Review: Silk Sonic - Leave the Door Open

This month has had a lot of mainstream western ABC music. I have not reviewed it, because most of it has really been bad. At least a regular streak of releases is a start.

Enter super-group Silk Sonic, made of Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak.

In a way, Leave the Door Open sounds like an American cousin to February's amazing yet underrated Angana Morey. Initially, this comparison may sound weird, as those songs sound very different, but hear me out. Both songs are an update to a classic sound from their respective countries which thrived on vocal prowess and melody but faded in modern times due to their slow nature.

Leave the Door Open is 70's soul and R&B. This sort of song relies a lot on vocal prowess, something which Bruno Mars especially has. He gets to rip his long-hidden vocal talent in the bridge of the song, which is a stirring moment. The "Lalala" vocal hook reminds me of last year's incredible Laughter from Higedan. Technically, Bruno Mars is a stronger vocalist than Fujihara, but Fujihara is a better songwriter and producer.

I love the melody of the verses. Anderson and Bruno make a great vocal pair, leading to a strong pre-chorus. The band members they are performing with provide some great backing vocals to go with the great arrangement.

That is not to say everything is perfect. Like Angana Morey, the chorus pulls back right where the momentum is most-needed, also reducing the instruments as well. It does build back, but it does hurt the song a bit. Another issue is the lyrics. I mean, they are fine, especially compared to other modern American pop songs, but I could see massive improvements in the lyrics (maybe fewer forced-rhymes?).

Overall though, it is a great thing that America is still willing to try classic song styles.

Rating: 8/10

Image Source: Yardbaker