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 (31–40)
Fantastic VoyageLakeside
Lakeside is counted as one of the bands representing Ohio funk.
Compared to other funk groups, they are distinguished by their prominent use of chorus vocals, and they had a tremendous influence on funk and Black music in the 1980s.
FreedomJimi Hendrix
Known as the god of rock guitar, Jimi Hendrix was heavily influenced by the funk performed by Sly & The Family Stone, and in his later years he wrote many songs featuring choppy, funk-driven rhythm guitar (cutting-style playing).
Brick houseCommodores
This groove-driven tune was performed by a funk band that was active in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s.
The band members met at a university in Alabama and began their activities there.
Their other songs also enjoyed wide exposure, including being used in films.
King KuntaKendrick Lamar
A track released in 2015 by Kendrick Lamar.
It was inspired by Michael Jackson’s 1987 track “Smooth Criminal.” The music video, directed by Director X, was filmed in Compton, California, Kendrick’s hometown.
Jungle BoogieKool and The Gang
A track released in 1973 by Kool & the Gang.
It has been used in many forms of media, including Quentin Tarantino’s 1994 film Pulp Fiction, and has been sampled in numerous tracks, such as Ice Cube’s 1990 track The Product.
Funky Feelings — The Past and Present of Funk Music (41–50)
Sir DukeStevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder continues to thrive as a vocalist in the funk world, which is filled with legendary heavyweights.
This song is featured in a Toyota car commercial, and the chorus overflows with joy and moving emotion.
The ensuing unison by the band, packed with an irresistible sense of groove, feels absolutely incredible.
Kung Fu fightingCarl Douglas
Known in Japan by the title “Hoero Dragon” (“Roar, Dragon”), this song became globally famous through the vocals of Carl, a singer from Jamaica.
Released in the 1970s, it’s a track in which the reggae singer also incorporated the funk-influenced style of that era.