“Smokin Out The Window” is one of the standout tracks from Silk Sonic, the collaborative duo formed by Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak. Released on November 5, 2021, the song is part of their debut album, An Evening with Silk Sonic. The track peaked at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was praised for its smooth, retro production and heartfelt, humorous lyrics.
The song was written and produced by Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, and Dernst “D’Mile” Emile II, who have worked together on multiple Silk Sonic tracks. The album as a whole was heavily inspired by the sounds of 1970s soul, paying tribute to legends like The Isley Brothers, The Temptations, and Marvin Gaye.
2. History of Silk Sonic and the Song
Silk Sonic was officially introduced to the world in early 2021 when Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak announced their partnership. Their debut single, “Leave the Door Open,” became an instant hit, setting the tone for their album’s luxurious and nostalgic R&B style.
“Smokin Out The Window” continues this theme, but with a playful twist. The song tells the story of a heartbroken man who realizes his woman has been playing him the entire time, making him spend money on her while she gives her attention to other men. The contrast between the song’s soulful melodies and its frustrated, humorous lyrics makes it stand out.
3. On the Videoclip
The music video for “Smokin Out The Window” was directed by Bruno Mars and John Esparza. Like the rest of the Silk Sonic aesthetic, the video is a throwback to 1970s television performances.
Set on a retro-lit stage, the video features Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak dressed in vintage suits, swaying with synchronized choreography as they deliver their heartbreak-filled lines. The video maintains a minimalist style, focusing on the duo’s charisma and smooth performance, rather than elaborate storytelling. The nostalgic aesthetic, combined with the song’s modern relatability, helped it gain massive popularity on YouTube, where it has amassed over 200 million views.
4. Talk Nerdy to Me: Music Theory Trivia
“Smokin Out The Window” is a masterclass in neo-soul production, blending modern techniques with a classic R&B sound. Here are some interesting music theory elements in the track:
- Chord Progressions: The song features rich seventh chords, a staple in soul music. The progression is reminiscent of 1970s ballads, giving the song a lush, emotional feel.
- Vocal Harmonies: Silk Sonic layers their vocals in tight, gospel-inspired harmonies, adding to the song’s vintage appeal.
- Instrumentation: The track heavily relies on warm electric pianos, smooth bass lines, and live percussion, bringing an authentic retro-soul vibe.
- Call and Response: The interplay between Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak creates a classic call-and-response dynamic, similar to what was popular in Motown-era music.
- Theatrical Delivery: While the song follows a standard verse-chorus structure, the way the lyrics are sung—dramatic sighs, over-the-top frustration—adds a unique storytelling aspect to the composition.
5. More from Silk Sonic
If you loved “Smokin Out The Window,” here are other must-listen Silk Sonic songs and performances:
- “Leave the Door Open“ – Their Grammy-winning debut single that took the world by storm.
- “Fly as Me” – A funk-heavy track with swagger and attitude.
- “After Last Night“ (feat. Thundercat & Bootsy Collins) – A sensual, slow-burning groove featuring legendary musicians.
- Silk Sonic Live at the Grammys – Their 2022 Grammy Awards performance of “777” and “Leave the Door Open” was a show-stopper.
“Smokin Out The Window” is a perfect example of what makes Silk Sonic so special—a mix of classic soul influences, humorous storytelling, and top-tier musicianship. With their unique blend of vintage and modern R&B, Silk Sonic continues to bring timeless music to a new generation.
