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 Feelings — Funk Music: Past and Present (141–150)
Tell me something goodRufus and Chaka Khan
This song was written by Stevie Wonder in the 1970s and became a hit when performed by Rufus and Chaka.
With its groovy feel, it brings joy to listeners.
Hailing from Chicago, they released many other hits as well, including Sweet Thing.
I Want to Take You HigherSly & The Family Stone
This is a song by Sly Stone, a 1960s star like James Brown.
At Woodstock in ’69, performing this track catapulted him to stardom.
It’s a supreme uptempo funk number where funk, rock, and pop are all fused together.
Incidentally, Larry Graham, a member of this band, developed the slap (chopper) bass technique.
Peaches N CreamSnoop Dogg ft. Charlie Wilson
A track released by Snoop Dogg in 2015, with production involvement from Pharrell Williams.
It became a hit worldwide, reaching No.
3 on the charts in Belgium.
It was inspired by Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock’s 1988 track “It Takes Two.”
I will take you thereThe Staple Singers
The Staple Singers from Chicago are a group with strong soul and gospel influences.
This song is also known for making it into the American Top 100 chart.
Released in the 1970s, it features a funk-style chorus reflecting the era, with an upbeat and lively backing track.
Papa Was A Rollin’ StoneThe Temptations
The Temptations were the cornerstone of the Motown sound in the 1960s and its biggest hitmakers, but as the 1970s began, their sound shifted strongly toward funk.
Among these, the song released in 1973 under Norman Whitfield’s direction not only reached No.
1 in the United States, but was impactful enough to change the very image of the Temptations.
Jungle LoveThe Time
A classic funk track released in 1984 by The Time.
It is considered a quintessential example of the Minneapolis sound that gained popularity from the mid to late 1980s.
It was sampled in DJ Assault’s 1997 track of the same name.
The BirdThe Time
A band that branched off from Prince’s circle.
Most of the composing and arranging was done by Prince, so it feels like Prince’s songs with a different vocalist.
The style is attraction-like, and the songs were created as numbers to be performed within a show.
They feature distinctly ’80s drum effects and shimmering synthesizers.