RAG MusicR&B-Soul
Lovely R&B and soul

[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!

[Western Music] Tracing the Roots of Funk: Must-Listen Classic Albums for Beginners (71–80)

I’m Every WomanChaka Khan

Chaka Khan – I’m Every Woman (Official Music Video) [HD Remaster]
I'm Every WomanChaka Khan

This is Chaka Khan’s solo debut song, following her debut as the vocalist of the funk band Rufus.

With her powerful, soulful voice, she captivated the world, and the song later became famous for being covered by the late Whitney Houston.

Report a problem

Out of SightJames Brown

When you think of funk, this is the man—James Brown, right? Released in ’64, this track became the catalyst for the nickname “The Godfather of Funk.” Needless to say, it influenced countless musicians.

Report a problem
Double Dutch Bus

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!

KOH-1
Report a problem

It’s Your ThingThe Isley Brothers

The Isley Brothers – It’s Your Thing (Official Audio)
It's Your ThingThe Isley Brothers

A classic by The Isley Brothers, also selected for Rolling Stone’s “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.” They are a funk band formed by real-life brothers.

Since its 1969 release, it has been covered by more than 60 artists.

Report a problem

In conclusion

We’ve introduced many classic funk albums up to this point.

Did you find any songs you like, a favorite artist, or the album you were looking for? Funk’s popularity is still going strong, and its sound is being passed on to the next generation.

For those who listened to it at discos in their youth, it may bring back fond memories.

Be sure to give it a listen again from time to time!