For the past couple of years, Bruno Mars has been stagnant in terms of quality. Most of his work consists of average albums with maybe a gem here and there. The latest project he has been teasing, however, is a whole different story.

Mars worked with artist Anderson Paak before meeting him on a tour. The two started producing music together during the pandemic and held jam sessions frequently. On American Songwriter, Mars said working with Paak unlocked something in his creative mindset, and the two gathered a whole team of artists to create a project under the name “Silk Sonic.”

The album rides off of an old-school Motown sound similar to groups like The Temptations. The group released the album “An Evening with Silk Sonic” on Nov. 5.

The first track, “Silk Sonic Intro,” opens up the album on a high note. The track acts like an intro to an actual show, launching the listener into a unique environment and placing them within the audience of the show. The host, Bootsy Collins, also adds to the show’s atmosphere by welcoming the audience.

The album then immediately launches into the album’s best song, “Leave The Door Open.” The track is one of the most beautiful songs I have heard so far this year. Paak’s soothing flows coupled with Mars’ singing creates a romantic atmosphere that puts the listener at ease. 

“I ain’t playin’ no games

Every word that I say is coming straight from the heart

So if you tryna lay in these arms

I’ma leave the door open”

I usually expect pop music to be predictable in its composition, but almost every track on the album has unique key changes and chord progressions that catch the listener off guard, but still manage to create a relaxing atmosphere. The pre-chorus of “Leave The Door Open” is set in a different key, creating an angelic rise in emotion in Mars’ voice.

The album’s closing track, “Blast Off,” is also another highlight of the album. The track’s main focus is on the euphoric feeling from taking psychedelic drugs, which also symbolizes a relationship being uplifted to greater heights. 

“Oh, let’s tip-toe to a magical place

Blast off and kiss the moon tonight

We’ll watch the world go crazy from outer space

Blast off into the sky”

The track acts as a perfect outro. The song makes the listener feel as if everyone is ascending into the stratosphere and right out of the roof of the venue established in the intro. In a way, the album is a concept album as it contains a definitive environment and setting, akin to a novel. 

As someone who has been critical of Mars’ work in the past, I am absolutely blown away. Mars always had creativity and talent, but he could not unlock his full potential until Paak came along to help him. The album was a great listen and it deserves all the praise it has been receiving lately.

Score: 8.4/10