Ever since the release of Bruno Mars’ Grammy-winning third studio album 24K Magic in 2016 fans and critics alike have been crying out for a new release from the Hawaii-born singer. In late February Mars seemed to answer his fans’ prayers with the announcement of a new single “Leave the Door Open” in collaboration with American rapper and producer Anderson .Paak, with the duo forming the R&B supergroup Silk Sonic. The song was released to much fanfare on March 5th with the group announcing the single was the first release from the project’s debut album An Evening with Silver Sonic; the album’s one-minute intro was released the same day.
“Leave the Door Open” is a masterclass in slow and soulful jams with a strong and catchy melody and soaring vocals on Bruno’s part. In typical Bruno style the songwriting is full of grandiose flirtation (“we should be dancing, romancing, in the east wing and the west wing of this mansion”) and romantic invitation (“if you’re tryna lay in these arms Imma leave the door open”). The chorus is a mix of soft and velvety background vocals that enhance the track’s soulful vibes and intense instrumentation with drum beats punctuating every syllable. This dichotomy of soft and hard weaves itself through all aspects of the single’s composition from the lyricism to the mixed of gentle and braggadocious delivery. In one word, “Leave the Door Open” is heaven and it’s certainly a strong start to what is sure to be a fruitful and dynamic musical partnership in Silk Sonic.
In addition the old-school rhythm and blues style of the track carries itself over to its music video, which sees Mars and Paak performing the song with their band as a group of women dance in the background. Its endearing classic appeal with a blend of the new is sure to make it a chart-topper across the world in the coming weeks – and months. Mars and Paak first met when Anderson was an opener for the European leg of Bruno’s 24K Magic World Tour in 2017, becoming fast friends and working on Chic’s 2018 album It’s About Time together.
Legendary funk musician Bootsy Collins, who named the supergroup, will appear on An Evening with Silk Sonic as a special guest host (including on the already-released “Silk Sonic Intro”) connecting the tracks together. The album’s release date is currently unknown.
All in all “Leave the Door Open” is a fantastic introduction to what will doubtlessly be a promising joint project for Bruno and Anderson that is sure to be ruling the airwaves in 2021, marrying the modern sound of Paak’s work with the throwback dancefloor-fillers that make up Mars’ discography.
9/10
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