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 (21–30)
TightropeJanelle Monáe ft. Big Boi
A collaboration between American singer-songwriter Janelle Monáe—often called the queen of modern funk—and OutKast’s Big Boi.
It’s a funk track infused with R&B elements, released in 2010, which reached No.
20 on the Belgian charts.
Pick up the PiecesAverage White Band
Average White Band is a British funk band.
Formed in Scotland in 1971, they supported Eric Clapton’s concert in 1973 and moved to the United States in 1974.
“Pick Up the Pieces,” released in 1975, became a massive hit, reaching No.
1 in the U.S.
Even if you don’t recognize the title, most people will likely realize they know the song when they hear it.
Funky Feelings — The Past and Present of Funk Music (31–40)
FunknRoll!Prince
A funk track by the American artist Prince.
It is included on his 37th album, Art Official Age, released in 2014.
The album reached the Top 10 on charts around the world and hit No.
1 in both the United States and the United Kingdom.
MolassesKwaku Asante
This is a song called “Molasses,” released by Kwak Asante, a young singer-songwriter based in London.
His velvety vocals are intoxicating just to listen to.
Wrapped in a funky bass and a comfortable beat, they draw you into a luscious world.
1999Prince
This strange track, which begins with a voice played back at a slow tape speed, heralded a razor-sharp ’80s funk sound using the then–state-of-the-art Prophet-5 and the LinnDrum drum machine.
The call-and-response vocals by the band—reminiscent of Sly—are superb as well.
Although the single peaked only at No.
12 in the U.S., it remains a musically very important song.
CallingQUIN
This is a song called “Calling,” released by Quinn, a singer-songwriter from California.
The ethereal synthesizer sounds make you feel as if you’re in a dream.
The sounds never clash, and the multi-layered vocal harmonies showcase her high level of musicality.
ManeaterDaryl Hall & John Oates
Although they were a mixed band of white and Black members, their music leaned heavily into soul and funk.
Their melodies were exceptionally strong, which explains their frequent appearances on the pop charts.
On top of that, their Black music–influenced rhythms were solid, making them a band that wouldn’t feel out of place in the 1980s “urban contemporary” (so-called ‘Black contemporary’) category.