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)
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.
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.
Do It RogerRoger Troutman
The central member of Zapp was Roger Troutman.
He later debuted as a solo artist and became one of the figures leading disco-influenced funk from the 1980s onward.
He had many hits, and this is a classic track that showcases both its funk and disco flavors.
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.
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.