213: Silk Sonic's Retro Soul (with Tayla Parx)

Anderson Paak and Bruno Mars have joined forces as the duo Silk Sonic, and their first release “Leave the Door Open” suggests that their collab is as natural as peanut butter and jelly. The song exudes throwback vibes through its lush harmonies and sensuous lyrics. But this isn’t any run-of-the-mill exercise in empty nostalgia. Silk Sonic have a very specific sound in mind that they’re reviving for 21st century audiences: Philly Soul, the sophisticated 70s sound that “put a bow tie on funk.”

Charlie and Nate aren’t the only ones trying to blow the dust out of the grooves of “Leave the Door Open.” Songwriter Tayla Parx, who’s worked with everyone from Ariana Grande to Panic! At the Disco to Anderson Paak himself, joins the hosts to help explain how Silk Sonic created such a catchy track, and why modern listeners might be ready for a blast from the past. 

Songs Discussed

Silk Sonic - Leave the Door Open

Aretha Franklin - I Say a Little Prayer

The Temptations - My Girl

Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell - Ain’t No Mountain High Enough

Martha and the Vandellas - Dancing in the Street

Otis Redding - Try a Little Tenderness

Sam and Dave - Soul Man

Commodores - Who’s Making Love

MFSB - TSOP

O’Jays - Love Train

Billy Paul - Me and Mrs. Jones

The Stylistics - You Are Everything

Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes - If You Don’t Know Me By Now

The Delfonics - Didn’t I Blow Your Mind

Seals and Croft - Summer Breeze

Smokey Robinson - Quiet Storm

Teddy Pendergrass - Close the Door

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