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 Then and Now (111–120)
FencewalkMandrill
This is a funk band centered around the Wilson brothers, who were born in Panama.
Their sound, which incorporates Latin and Afro elements, helped shape a particular stream of funk music.
Their signature song is “Fencewalk,” and they also created Antonio Inoki’s entrance theme, “Fighter’s Theme (ALI BOMBAYE).”
cutie pieOne Way
This is a funk-style song by One Way, an artist who covers a wide range of genres.
The band gained popularity in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s.
It was released in 1982.
The track is notable for Al Hudson’s funky vocals.
Come Get It BaePharrell Williams
A track released as a digital download by Pharrell Williams in 2014.
It’s a funk track that skillfully balances old and new sounds.
It became a hit around the world, reaching No.
3 on the charts in Belgium.
The track was used in a Red Bull commercial.
La Negra (Bosq Remix)Son Palenque
This is a remix by the disco-funk band Bosq of “La Negra,” a track by Son Palenque—a Latin American band that plays African-influenced music.
While retaining the original vocal lines, it’s been restructured with a disco-funk beat, making it very easy to listen to.
Do MeTeddy Pendergrass
This song is well-known in Japan as the tune used for Ken Shimura and Cha Kato’s “Hige Dance.” Teddy, who was a top star representing Philadelphia soul in the 1970s, became quadriplegic in a traffic accident in 1982 and afterward performed concerts using a wheelchair.
Incidentally, this song was released as a single only in Japan.