[Western Music] Tracing the Roots of Funk: Essential Albums Beginners Should Hear at Least Once
This may be sudden, but are you familiar with the music genre called “funk”? Even if you aren’t, you’ve probably heard the word “funky” in everyday life.
As a music genre, funk took shape in the 1960s and reached its peak from the 1970s onward, when many popular bands released hit funk tracks.
Funk music has had a major influence on later generations—modern hip-hop artists still love sampling songs from that era.
In this article, especially for beginners, we’ll introduce must-listen classic funk albums to get you started!
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[Western Music] Tracing the Roots of Funk: Essential Albums You Should Hear at Least Once [Beginners] (61–70)
Watching YouSlave
Speaking of heavyweight funk bands from Ohio, Slave, who were active from the 1970s to the early 1980s, comes to mind.
This track, released as a single in 1980, is also well known for being sampled in Hip Hop artist Snoop Dogg’s smash hit “Gin and Juice.”
Higher GroundStevie Wonder
A funk song from the 1973 album Innervisions.
It reached No.
1 on the US Hot R&B Singles chart.
The album version of the song is 30 seconds longer than the single version and includes additional lyrics.
It’s also known for being covered by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Tears At The End Of A Love AffairTammi Terrell
She was a female singer on the Motown label who passed away at the young age of 24.
Her death came just as she was gaining attention as Marvin Gaye’s duet partner and beginning to establish herself as a rising star.
Although she released only one solo album, I’d like to introduce a two-disc compilation that lets you fully appreciate her outstanding work.
In addition to her well-known Motown-era songs, it includes rare early recordings from her debut and live tracks—a high-quality collection packed with her charm.
The BumpThe Communards
The Commodores, featuring the one and only Lionel Richie as an original member on vocals and saxophone! This track from their debut album is smooth, funky, and one of my favorites.
You’ve probably heard it at least once as an insert song in a movie or TV drama.
Cloud NineThe Temptations
It’s no exaggeration to say that The Temptations were the most successful group on Motown Records in the 1960s and ’70s.
I think this is one of those masterpieces that only the Temptations—who can sing soul, funk, and doo-wop with equal ease—could pull off.
Brick HouseFrankie Smith
Frankie Smith, a singer-songwriter and producer from Philadelphia who is also known for providing songs to funk bands like the O’Jays and the Spinners.
Although he released only one original solo album, his disco tune “Double Dutch Bus,” featuring a breezy rap and released in 1981, became a hit and remains a hugely popular source for sampling.
The compilation album “Double Dutch Bus,” which collects his solo recordings, is recommended, as it includes tracks not featured on the aforementioned album.
Not only for funk lovers, but also for those interested in old-school hip-hop—don’t miss it!
Disco to GoBrides Of Funkenstein
This is the debut album released in 1978 by a female duo who made a strong impression with both their album cover and unit name, and who were active as backing vocalists for Funkadelic and Parliament.
As you’d expect, George Clinton, the founder of P-Funk, handled production, with the P-Funk crew—led by Bootsy Collins—providing rock-solid support.
While it’s fundamentally rooted in the P-Funk sound, the jazz-tinged arrangements that pop up throughout are a fascinating touch.
It’s not flashy, but it’s a must-hear for any P-Funk aficionado.