[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 (31–40)
Lady MarmaladePatti LaBelle
This song was a massive hit in 1974.
In 2001, Christina Aguilera and others covered it as the theme song for the film Moulin Rouge, and it became a big hit once again! Even after nearly 30 years, it’s impossible not to think that a true classic remains a classic—this is one of those songs that continues to captivate many people.
Party On PlasticBootsy Collins
Bootsy Collins, a heavyweight of P-Funk, is instantly recognizable by his trademark star-shaped sunglasses and a seriously funky look.
His punchy, deep voice—yet clear, almost translucent singing—is captivating.
This is a classic from the era when trends were shifting toward hip-hop.
ChameleonHerbie Hancock
It’s a jazz standard composed by Herbie Hancock, notable for its distinctive bass line and funk-driven beat.
The piece has become one of the most widely recognized jazz standards and is a staple in the repertoire of many jazz ensembles.
Papa Was A Rolling StoneThe Temptations
It’s a psychedelic soul song by The Temptations, released in 1972.
It reached No.
1 on the Billboard chart and won three Grammy Awards in 1973.
Even today, it is regarded as an influential classic.
Atomic DogGeorge Clinton
Speaking of George Clinton, he is the leader of groups like Parliament and Funkadelic and is also known as the founder of so-called P-Funk—one of the most important figures in the soul and funk music scene.
The album he released under his solo name in 1982 is Computer Games.
It includes tracks like Atomic Dog, which was released as a single and hit No.
1 on the U.S.
R&B chart, and it skillfully fuses traditional funk with the then state-of-the-art electronics and synthesizer sounds.
It can be said that the work was made possible by Clinton’s youthful curiosity even in his forties.
