Funk Archives - The Chimes

“An Evening With Silk Sonic” is the best album of the year

Anderson .Paak and Bruno Mars team up to revitalize the ‘70s Motown soul genre for the modern day.

Chris Charpentier, Staff Writer • November 16, 2021

With Bruno Mars’ last album, his turn to old-school R&B made him a perfect candidate for a collaboration with Anderson .Paak. “Leave The Door Open” proved that their new moniker as a duo, “Silk Sonic,” could become a favorite among critics and fans alike. Released on Nov. 12, the duo constructed...

Remi Wolf releases a kaleidoscope experience

“Juno” combines unique sounds with raw lyricism for a standout pop album.

Lauren McBride, Senior Copy Editor • October 16, 2021

Following her recent fame from the viral TikTok song “Photo ID,” Remi Wolf did not disappoint with her latest release. On Oct. 15, she dropped “Juno,” a bright, colorful funk-pop piece that offers more than fun beats and sound effects. Wolf acknowledges difficult truths about herself, encouraging...

Allen Stone blends soul, funk and pop in “Building Balance”

Fun soul grooves and funk rhythms make up for lack of amazing lyrics in Stone’s new album

Sammy Newcomer • November 16, 2019

After three years since his last record, Allen Stone delivered his fourth studio album, where his unique sound of soul and pop return for a fun group of tracks that, while never phenomenal, deliver quite a bit of fun. LYRICAL LETDOWN “Building Balance” packs 14 songs into 48 minutes, ranging from...

Cold War Kids fail to expand horizons with “New Age Norms 1”

Despite a promising start, the band plays it safe in latest release.

Chris Charpentier, Staff Writer • November 6, 2019

In the summer of 2018, Biola alumni and rock band Cold War Kids were on tour while the highly prolific Kanye West released five new albums from his label, G.O.O.D. Music. These albums were only seven tracks long and this format inspired the band to create a three-volume album, with “New Age Norms 1”...

Anderson .Paak’s “Ventura” fuses together past and present

.Paak’s fourth studio album fuses classic soul with today’s modern hip-hop.

Chris Baeza, Freelance Writer • April 18, 2019

In their heyday, soul and funk dominated the airwaves. Smooth harmonies from The Temptations and themes of love and heartbreak characterized ’60s and ’70s music. Artists like Parliament, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight and the Pips and Diana Ross alike paved the way for many African American artists...

“Free Spirit” is too bloated to soar

Khalid’s new album is overcrowded and falls flat.

Chris Baeza, Freelance Writer • April 11, 2019

Fame and fortune bring only so much happiness to fulfill one's urges and emptiness. Becoming recognizable and desired by the public can both be enjoyable and a burden. As Lady Gaga once said, “I don't think I could think of a single thing that's more isolating than being famous.” Though it may seem...