[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: Must-Listen Classic Albums for Beginners (1–10)
Body BaitSymba
No matter the genre, there are countless groups that disbanded after releasing just one album, which is exactly why the deeper you get into a genre, the more you want to dig up those obscure one-offs.
Symba’s only album, Body Bait, released in 1980 and produced by Al Johnson—a singer-songwriter and producer who’s especially popular among Japanese soul fans—is one I highly recommend for anyone who loves hidden gems.
From the title track, with its bouncing bassline, percussive rhythm track, and flashy horn section, the album is packed with high-quality songs.
Stretchin’ Out (In a Rubber Band)Bootsy’s Rubber Band
Stretchin’ Out in Bootsy’s Rubber Band is the debut album by the American band Bootsy’s Rubber Band, born as a spin-off from the P-Funk collective.
The groove driven by leader Bootsy Collins’s iconic “Space Bass” is unforgettable once you hear it—pure sonic bliss.
From dance numbers that get your body moving to swoon-worthy slow jams, the album’s diverse lineup is a major part of its appeal.
Why not immerse yourself in a sound world where the exuberance of funk and the heartfelt soulfulness of R&B are seamlessly fused?
Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)Sly & The Family Stone
Released in 1969 as a double A-side single along with “Everybody Is a Star,” the song reached No.
1 on the Billboard chart in 1970.
Janet Jackson’s 1989 hit “Rhythm Nation” samples the groove from this song’s breakdown section.
[Western Music] Tracing the Roots of Funk: Essential Albums You Should Hear at Least Once [For Beginners] (11–20)
Theme from ShaftIsaac Hayes
Isaac Hayes’s signature work—and arguably his most famous—Shaft.
Created as a film soundtrack, it won an Academy Award and has been sampled frequently in later hip-hop.
Packed with thrilling elements like funky rhythms, jazzy horns, and sweeping strings, this album is a tour de force.
Above all, its defining feature is the rock-solid groove that runs through the entire record.
While it’s easy to focus on the memorable vocals of the title theme, be sure to pay attention to the cool, taut tension of the instrumental tracks as well.
I’m Every WomanChaka Khan
Often hailed as the Queen of R&B, Chaka Khan has reigned over the scene since the 1970s.
Her overwhelming vocal prowess and tireless activity have continued well past 2020, profoundly influencing generations of artists.
Here, we introduce her 1978 solo debut album, Chaka.
From the famed dance classic “I’m Every Woman” to tender ballads and disco tunes, her innate talent shines across every style, leaving you breathless.
Produced under the flawless sonic direction of Arif Mardin and featuring an all-star lineup of top-tier musicians, it’s a truly luxurious record.
Pieces of a ManGil Scott-Heron
Gil Scott-Heron, the American artist often called the “Godfather of Rap,” fused poetry with soul and funk to create a unique style.
His Pieces of a Man, released in 1971, is an early masterpiece—an essential work not only in funk and soul, but, as noted, in the history of hip-hop as well.
Often described as progressive soul, its melodious yet innovative sound provides a vivid stage for Scott-Heron’s lyrics, showcasing his brilliance as a wordsmith—an approach that has perhaps been even more appreciated in the present day than at the time of its release.
It may feel a bit challenging at first, but there are tracks where he delivers assured, expressive vocals.
If you’re into funk—or if you’re a hip-hop listener—definitely lend an ear to Scott-Heron’s voice, his words, and his sound.
Who Can I Run ToThe Jones Girls
A highly skilled sister trio girl group well known among Philly soul fans.
Their self-titled debut, released in 1979, is packed with refined, high-quality songs, including the mellow classic “Who Can I Run To,” which topped the U.S.
R&B chart.
The funky disco number “You Gonna Make Me Love Somebody Else,” quoted by Jay-Z, is also famous as a sampling staple.
The trio’s beautiful voices and the tight harmonies only sisters can achieve are simply outstanding—an essential masterpiece that everyone, not just soul fans, should hear at least once.