James Brown Popular Song Rankings [2026]

I Got You (I FEEL GOOD)James Brown8rank/position

James Brown – I Got You (I Feel Good) (Live)

A track released in 1964 by the American singer James Brown.

The title “I Feel Good” became his famous catchphrase.

It was used in Ecover’s “Feel Good Cleaning” commercial, a Belgian detergent brand.

Ain’t It Funky NowJames Brown9rank/position

Ain’t It Funky Now

James Brown’s “Ain’t It Funky Now” is a funky, super cool track.

It’s the kind of song I somehow want to listen to while waiting to meet someone at night (haha).

When you hear it, you can’t help but want to let your body tap out the beat—one of those songs.

The brass sounds delightfully stylish and unbelievably cool.

James Brown’s voice is gritty and smooth, and it’s just so on point!! Doesn’t it make you want to shout that out?

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konii

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Funky DrummerJames Brown10rank/position

Funky Drummer (Pt. 1 & 2)

It’s no exaggeration to say the history of hip-hop began with this drum! This funk number by the legendary American artist James Brown is etched into music history.

Released in March 1970, it’s famous for the improvised drum break that emerged during a session after the instruction to “let the drummer play.” Even without lyrics, you can feel the heat of the moment and the steadily rising groove.

This beat was later sampled by countless artists—such as Public Enemy and N.W.A.—and helped lay the foundation of hip-hop.

Many of you may also recognize this rhythm from the theme of the animated series The Powerpuff Girls.

Perfect for anyone who wants to trace breakbeats back to their source! Surrender yourself to the beat that changed history.

Give It Up Or Turnit A LooseJames Brown11rank/position

Give It Up Or Turnit A Loose

James Brown, the legendary American singer-songwriter known by the nickname “Mr.

Dynamite,” was an artist who remained active from the 1950s through the 2000s.

His celebrated track “Give It Up or Turnit a Loose,” released in 1986, features the soulful vocals and groovy backing typical of 1980s funk, resulting in an unforgettable melody.

A staple in breakdancing—and even used at the Paris 2024 Olympics—this classic is a must-listen.

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Ryo

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I Got YouJames Brown12rank/position

James Brown – I Got You (I Feel Good) (Visualizer)

This is an introductory commercial for The Peel, a sour made from lemon peel.

The three familiar faces from this product’s ads appear, shown playing darts.

The sophisticated combination of suits, darts, and James Brown’s “I Got You” creates a very grown-up vibe that seems to symbolize the flavor of the product.

The background music, “I Got You,” is one of his signature songs, released in 1965.

Riding on a funky performance, the song proclaims feeling on top of the world, and just listening to it really lifts your spirits, doesn’t it?

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Hane Keisuke

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If You Don’t Give A Dogone About ItJames Brown13rank/position

If You Don’t Give A Dogone About It

James Brown is an artist who revolutionized funk and was ranked 7th on Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.

He was also one of the artists who had a strong influence on Michael Jackson.

How about creating a robot dance routine using a track by this master? I think this song would pair well with choreography that incorporates lots of steps.

You might not usually associate step-heavy moves with robot dance, but the beauty of dance is that anything goes—so give it a try!

Living in AmericaJames Brown14rank/position

James Brown – Living in America (Official Video)

JB, aka James Brown—nicknamed “Mr.

Dynamite.” He’s a legend who represents soul and funk.

In both fashion and looks, and with his sing-and-dance performances, he’s the ultimate entertainer.

His track “Living in America” is the kind of high-energy song that makes you want to shout “Ah!” and “Ugh!” just by listening.

It’s a dangerously catchy ringtone that’ll have you breaking into steps every time someone calls.

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Murakami Shinpei

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