Take a Trip Back in Time with Silk Sonic

Zoe Stuffers

Arts and Entertainment

As the Grammys nears, ears tune to the year’s revolutionary tracks and spectacular artists, notably the R&B duo Silk Sonic. Their album An Evening with Silk Sonic stands out with unique aesthetics, and their debut single, “Leave the Door Open,” nominated for four awards, stands out with rich vocals and captivating drama.

From the velvet suits in “Smokin’ out the Window” to their performances’ funky and groovy ambience, it’s no wonder why we associate the album with the ’70s. Bruno Mars and Anderson Paak even included easter eggs, nodding to the influential period. For one, the album’s cover states that Bootsy Collins, an innovator of funk during the 1970s, is the special guest host. In “Silk Sonic Intro,” Bootsy is called in with the iconic line, “Make some noise for Bootsy Collins!” Additionally, the retro visual effects add a vintage atmosphere to their music videos. The glow filter gives the look of developed film, and the fade-in/fade-out transitions align with the style.

The 1970s were a cultural revolution as the hippie movement faded, and the Vietnam War came to an end. Currently, we hear a lot about 70s fashion–big bell-bottom pants and funky patterns–and its’ growing popularity. We see the cyclical rise and fall and come-backs of trends throughout the decades over and over again. So, that begs the question: of all periods to draw inspiration from, why did Silk Sonic pick the 70s?

During the disco and bell-bottom era, music in the West had greatly diversified, with songs covering topics such as politics, a better world, and more. Many marginalized groups were fighting for equality, and the music reflected that. Black artists in America were expressing themselves in their art. Classic tunes were reinvented to suit audiences' tastes and genres like Soul, Soft Rock, R&B, and Funk saw increasing popularity. Music was connecting people more than ever.

The release of Silk Sonic’s album transports us to the 1970s with their smooth sounds and cultural references. Throughout the past year, we have learned to deal with many challenges; isolation, and economic strife. With the pandemic putting life on hold, we need to remember everything we experienced as a society. The 2020s can be the time to reinvent ourselves and the world around us. This phenomenal release made me “Put On A Smile.” I can’t wait to see what Silk Sonic will do next.