performers' talents.[55] The advance single "Leave the Door Open," released in March 2021, had already generated significant buzz, priming audiences for the full album and leading to a surge of positive reviews in the weeks following its drop.[20] While largely celebrated, some reviewers pointed to limitations in originality and depth. Pitchfork awarded it 6.4 out of 10, appreciating the "faithful and loving ode to '70s R&B" but critiquing its brevity—clocking in at just over 31 minutes—and the way its light, playful touch occasionally undercut emotional substance or innovation, resulting in an over-reliance on familiar retro tropes.[20] Despite these notes, the consensus positioned the album as a polished, crowd-pleasing throwback that excelled in delivering unadulterated groove and charisma.Accolades
An Evening with Silk Sonic received widespread recognition for its retro R&B style and collaborative artistry, earning multiple awards and nominations from major music institutions. The album and its lead single "Leave the Door Open" dominated the 64th Annual Grammy Awards in 2022, where Silk Sonic secured four wins out of six total nominations. These included Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best R&B Performance, and Best R&B Song, all for "Leave the Door Open," marking a "clean sweep" in those categories.[49] The project was also nominated for Best Music Film for the live performance release An Evening with Silk Sonic.[56] The album garnered additional honors at other ceremonies, highlighting its impact on contemporary R&B. At the 2022 BET Awards, it won Album of the Year.[10] It also won R&B Album of the Year at the 2022 iHeartRadio Music Awards.[11] "Leave the Door Open" won Favorite R&B Song at the 2021 American Music Awards, where the duo also performed.[57] At the 2022 Billboard Music Awards, the single claimed Top R&B Song, amid further nominations for Top R&B Artist and Top Duo/Group.[58] Critics and outlets frequently placed the album on year-end lists for 2021, praising its nostalgic yet fresh take on funk and soul. It appeared in NPR Music's 50 Best Albums of 2021 and ranked No. 35 on Rolling Stone's 50 Best Albums of 2021.[59][60] The New York Times included it among notable releases, commending the duo's evocation of 1970s R&B luxury.[26] In October 2022, Bruno Mars announced that Silk Sonic would withdraw the album from 2023 Grammy consideration, stating the intent to preserve its essence as a "2021-2022 moment" rather than extend its awards cycle.[41]| Award | Category | Recipient | Year | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grammy Awards | Record of the Year | "Leave the Door Open" | 2022 | GRAMMY.com |
| Grammy Awards | Song of the Year | "Leave the Door Open" | 2022 | GRAMMY.com |
| Grammy Awards | Best R&B Performance | "Leave the Door Open" | 2022 | GRAMMY.com |
| Grammy Awards | Best R&B Song | "Leave the Door Open" | 2022 | GRAMMY.com |
| BET Awards | Album of the Year | An Evening with Silk Sonic | 2022 | BET.com |
| iHeartRadio Music Awards | R&B Album of the Year | An Evening with Silk Sonic | 2022 | The Root |
| American Music Awards | Favorite R&B Song | "Leave the Door Open" | 2021 | Billboard |
| Billboard Music Awards | Top R&B Song | "Leave the Door Open" | 2022 | Billboard |
Commercial Performance
Chart Performance
An Evening with Silk Sonic debuted at number two on the US Billboard 200 chart dated November 27, 2021, with 104,000 equivalent album units, comprising 42,000 in pure album sales and 60,000 in streaming equivalent album units from 81.6 million on-demand streams.[61] The album also entered at number one on both the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and Top R&B Albums charts, marking Bruno Mars's second leader on the latter and Anderson .Paak's first on either.[7] Internationally, the album achieved strong placements across multiple territories. It peaked at number three on the Canadian Albums chart and the New Zealand Albums chart, number four on the Australian Albums chart, and number nine on the UK Albums Chart.[62] The project reached the top ten in several European countries as well, bolstered by robust vinyl sales following its August 2022 physical release.[63] The album demonstrated notable longevity on the Billboard 200, accumulating 50 weeks by December 2022 and re-entering the chart multiple times, including a jump to number seven in September 2022 after the vinyl edition's launch.[64] Its sustained presence was partly aided by the chart success of its singles, such as "Leave the Door Open," which spent five weeks at number one on the Hot 100.[65]Sales and Certifications
In the United States, An Evening with Silk Sonic was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in August 2022, indicating shipments exceeding 1 million equivalent units. The album's physical sales were bolstered by a vinyl edition released the same month, which helped push it over the certification threshold through strong demand for limited-edition formats. By November 2025, the project had surpassed 1 million equivalent units in the US alone, driven by a mix of pure sales and streaming activity. Globally, the album has achieved over 4.2 million equivalent album units as of November 2025, reflecting sustained consumption across digital platforms and physical copies.[66] It earned gold certification from Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique (SNEP) in France for 50,000 units in February 2024 and from Nederlandse Vereniging van Producenten en Importeurs van beeld- en geluidsdragers (NVPI) in the Netherlands for 20,000 units in 2022. It also received gold certification in Denmark for 10,000 units and platinum certification in Brazil for 40,000 units.[67][68] Streaming has been a key driver of its long-term performance, with the full catalog accumulating more than 3.4 billion plays on Spotify by November 2025. The lead single "Leave the Door Open" alone reached 1.6 billion Spotify streams by the same period, contributing significantly to the album's equivalent units. Post-2022, streaming growth remained steady through 2025, supported by inclusions on major playlists and viral moments on platforms like TikTok.Track Listing
All tracks are written by Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, and D'Mile, except where noted.[17]| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Silk Sonic Intro" | Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, D'Mile | 1:03 |
| 2 | "Leave the Door Open" | Mars, .Paak, D'Mile, Christopher Brody Brown | 4:02 |
| 3 | "Fly as Me" | Mars, .Paak, D'Mile, James Fauntleroy, Sean Anderson | 3:39 |
| 4 | "After Last Night" (with Thundercat and Bootsy Collins) | Mars, .Paak, D'Mile, Fauntleroy, Stephen Bruner, Jonathan Yip, Ray Romulus, Jeremy Reeves, Ray Charles McCullough II | 4:09 |
| 5 | "Smokin Out the Window" | Mars, .Paak, D'Mile | 3:17 |
| 6 | "Put On a Smile" | Mars, .Paak, D'Mile, Kenny Edmonds | 4:15 |
| 7 | "777" | Mars, .Paak, Brody Brown, D'Mile | 2:45 |
| 8 | "Skate" | Mars, .Paak, D'Mile, Fauntleroy, Domitille Degalle, J.D. Beck | 3:23 |
| 9 | "Blast Off" | Mars, .Paak, D'Mile | 4:44 |
Personnel
Silk SonicBruno Mars – vocals (all tracks), guitar (1–2, 5–9), congas (2, 8), percussion (3, 5–9), guitar solo (4, 9), sitar (5, 8)[17]
Anderson .Paak – vocals (all tracks), drums (1–4, 6–9)[17] Additional musicians
Babyface – background vocals (6)[17]
Brody Brown – bass (2, 7)[17]
Natasha Colkett – violin (2, 4–6, 8, 9)[17]
Bootsy Collins – vocals (1, 4–6, 9)[17]
Gared Crawford – violin (2, 6, 8)[17]
D'Mile – background vocals (1, 3, 6–9), bass (1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9), piano (1, 2, 4–6, 8), guitar (1, 4), keyboards (1, 9), B3 organ (3, 7), percussion (3, 6), organ (1), Rhodes piano (4, 8), programming (9)[17]
Blake Espy – violin (2, 4–6, 8, 9)[17]
Ella Feingold – additional guitars (1, 4), guitar effects (2), vibraphone (5)[17]
Glenn Fischbach – cello (2, 4–6, 8, 9)[17]
David Foreman – rhythm guitar (8)[17]
Marc Franklin – trumpet (1, 3, 5–7)[17]
Larry Gold – string arrangements and conducting (2, 4–6, 8, 9)[17]
Steve Heitliner – viola (6, 8)[17]
Chris Jussell – violin (4, 5, 9)[17]
Ron Kerber – flute (4)[17]
Jonathan Kim – viola (2, 4–6, 8, 9)[17]
James King – vocals (1)[17]
Emma Kummrow – violin (2, 4–6, 8, 9)[17]
Luigi Mazzocchi – violin (2, 4–6, 8, 9)[17]
Lannie McMillan – tenor saxophone (3, 5–7)[17]
Krystal Miles – background vocals (3, 4, 9)[17]
Boo Mitchell – horns (1, 3, 5–7)[17]
Yoshihiko Nakano – viola (2, 4, 5, 9)[17]
Jeremy Reeves – percussion (4)[17]
Kirk Smothers – alto saxophone (1, 3, 5–7), baritone saxophone (3, 5, 7)[17]
Homer Steinweiss – drums (5)[17]
Steve Tirpak – string co-arrangements (6)[17]
Thundercat – vocals, bass (4)[17]
Tess Varley – violin (2, 4–6, 8, 9)[17]
Kameron Whalum – trombone (1, 3, 5–7), vocals (1)[17] Technical personnel
Randy Merrill – mastering[17]
Serban Ghenea – mixing[17]
John Hanes – mix engineering[17]
Charles Moniz – engineering, recording, percussion (4)[17]
Alex Resoagli – engineering assistance, cabasa (4)[17]
Bryce Bordone – mixing assistance[17]
Jeff Chestek – strings recording (4–6, 8, 9)[17]
Cody Cichowski – strings recording (2), strings recording assistance (6, 8)[17]
Tobe Donohue – Bootsy Collins vocal recording (1, 4–6)[17]
Jens Jungkurth – drum engineering (5)[17] Artwork
Florent Déchard – album art, photography[17]
John Esparza – album art, photography[17]
HarperCollins – photography[17]