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 — The Past and Present of Funk Music (131–140)
GetawayEarth, Wind & Fire
It’s a group that’s familiar in Japan as well.
I’ve heard they were actually more popular in Japan during the disco boom of the ’70s! This song was released in 1975, right in the prime of the group’s sound.
The horn performance in the intro is simply superb.
Since it’s often used in commercials in Japan, many people might recognize it.
Atomic DogGeorge Clinton
A classic funk track that sings about why men are always chasing women.
It was released by George Clinton in 1982 and has been sampled in many tracks, including Ice Cube’s 1991 track “No Vaseline.”
I Want You BackThe Jackson 5
This is the group that the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, belonged to.
It’s such a famous song that even people in Japan can recognize it just from the piano intro.
With a very pop arrangement, young Michael’s clear, soaring vocals are a must-hear.
Mr. DivaKaleta & Super Yamba Band
This track by Kaleta & Super Yamba Band has a sound that feels straight from the James Brown lineage.
The song unfolds over a foundation of repetitive backing.
While the sound is close to a vintage ’60s vibe, it was actually released in 2018.
Being able to hear new songs like this even today is pretty special, isn’t it?
Memphis Soul StewKing Curtis
King Curtis, the saxophonist.
He demonstrated his talent as an arranger, and one example is how he incorporated a funk groove into the band’s backing, establishing a distinctive musical style.
I felt his respect for the other players in the way he carefully introduced the members before his own performance.