Silk Sonic, the dynamic R&B duo featuring Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak, swept the GRAMMY Awards this year, securing wins for Record of the Year and Song of the Year with “Leave the Door Open,” alongside Best R&B Performance and Best R&B Song. The Recording Academy’s undeniable appreciation for the nostalgic funk genius of Mars and .Paak solidifies their status as a true powerhouse duo.
Following our tribute to Bruno Mars’s stellar career with a top 10 songs list, we now turn the spotlight to Anderson .Paak’s impressive discography. Unlike Bruno Mars, who experienced early fame as a young Elvis impersonator, .Paak’s rise to public recognition began in his mid-20s with his debut mixtape, O.B.E. Vol. 1, in 2012. His journey included a stint as a drummer for Haley Reinhart of American Idol fame. The release of Malibu in 2016 marked a turning point, capturing the attention of mainstream audiences and the Recording Academy alike.
The distinctive period in his stage name, Anderson .Paak, is deliberate. According to .Paak, the dot symbolizes “detail” and the importance of meticulous attention. Listeners familiar with .Paak’s music understand his dedication to the nuances within his songs. This commitment to detail is a key factor in his GRAMMY success and his standing as one of today’s leading R&B artists. Without further delay, we present our selection of Anderson .Paak’s top 10 songs!
10. Trippy (feat. J. Cole)
Opening our list is “Trippy,” a standout track from .Paak’s 2018 album, Oxnard. This song marks the first collaboration between .Paak and acclaimed rapper J. Cole. “Trippy” is a smooth, relaxed exploration of love and intimacy, shared with their respective partners. This theme is subtly introduced in the song’s opening sample, featuring the legendary comedian Rodney Dangerfield.
“Trippy” is the quintessential laid-back track, perfectly suited for a trendy restaurant, a bustling shopping center, or a vibrant poolside gathering. It’s a harmonious blend of silky and spicy elements. The strategically placed snaps enhance the rhythm, adding a distinct pop to what is fundamentally a heartwarming love song.
9. Heart Don’t Stand a Chance
“Champaaagne! Pouring doooown!” While not the opening track of Malibu, “Heart Don’t Stand a Chance” bursts onto the scene with the energy of an album opener. This song introduces us to the central figure in Malibu, a captivating woman who Anderson elaborates on throughout the album. It offers a tantalizing glimpse of the themes explored in the opening track (which we’ll discuss later), immediately immersing us in the whirlwind, cosmopolitan, and passionate dynamic of their relationship.
“Heart Don’t Stand a Chance” is custom-made for lively parties. The combination of vibrant keys, consistent drumming, and the swirling synths that emerge towards the end perfectly encapsulates .Paak’s signature formula. Think you can resist dancing to this track? Your heart doesn’t stand a chance!
8. Cheers (feat. Q-Tip)
Another gem from Oxnard, “Cheers” begins with an infectious, bouncy bassline and crisp drum beat. Soon after, horns enter the mix, followed by powerful backing vocals and impressive verses from both .Paak and former A Tribe Called Quest member Q-Tip. And let’s not overlook the song’s finale: a captivating saxophone solo and exquisite vocal riffs by Cocoa Sarai!
Lyrically, “Cheers” is a poignant reflection on lost friends, with both .Paak and Q-Tip reminiscing about those they’ve lost. These include .Paak’s friend and collaborator Mac Miller, and Q-Tip’s childhood friend and fellow A Tribe Called Quest member Phife Dawg. Despite the somber topic of loss, the beauty of “Cheers” lies in its uplifting spirit. It’s a heartfelt tribute from .Paak and Q-Tip, celebrating the lives of their friends with a warm and celebratory “Cheers!”
7. The Bird
Interestingly, “The Bird” is actually the opening track on Malibu, preceding “Heart Don’t Stand a Chance.” Despite its softer, more mellow, and dreamlike quality compared to the latter, “The Bird” is arguably the stronger opener and undoubtedly deserving of its position.
Featuring a memorable chorus and seductive piano melodies, .Paak delves into the hardships of his youth in “The Bird,” including his mother’s struggles with gambling and his father’s absence. Despite these challenges, Anderson conveys a message of resilience, vowing to stay on a righteous path to success. His breakthrough appearances on Dr. Dre’s Compton and standout features on The Game’s The Documentary 2/2.5 proved his determination, marking his successful entry into the mainstream.
6. The Season / Carry Me
There’s an undeniable sense of grandeur in the production of “The Season / Carry Me.” It feels expansive, reaching for something monumental. The song’s theme is equally ambitious, reflecting on Anderson’s past while anxiously looking towards the future.
In this track, .Paak revisits his childhood, referencing his mother and his hometown of Oxnard, California. He also addresses the perils of street life, incorporating religious imagery and symbolism throughout. The line, “It was late in the fall / I caught a glimpse of my first love, my God,” alludes to his early passion for drumming, which began in his church during childhood and ultimately steered him towards a career in music.
What elevates “The Season / Carry Me” above “The Bird” is its sheer intensity. It opens with atmospheric, swirling sounds crafted by 9th Wonder, transitioning into a 90s R&B-inspired beat, accented with elegant piano chords and a touch of raw energy. “The Season / Carry Me” feels like .Paak’s most ambitious work, exhibiting a rawer edge compared to his later tracks, yet remaining a crucial piece in his artistic evolution.
5. Suede
While “The Season / Carry Me” is expansive, “Suede” is sleek and precise. Despite its minimalist production, “Suede” possesses a remarkable clarity. It feels perfectly contained, using only the sonic space it needs.
“Suede” is not solely a .Paak creation. It’s the debut single from NxWorries, a collaboration between .Paak and the acclaimed producer Knxwledge, representing a powerful West Coast synergy. Featured on their 2016 project Yes Lawd!, “Suede” is often attributed more to .Paak due to his lyrical contributions and captivating vocal performance.
Anderson revealed in an interview with The Fader that the pre-chorus lyrics of “Suede” are among his personal favorites.
“.Paak recounted, “I remember after I recorded it [“Suede”] I was like, ‘oh man, I can never put this out!’…Sent it to Knxwledge and he was like, all flame emojis. He doesn’t like anything, so he liked it and I was like, okay,” .Paak said. “Usually the songs I’m not the most comfortable with end up being the biggest songs.”
4. Brother’s Keeper (feat. Pusha T)
“Brother’s Keeper” is a compelling dialogue between Pusha T and .Paak exploring the meaning of being “your brother’s keeper.” The song delves into themes of loyalty, integrity, and the challenging moral choices one faces to maintain righteousness. Adding to its impact is the exceptional music production by Dem Jointz and Jairus ‘J-Mo’ Mozee.
The title “Brother’s Keeper” is drawn from a CNN interview of the same name, which narrates Pusha T and No Malice’s transformation from drug dealing to becoming the celebrated rap duo Clipse. The lyric “My brother just turned down a half a million dollars / For being one half of one of the greatest duos in hip-hop history” references their group’s eventual split. Pusha T sought greater financial rewards through touring, while No Malice, who had become a devout Christian, felt conflicted by that path.
“Brother’s Keeper” is a favorite among dedicated .Paak fans, valued for its vulnerability, intricate instrumentals, and cinematic atmosphere. It stands out as one of .Paak’s most intense songs, fueled by the passion and fervor that define his artistry.
3. TINTS (feat. Kendrick Lamar)
Within Anderson’s extensive catalog, “TINTS” arguably possesses the strongest Silk Sonic vibe. It pays homage to 70s funk while simultaneously embodying a carefree, edgy spirit.
Kendrick Lamar elevates the track to another level entirely. As the lead single from Oxnard, “TINTS” marks the third collaboration between .Paak and Lamar, following “Deep Water” from Dr. Dre’s Compton and “Bloody Waters” from the Black Panther soundtrack. An interesting fact: all their collaborations have been conducted remotely, without ever working together in a studio. Yet, their vocal chemistry is undeniable.
“TINTS” is admired for its blend of light and dark elements. Its infectious, danceable beat and allusions to opulent California living evoke a sense of luxury. Conversely, the lyrics touch on themes of gun violence, the intrusion of fame on personal space, and other darker realities. While “TINTS” is ostensibly about concealment, it’s undoubtedly one of the best tracks to blast loud and proud.
2. Come Home (feat. André 3000)
From the soulful “Ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, ah-ah” refrains to the groovy drum rhythm, enriched by flute and horn accents, and featuring both André 3000’s intricate verse and .Paak’s commanding vocals, “Come Home” is simply extraordinary. It arguably represents .Paak’s peak in the contemporary music scene. Fittingly, the song earned a GRAMMY in 2020 for “Best R&B Performance.”
“Come Home” is essentially a modern reimagining of golden-era rhythmic soul, adopting an “I-want-you-back” theme reminiscent of Motown classics. The narrative centers on .Paak’s plea for a former partner to return. Throughout the song, his desires evolve from wanting her back to seeking peace and establishing a friendship.
In a conversation with Julie Adenuga on her Beats 1 show, .Paak recounted the lengthy wait for André 3000 to deliver his verse, confessing he doubted it would ever arrive.
“.Paak shared, “Man, that was rough,” he said, “I felt like I was writing where it was like, ‘Day three, still no André. Sorry, Mom. He hasn’t delivered. Day four, still haven’t heard from André. Hopes are still optimistic, but…Week seven, this is complete bullsh-t. No signs of André.’”
Eventually, André did submit his verse, which .Paak enthusiastically praised as the work of the “spitter André. That verse-verse André.” Even without André 3000’s contribution, “Come Home” would likely have been celebrated by fans and critics alike as a masterpiece…
1. Come Down
…However, only one .Paak song rivals “Come Home” in our estimation, and that is the similarly titled “Come Down” from Malibu.
This track has achieved widespread recognition, featured in a Nike commercial for Kevin Durant’s signature shoe, as the main menu music for Madden 17, and in Olivia Wilde’s teen film Booksmart. Released as the fourth single from Malibu and produced by Hi-Tek, “Come Down” has remained unforgettable since its 2016 release.
Its prominence is undoubtedly due to that irresistibly groovy bassline. But it’s also attributed to the use of chant vocals, the clever sampling of Israel’s national anthem (“Hatikvah”) in the intro, and Anderson’s bold vocal delivery. These elements combine to make “Come Down” the most recognizable song in .Paak’s discography.
Listening to “Come Down” is akin to being a spy at a party. The atmosphere is vibrant and flamboyant, yet there’s an undercurrent of something potentially toxic within the celebratory backdrop. Is it possible to experience conflicting emotions of joy and unease simultaneously? That’s the complexity .Paak brings to life in his lyrics.
.Paak masterfully employs ambiguity in “Come Down,” intentionally keeping details vague to enhance the song’s narrative intrigue. Ultimately, “Come Down” highlights the delicate balance between enjoying oneself and excessive indulgence. Wild nights can be fraught with danger, but .Paak suggests that this inherent risk is what makes them truly worthwhile.
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Article Image: Anderson .Paak performing in the Netherlands in 2018, holding a microphone towards the audience. (Photo by Ben Houdijk via Shutterstock).
