Funky Vibes: The Past and Present of Funk Music
Even if you don’t actually listen to funk as a music genre, many people unconsciously use the adjective “funky,” don’t they?
As a word that’s already woven into everyday life, what kind of image do you all have of “funk”?
Funk, whose prototype is said to have emerged in the 1960s, has continued to be loved into the 2020s, evolving in form and powering countless hit songs.
This time, we’ll bring you a wide array of classics—from foundational funk essentials to disco, mellow groove, and contemporary funk.
You just might encounter the destined masterpiece that awakens the funkiness sleeping inside you!
- Recommended Western funk bands. Popular overseas bands.
- Recommended Japanese funk bands. Funky Japanese artists.
- [Western Music] Tracing the Roots of Funk: Essential Albums Beginners Should Hear at Least Once
- Why Classic Disco Music Is Still Loved Today
- Legends of soul music: its history and allure revisited through classic songs
- Summary of representative Western funk artists and groups
- A classic jazz-funk masterpiece. A popular recommended track that offers a different flavor from traditional jazz.
- [Definitive Edition] Masterpieces of 70s Disco Music
- Dance music in Japanese (J-pop) that people in their 50s used to listen to. Nostalgic classic hits.
- [Japanese R&B] Notable Classics & New Tracks, Representative Songs of Japanese R&B
- Relive those feelings from back in the day! Youth anthems recommended for the Yutori generation
- A roundup of classic Western jazz-funk albums—from staples to the latest releases
- [For Beginners] A Roundup of Classic Popular Soul/Funk Bands
Funky Mood: The Past and Present of Funk Music (51–60)
SuperflyCurtis Mayfield
Curtis Mayfield left behind numerous masterpieces, but many would probably consider the album Super Fly to be his pinnacle.
Although it was released as the soundtrack to the film of the same name, Super Fly, it’s packed with the kind of uniquely intelligent funk you can hear in this track.
Black catJanet Jackson
This is a single from the 1989 album Rhythm Nation.
It features distinctive drum sounds and is an intense funk rock track with powerful low-end.
By the way, please note that the ending is different between the album’s original version and the one included on the best-of compilation.
I Can’t stand the rainAnn Peebles
Ann Peebles, who made her mark as a soul singer from Missouri, honed her vocal skills from a young age by singing gospel.
This song, which became a hit in the 1970s, is also well-known for being covered later by other artists, including Tina Turner.
I know you got soulBobby Byrd
Covering the genres of soul, R&B, and funk, he was active as a singer-songwriter and also held a wide range of roles as a producer.
In this era, he played an important role alongside James Brown in energizing the funk scene.
Rock SteadyAretha Franklin
A funk-soul track released in 1971 by Aretha Franklin, also known as the Queen of Soul.
Donny Hathaway plays the organ.
It reached No.
2 on the U.S.
charts and was sampled in EPMD’s 1988 track “I’m Housin’.”