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Leave the Door Open
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Wikipedia article
{{Infobox song
| name = Leave the Door Open
| cover = Silk Sonic - Leave the Door Open.png
| alt =
| caption = Limited-edition CD single cover
| type = single
| artist = Silk Sonic
| album = An Evening with Silk Sonic
| released =
| recorded =
| studio = Shampoo Press & Curl
| genre = * Philadelphia soul
* R&B
* pop
| length = 4:02 (single/album version)
*3:39 (radio edit)
| label = * Aftermath
* Atlantic
| writer = * Bruno Mars
* Brandon Anderson
* Dernst Emile II
* Christopher Brody Brown
| producer = * Bruno Mars
* D'Mile
| chronology = Bruno Mars
| prev_title = Blow
| prev_year = 2019
| next_title = Skate
| next_year = 2021
| misc =
}}
"'Leave the Door Open'" is the debut single by the American super-duo Silk Sonic, consisting of Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak. It was released on March 5, 2021, by Aftermath Entertainment and Atlantic Records as the lead single from Silk Sonic's debut studio album 'An Evening with Silk Sonic'. The song was written by Mars, Brandon Anderson, Dernst Emile II and Brody Brown, while the production was handled by Mars and D'Mile. "Leave the Door Open" is a Philadelphia soul, R&B and pop song, influenced by quiet storm. Its romantic lyrics describe a "detailed erotic invitation".
"Leave the Door Open" received widespread critical acclaim, with many praising both singers' vocals, as well as the song's composition. A commercial success, it topped various charts, including the US 'Billboard' Hot 100, Israel, Malaysia and New Zealand. "Leave the Door Open" entered the top ten of several countries such as Australia, Belgium, Canada and Portugal. It was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and Recorded Music New Zealand (RMNZ), and three times platinum by Music Canada (MC).
The accompanying music video, directed by Florent Dechard and Mars, was released along with the song. It depicts Mars and Paak, as Silk Sonic, performing the song in a vintage studio as several women dance to it. To promote "Leave the Door Open", Mars and Paak performed it at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards, attracting praise for its simplicity and comparisons to a 70s 'Soul Train' telecast. They also performed it at the BET Awards 2021 and 2021 iHeartRadio Music Awards. The song received several nominations and awards, winning Song of the Year at the 2021 Soul Train Music Awards, as well as Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best R&B Performance (in a tie with "Pick Up Your Feelings" (2020) by Jazmine Sullivan) and Best R&B Song at the 2022 Grammy Awards.
Background and release
Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak met in 2017 while touring together on the European leg of Mars' 24K Magic World Tour (201718). The two were in the studio working with Nile Rodgers and Guy Lawrence of Disclosure. In late February 2021, Mars and .Paak announced on social media the formation of their new band, Silk Sonic, and revealed the artwork for their debut studio album, titled 'An Evening with Silk Sonic' (2021). They also announced the release of the first single on March 5, 2021.
In an interview with New Zealand radio DJ Zane Lowe for the Apple Music podcast 'Beats 1', Paak said the song required a lot of "patience and delicate". He added, "A lot of meat went into this song." Mars lamented the lack of live performances due to the COVID-19 pandemic, adding "While I'm writing songs, that's a part of my whole thing...I can't wait till people hear this." On August 18, 2021, during an interview with 'Rolling Stone', Mars confessed that the bridge of the song "almost broke the band up. But it wasn't right, and we all felt it." He added, "Andy played this thing, and he knew where the groove had to go, but for some reason I kept screaming, 'Man it sounds like books falling!' I was like, 'We gotta turn it down'." In an interview with Songwriter Universe, D'Mile explained that Mars had the idea and the song title and knew the "concept he wanted." He said they tried "different versions and ideas", removed pieces and rebuilt the song several times until "it felt right" to everyone.
On March 5, 2021, "Leave the Door Open" was released by Aftermath Entertainment and Atlantic Records as the first single via digital download and streaming services in various countries. "Silk Sonic Intro" was also issued on the same day, featuring the album's special guest Bootsy Collins. "Leave the Door Open" was released to US contemporary hit radio on March 9, 2021, by Atlantic Records. On March 8, 2021, Atlantic Records sent the track to various categories of American adult contemporary radio stations. Warner Music Group issued the track for radio airplay in Italy on March 12, 2021. On April 1, 2021, a live recording of the single was released for digital download and streaming, using audio from the 2021 Annual Grammy Awards performance with added narration from Collins. On the same date, two CD singles, the original version and the live version, of "Leave the Door Open" were released in various countries.
Production
"Leave the Door Open" was written by Mars, Brandon Anderson, Dernst Emile II and Christopher Brody Brown. The production was handled by Mars and D' Mile. The former played the guitar and congas, while the latter played the piano. Paak played the drums, with Brown playing the bass. Ella Feingold handled guitar effects, Glenn Fischbach played cello, Jonathan Kim and Yoshihiko Nakano were on the viola, Blake Espy, Emma Kummrow and Gared Crawford played violin with Natasha Colkett, Tess Varley and Luigi Mazzocchi. Larry Gold did the arrangement and conduction of the strings at Milkboy Studios, with Cody Cichowski recording the strings. Charles Moniz, with engineering assistant Alex Resoagli, engineered and recorded the song at Shampoo Press & Curl Studios. Serban Ghenea mixed "Leave the Door Open" at MixStar Studios in Virginia Beach, with mix engineer John Hanes and mixing assistant Bryce Bordone. It was mastered by Randy Merrill at Sterling Sound, NYC. The artwork of the CD single was designed by Virgilio Tzaj.
Composition
"Leave the Door Open" is a Philadelphia soul, R&B, and pop song. It is influenced by quiet storm. It has been described as a "smooth slow jam". Gil Kaufman from 'Billboard' described it as a "finger-snapping, slinky R&B jam". Its instrumentation includes a "descending guitar glissando", a glockenspiel, "swooning strings", "honeyed backing vocals", "soft piano and smooth vocals". The song also features key changes, and a contrast between "grainy lead and perfectionist backup vocals". The "ascendant bridge" was created using various "chord changes which meld into each other." "Leave the Door Open" was composed in the key of C major with a tempo of 74 beats per minute. The singers' vocal ranges span from the a low note of F4 to a high note of D6.
"Leave the Door Open" starts with .Paak's "raspy" voice and Mars's background ad-libs. Paak sets the scene: "We should be dancin', romancin'/ In the east wing and the west wing of this mansion." In the chorus, Mars hopes the woman feels the same way he does. Its lyrics are described as a "detailed erotic invitation" with "shameless but witty wordplay". Mars and Paak sing to a loved one "to come over for a romantic night with wine, rose petal-laced baths, and more."
Katie Atkinson from 'Billboard' described its lyrics as "tongue-in-cheek". 'NME' Sophie Williams noticed playful humour in its lyrics. Sowing from Sputnikmusic said, "Its luscious vocal harmonies are accompanied by an earthy splattering of retro-sounding drums and spacious, almost celestial-reaching, strings."
Charlie Harding from 'Vulture' said "Leave the Door Open" evokes "1970s Philadelphia soul" and despite being "serious musically", it is "lighthearted, lyrically." He found it nostalgic but "sound[ing] contemporary" due to Paak's vocal flow. American singer-songwriter Tayla Parx thought that its modernity stems from the "conversational" lyrics and Paak's "personality" and "silliness". Harding pointed out that its modern approach can be heard at the end of Paak's first verse, to which Parx responded "You can hear [the early influences] in his voice, but those cadences are still very contemporary".
Harding commented that Silk Sonic leads the listener into a musical journey as they wait for their lover. It begins with a "non-resolving chord progression, which never lands in the home key but uses luscious chords" and leaves the listener expectant. Paak is drinking wine and spending time in his mansion, as he waits for his passion. Nevertheless, Mars doesn't allow Paak's fulfillment as he shifts the chords, using a new key. The energy and tension reach new heights as Mars "sets up this big cadence", and while the listener is hopping to reach a "resolution" it enters the "non-resolving chord progression" on the chorus. However, as the latter approaches its end a C major chord is played, Silk Sonic sing "tell me that you're coming through" and it enters into its "resolution".
Various publications compared the track to Mars's "Versace on the Floor" (2017). 'Consequence' staff along with Mary Siroky found similarities to his "That's What I Like" (2017). 'NME' Anna Rose said "Leave the Door Open" was "reminiscent of 60s and 70s easy listening love songs". Zoe Haylock from 'Vulture' dubbed the single a "smooth bedroom classic" evoking "'70s slow jams". Mikael Wood of the 'Los Angeles Times' thought Mars's falsetto voice to be close to the Spinners and the Stylistics. 'The New York Times' Jon Pareles compared the "close-harmony seductions" to the ones used by the Spinners, the Manhattans and the Stylistics. 'Variety' writer Jem Aswad compared its style to the Delfonics and the Chi-Lites. MTV News's Patrick Hosken thought it was a "throwback to the time of Bobby Womack and Curtis Mayfield". Sophie Williams from 'NME' compared the use of part of the song's instrumentation to "Philadelphia soul groups such as The Delfonics and The O'Jays."
Critical reception
"Leave the Door Open" received universal critical acclaim from music critics. Jenessa Williams from 'The Guardian' found its style to be "impeccable", being "on the right side of pastiche". 'Consequence' Wren Graves was impressed by Mars's "liquid whip" voice as Paak "raps and sings through a foggy haze", sounding "like smoke on the water". 'The New York Times' critic Jon Pareles praised the song's instrumentation, the key changes, lyrics and the contrast between the backup and lead vocals, concluding that they were "all good things to revive." 'Consequence' staff and Mary Siroky called it "nothing if not luxurious, velvety goodness." 'Variety' writer Jem Aswad called the track "a glorious blast of vintage R&B", Aswad concluded, "the song and the arrangement are pitch-perfect". Roisin O'Connor from 'The Independent' stated .Paak performs "Marvin Gaye-style harmonies that glisten like butter on hot toast." She also commended the composition and some of the lyrics. Sophie Williams from 'NME' described the song as "sumptuous", showcasing Mars's "best vocal performance to date". 'Paste' Candace McDuffie lauded the track. McDuffie added, ".Paak's salacious chants are smoothed over by Mars's sultry crooning."
No Ripcord's Joe Rivers called the track "outstanding... the harmonies recall the best moments of The Stylistics while still leaving room for .Paak's taut drum fills." Gonalo Correia writing for 'Observador' felt the track showed "sensuality", with "honey and emotion and the blink of an eye on the lyrics". Ross Scarano commenting on Pitchfork called "Leave the Door Open" one of the highlights of 'An Evening with Silk Sonic', due to its "slathering elevated techniqueall those key changeswith satisfying molten cheese." Alex Suskind of 'Entertainment Weekly' said it is a modern "take on the Delfonics with the style and substance to match." 'Hot Press' writer Pat Carty wrote that if the song "managed to assume human form, [it] would doubtless sport a tasteful silk shirt and medallion combo." Sowing from Sputnikmusic found the track to be "irrefutably romantic". Sowing added, "Mars's earnest delivery of simple gestures like "I ain't playin' no games, every word that I say is coming straight from the heart" sounds sincere enough to sweep you off your feet. When creating their list of "GRAMMY Predictions 2022", Meredith B. Kile & Tionah Lee called "Leave the Door Open" a "perfectly timeless record."
AllMusic's critic Andy Kellman said the track "best meshes the smooth and tender style of Mars with Paak's nephew-of-Bobby Womack rasp". Josh Glicksman commenting in the 'Billboard' "Five Burning Questions" article said the track is "tailor-made to dance and snap along to as it gets delightfully stuck in your head". Carl Lamarre, on a different segment on 'Billboard' Five Burning Questions, called the vocals "buttery" and "too irresistible to pass up". Lamarre thought Silk Sonic "threaded a polished '70s soundscape from top to bottom". In the same publication, Jason Lipshutz dubbed the single "an ode to stylish yearning that leans in to the throwback charm."
On the other hand, Marc Hogan of 'Pitchfork' criticized the track for turning "70s soul into a costume drama, without the drama" and for its "skillfully rendered pastiche". Hogan thought it would be the same as listening to "an expertly curated quiet-storm compilation, like David Toop's 1996 'Sugar and Poison'." He dubbed the single a "shag-carpeted and leisure-suited booty-call slow jam...never breaks character long enough to acknowledge the present." Hogan ended by saying the track is not "postmodern", but "the past in hologram form".
Accolades
Mary Siroky and the Staff from 'Consequence' considered the song the Top Song of the Week on March 6, 2021, saying it "wouldn't feel out of place on Mars' 2016 '24K Magic' album why mess with a great thing, after all?" 'Entertainment Weekly's Eli Enis and Alex Suskind placed "Leave the Door Open" among "the five best songs we heard this week" on March 5, 2021, with "all come-ons" lyrics and "pitch-perfect harmonies". The song was also included on 'Under the Radar' Songs of the Week on March 5, 2021; Mark Redfern said, "You can imagine many a baby being conceived to the retro-sounding track." J'na Jefferson of Uproxx named the song as one of the contenders for "2021 Song Of The Summer". Jefferson dubbed the lyrics as "inviting and sensual", which could lead people to gain "the courage to begin a potential summer fling, or to have a chill evening with that special someone". Dee Locket from 'Vulture' included the song on her April list of The Best Songs of 2021 (So Far), saying that the song borrows from the Isley Brothers. She added, "neither is going about musical curiosity the wrong way." Dave Holmes, in 'Esquire's "Best Songs of 2021 (So Far)" praised "Leave the Door Open", calling it a "flawless tribute to mid-'70s R&B with a key change that will make you stand up and cheer." The song was considered the best release until June 2021 by 'Complex'; Jessica McKinney wrote, "rarely does a new record come along that can bring together all generations, but "Leave the Door Open" does exactly that. It has a timeless, feel-good quality with the power to unite a room full of people on a dance floor." "Leave the Door Open" was listed as one of "The 50 Best Songs of 2021" by Billboard Staff Picks on June 8, 2021.
The song was included among the best songs of the year by several publications. On the 'Billboard' 100 Best Songs of 2021, the single was placed atop the list. Carl Lamarre affirmed the song "is an instant slam dunk by the R&B super-duo, as they lovingly recreated the lush sounds of '70s soul, but with enough modern finesse to still conquer audiences not even born until decades later. On the list of the 50 best songs of 2021, 'Consequence' ranked the song at number ten and Eddie Fu wrote "with the combination of two of the most talented songwriters in modern music, the duo delivered an immediate contender for Song of the Year." 'Entertainment Weekly' Leah Greenblatt dubbed the song a "groovy Soul Train dream", ranking it number five on the list of The 10 Best Songs of 2021. On 'Rolling Stone's 50 Best Songs of 2021, the song ranked at number six and Rob Sheffield said it "didn't sound retro because it felt so gloriously right for 2021. It is pure romance, with every drum hook a pheromone rush." 'Insider' included the track in their list of the best songs of 2021, saying that "as soon as the song's first drum kicks in, their sugar high feels impossible to resist". The single was included on 'Gigwise' 20 Best Tracks of 2021. Alex Rigotti wrote "There aren't many musicians out there that could bring the blend of soul and RnB to the mainstream like Silk Sonic. "Leave The Door Open" is a wonderfully enjoyable offering from the duo."" Leave the Door Open" was included among the 38 best songs of 2021 according to 'Vogue'. Editor Virginia Smith affirmed, "2021 has been hard, but Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak made it a lot easier. "Leave the Door Open" is a love letter to the '70s." On the list of the 55 Best Songs of 2021 compiled by 'Cosmopolitan' the song ranked 55th. They wrote, "With its smooth R&B vibecombined with the fact that it's Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paakthis song will make you wanna have a romantic night". The BBC's best year-end list was compiled from various end-of-year lists published by the most influential music magazines, blogs, newspapers and broadcasters from across the world. Silk Sonic's "Leave the Door Open" was third on the list.
Awards and nominations
Commercial performance
North America
"Leave the Door Open" debuted at number four on the US 'Billboard' Hot 100 with 27,000 downloads, 23.5 million streams and 23.5 million radio impressions in the week of March 15, 2021. It was Mars and Paak's highest debut on the 'Billboard' Hot 100 at the time. The single reached number two the following week, behind Cardi B's "Up" (2021). In the week of April 12, 2021, the song topped the Hot 100 with 28,600 copies sold, 21.5 million streams and 59.1 million radio impressions. It was the most-sold song of the week, across downloads and two CD versions. It became Paak's first number one song on the Hot 100. It was Mars's fastest song to reach number one. Mars tied with Drake, Katy Perry and Rihanna for the most number ones on the 'Billboard' Hot 100 since May 1, 2010, with eight. In the week of May 16, 2021, it spent a second non-consecutive week at number one, helped by its placement in the iTunes Store's 69 cents Pop Hits sale. The song was certified two times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).In the week of March 29, 2021, "Leave the Door Open" reached the top ten of Radio Songs chart in its third week, becoming the fastest song to do so since Justin Bieber's "Yummy" (2020) took only two weeks to reach the top ten. The single tied with Mars's "24K Magic" (2016) and "Finesse" (2018) featuring Cardi B for fastest rise to the top ten. In the week of April 19, 2021, "Leave the Door Open" topped the chart becoming Mars and Paak's ninth and first number one, respectively. The song reached top spot in its sixth week, matching the previous record held by Ed Sheeran's "Shape of You" (2017). "Leave the Door Open" also peaked at number one on the 'Billboard' Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Rhythmic chart. It took four weeks to top the Adult R&B Songs chart, the fastest by any male artists to do so. It became Mars's first song to enter the top ten on the Adult Contemporary chart since "Uptown Funk" (2014).
The song peaked at number nine on the Canadian Hot 100 in the week of March 15, 2021. It was certified triple platinum by Music Canada (MC). Also the top song on the Year-end Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, it topped the chart for eight non-consecutive weeks, spending all but one of its 26 charting weeks in the top 10.
International
"Leave the Door Open" debuted at number one on the New Zealand Singles Chart, spending two weeks at the top spot. It has received a two platinum certification by Recorded Music New Zealand (RMNZ). In Australia, the song debuted at number 13 on the ARIA Singles Chart, and peaked at number ten in its second week. It spent twenty weeks on the chart, so far. In Malaysia, the track reached the top spot, and in Singapore, peaked at number two. The track peaked at number one in Israel on the week of March 7, 2021.The song entered several Monitor Latino charts, including Costa Rica where it peaked at number three. It charted at number eight in Bolivia and Panama. It also entered the top ten in Chile and top twenty in El Salvador. "Leave the Door Open" entered the top twenty of the Argentina Hot 100 and peaked at number one on 'Billboard' Mexico Airplay. Despite the single only peaking at number 34 at the Top 100 Brasil, it was certified two times Diamond by Pro-Msica Brasil (PMB).
In Denmark, the single peaked at number 20 on the Danish Hitlisten, after debuting at number 29. In the United Kingdom, the song debuted at its peak of number 20 on the UK Singles Chart on March 12, 2021. The single also debuted at its peak number of 18 on the Irish Singles Chart. The track debuted at number four on the Portuguese Singles Chart and peaked at number three. It received a double platinum certification by the Associao Fonogrfica Portuguesa (AFP). In Belgium, the track peaked at number five on the Ultratop 50 in Flanders and number four on Wallonia. It peaked at number 11 on the Dutch Top 40 charts after debuting at number 35. It peaked at number 13 on the Netherlands Single Top 100. The song peaked at number ten on the Lithuanian charts and debuted at its peak of 16 in the Hungarian Single Top 40.
"Leave the Door Open" peaked at number two on the 'Billboard' Global 200, spending 58 weeks on the chart so far.
Music video
The music video for "Leave the Door Open" premiered alongside the song's release on March 5, 2021, and was directed by Mars and Florent Dechard. The video takes place in a Motown carpet studio "bathed in warm light" and amber shades. It starts with Paak playing the drums, Mars on the piano and the other band members, some of Mars's band The Hooligans, on the bass, conga drum, electric keyboard and other percussion instruments as they sit on stools. Silk Sonic and the band are wearing "sunglasses and vintage printed shirts" as they perform the song, with close-up shots of Mars and Paak. The track is being recorded as several women, who can be seen as fans, dance to it in the music booth. The video features "disco ball lightning" and ends with a fade-out.
Reception
Mary Siroky and the 'Consequence of Sound' staff described the music video as "playful". Ali Rasha, writing for 'USA Today', commented that everyone was "dressed in looks that give off a retro feel". In 2021, the music video received a nomination for Coca-Cola Viewers' Choice and Video of the Year at the BET Awards 2021. Mars and Dechard were also awarded Video Director of the Year for their work on the music video. At the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards, the visuals won Best R&B Video and Best Editing. In late 2021, the music video was nominated for Video of the Year at the American Music Awards of 2021 and won Video of the Year at the 2021 Soul Train Music Awards. In 2022, it was nominated for Outstanding Music Video/Visual Album at the 53rd NAACP Image Awards and for Best Music Video at the 2022 iHeartRadio Music Awards.Live performances and other usage
Grammy Awards performance
The initial list of the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards performances, announced on March 7, 2021, did not include Silk Sonic. Paak and Mars had a funny Twitter exchange with Mars telling the Recording Academy that the two of them were "out of work musicians" who needed "the promotion" and that they would send an audition tape. Silk Sonic were announced as performers on the show after "playfully campaigning" the week before. The Recording Academy interim president/CEO, Harvey Mason Jr., confessed their performance was intentionally not announced to create "buzz", while there was also some uncertainty regarding it. The Grammys' executive producer, Ben Winston, wanted Paak to perform "Lockdown"; however, he decided to ask the duo to perform.They made their performance debut at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards on March 14, 2021, adopting a 70s aesthetic accompanied only by two backup singers. The show featured a "retro flare" similar to the Music Video; Mars, Paak and the back up singers wore three-piece "burnt orange leisure" suits with "wide-collared polyester shirts, bell-bottoms" and "bootcut pants". They completed their look with sunglasses, Paak wearing heart-shaped ones. As Paak sang, Mars and the back-up singers danced behind him in a triangle. Mars would then move to the center replacing Paak, and the latter would sing along with the back-up singers. In the background, a "constellation" of "twinkle effects and star wipes" rotated.
The performance received positive reviews. Eric Todiso from 'People' said that Silk Sonic "stole the show at the 2021 Grammy Awards". Todiso dubbed the performance "dazzling and dreamy". Entertainment Weekly's staff considered the performance to be one of the most memorable moments of the show, reminiscent of the "glossy '70s style as a 'Soul Train' telecast". Patrick Ryan from 'USA Today' called it a "sizzling retro throwback", ranking it eighth on a list of the night's best performances Jon Caramanica of 'The New York Times' dubbed Silk Sonic's performance "pointedly retro, shimmery luxury soul." Ben Sisario also compared them to the "1970s 'Soul Train' crooners" in 'The New York Times'. Joe Lynch from 'Billboard', Randall Roberts from 'Los Angeles Times' and MTV News's Patrick Hosken all regarded the performance as inspired by the 1970s 'Soul Train'. Zoe Haylock of 'Vulture' commented that Silk Sonic were "channeling the Motown kings within themselves". In a mixed review, 'The Washington Post's Hau Chu, despite thinking "the performance sounded sparkling", found their choice to perform strange.
iHeartRadio Music Awards performance
On May 27, 2021, they performed the song at the 2021 iHeartRadio Music Awards utilizing a 1970s aesthetic. Silk Sonic was joined by two back-up vocalists, all dressed in "dark azure crushed velvet blazers" "with roses attached to the lapels" and tinted sunglasses as Paak wore a flat cap. It started with Mars playing the piano for a stripped version, Paak singing his first verse with Mars and the backup singers as the "crowd sang it back to them". The music then stopped as Paak "ripped off his glasses and let out a "wooo" to which Mars responded, "Let's go! Let's go!"." The full instrumental then kicked in, and with minimalist choreography, Silk Sonic invited the audience to sing-along to the chorus Mars and Paak also gave an "up-close and more personal" serenade to the women in the front row. At one point, Mars took the hand of one of the women "and placed in on his bare chest."The performance received positive reviews. Zach Seemayer writing for 'Entertainment Tonight' considered it one of the best performances "from any music awards show in recent memory." 'Consequence's Nina Corcoran found it "mesmerizing". Joe Lynch from 'Billboard' praised their performance as they "worked the crowd exactly like the '70s soul singers that Silk Sonic pays homage to would have." 'Vulture's Halle Kiefer thought "the proximity felt thrilling to watch as the pair performed". Jamie Samhan from Entertainment Tonight Canada and Kate Hogan from 'People' found their show "sexy". Derrick Rossignol of Uproxx was surprised, saying Silk Sonic is "a one-trick pony, but what a trick it is".
BET Awards performance
On June 27, 2021, Silk Sonic performed the single at the BET Awards 2021 for a "select group of fans", who were vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus. The duo started their performance, dressed in matching pastel tuxedos, walking on a "roped-off red carpet". They sang in a club layout, moving "between the bar and VIP booths". At the same time, fans danced, sang along, and held up signs as Mars and Paak serenaded them helped by background vocalists. The latter also served as backup dancers and "played VIP clubgoers and bottle service girls." At the end of the performance, Paak teased the audience asking, "Do y'all want to hear a new song? Do ya'll want to hear a new song off the new album?" and as fans cheered, he pointed out that the song was still in the top 10, adding that they would never stop playing "Leave the Door Open" until that changes. Silk Sonic started to sing "Leave the Door Open" a second time as "the performance cut to a commercial break."Jennifer Drysdale from 'Entertainment Tonight' thought Mars and Paak brought "the house down". Drysdale dubbed Mars and Paak's vocals as "flawless". 'Consequence's Ben Kaye found that their performance "made them worthy of" winning the BET Best Group Award. Victoria Moorwood of Revolt praised Silk Sonic's performance. Carolyn Droke, writing for Uproxx, called it a "silky-smooth rendition". 'Rolling Stone' Brittany Spanos declared that Silk Sonic transformed the 2021 BET Awards "into a smokey lounge with their velvety performance."
Other usage
A day after Silk Sonic performed "Leave the Door Open" at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards James Corden parodied the song on 'The Late Late Show with James Corden'. Titled "Leave the TV On", the parody's lyrics "encouraged" people to keep their "TV set on after Colbert" so Corden could "get some good ratings." It started with "Stephen Colbert introducing Corden via an analog television set." It then proceeded to show Corden and the band, dressed in '70s inspired clothes, as they sang in a "yellow-walled studio" similar to the set of 'All in the Family' (1971-1979). While band leader Reggie Watts sang about "the late night sandwich meat", Corden was in charge of backing vocals and lead vocals as he sang "counter-lines about his omnipresent man Spanx". Corden also told people they can "leave the TV on mute, or watch the skit later on YouTube." 'Billboard's Gil Kaufman considered it a "funny spoof". Darlene Aderoju of 'People' found "the skit...catchy".On April 3, 2021, Epic Games announced the release of a new emote for the online video game 'Fortnite'. It features dance moves by Mars played to the chorus of "Leave the Door Open".
Mars and .Paak performed the song, as Silk Sonic, as an encore during their concert residency An Evening with Silk Sonic at Park MGM (2022).
Track listing
Personnel
Credits adapted from the liner notes of 'An Evening with Silk Sonic'.
*Bruno Mars vocals, songwriting, production, guitar, congas
*Anderson .Paak vocals, songwriting, drums
*D'Mile songwriting, production, piano
*Christopher Brody Brown songwriting, bass
*Ella Feingold guitar effects
*Larry Gold strings conduction, arrangement
*Emma Kummrow violin
*Luigi Mazzocchi violin
*Blake Espy violin
*Gared Crawford violin
*Tess Varley violin
*Natasha Colkett violin
*Jonathan Kim viola
*Yoshihiko Nakano viola
*Glenn Fischbach cello
*Cody Chicowski strings recording
*Charles Moniz recording, engineering
*Alex Resoagli engineering assistant
*Serban Ghenea mixing
*John Hanes mixing engineering
*Bryce Bordone mixing assistant
*Randy Merrill mastering
Charts
Weekly charts
Monthly charts
Year-end charts
Certifications
Release history
See also
* List of 'Billboard' Hot 100 number ones of 2021
* List of 'Billboard' Hot 100 number-one singles of the 2020s
* List of number-one songs of 2021 (Malaysia)
* List of number-one singles from the 2020s (New Zealand)
Notes
References
Category:2021 songs
Category:2021 debut singles
Category:Silk Sonic songs
Category:Anderson .Paak songs
Category:Bruno Mars songs
Category:Aftermath Entertainment singles
Category:Atlantic Records singles
Category:Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles
Category:Grammy Award for Record of the Year
Category:Grammy Award for Song of the Year
Category:Number-one singles in Israel
Category:Number-one singles in Malaysia
Category:Number-one singles in New Zealand
Category:Songs written by Anderson Paak
Category:Songs written by Bruno Mars
Category:Songs written by Christopher Brody Brown
Category:Songs written by D'Mile
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