[Western Music] Tracing the Roots of Funk: Essential Albums Beginners Should Hear at Least Once
This may be sudden, but are you familiar with the music genre called “funk”? Even if you aren’t, you’ve probably heard the word “funky” in everyday life.
As a music genre, funk took shape in the 1960s and reached its peak from the 1970s onward, when many popular bands released hit funk tracks.
Funk music has had a major influence on later generations—modern hip-hop artists still love sampling songs from that era.
In this article, especially for beginners, we’ll introduce must-listen classic funk albums to get you started!
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- A roundup of classic Western jazz-funk albums—from staples to the latest releases
- [For Beginners] A Roundup of Classic Popular Soul/Funk Bands
- A classic R&B masterpiece. A must-listen recommended album.
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- A Guide to Western Rap: Introducing Legendary Classics
- Funky Vibes: The Past and Present of Funk Music
- 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.
- Classic Western albums: must-listen recommendations you should hear at least once
- Why Classic Disco Music Is Still Loved Today
[Western Music] Tracing the Roots of Funk: Essential Albums You Should Hear at Least Once [Beginners] (61–70)
Watching YouSlave
Speaking of heavyweight funk bands from Ohio, Slave, who were active from the 1970s to the early 1980s, comes to mind.
This track, released as a single in 1980, is also well known for being sampled in Hip Hop artist Snoop Dogg’s smash hit “Gin and Juice.”
Disco to GoBrides Of Funkenstein
This is the debut album released in 1978 by a female duo who made a strong impression with both their album cover and unit name, and who were active as backing vocalists for Funkadelic and Parliament.
As you’d expect, George Clinton, the founder of P-Funk, handled production, with the P-Funk crew—led by Bootsy Collins—providing rock-solid support.
While it’s fundamentally rooted in the P-Funk sound, the jazz-tinged arrangements that pop up throughout are a fascinating touch.
It’s not flashy, but it’s a must-hear for any P-Funk aficionado.
Le FreakChic
This track by Chic, who debuted in the United States as a funk band in 1977, became a classic that stirred up the late-’70s disco boom in Japan under the Japanese title “Oshare Freak.” Even now, it retains an unfading, funky vibe.
Juicy FruitMTUME
Mtume is a funk-soul group formed around James Mtume, who had performed with Miles Davis.
Featuring keyboards by Parliament-Funkadelic’s Bernie Worrell, this track became hugely popular on R&B radio stations and in nightclubs.
It has also become a staple in hip-hop sampling.
Higher GroundStevie Wonder
A funk song from the 1973 album Innervisions.
It reached No.
1 on the US Hot R&B Singles chart.
The album version of the song is 30 seconds longer than the single version and includes additional lyrics.
It’s also known for being covered by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Tears At The End Of A Love AffairTammi Terrell
She was a female singer on the Motown label who passed away at the young age of 24.
Her death came just as she was gaining attention as Marvin Gaye’s duet partner and beginning to establish herself as a rising star.
Although she released only one solo album, I’d like to introduce a two-disc compilation that lets you fully appreciate her outstanding work.
In addition to her well-known Motown-era songs, it includes rare early recordings from her debut and live tracks—a high-quality collection packed with her charm.
Soul FingerThe Bar-Kays
It’s striking that this debut single by The Bar-Kays opens with the intro to the well-known American nursery rhyme “Mary Had a Little Lamb.” The crisp, staccato trumpet line really sticks in your ears, making it a song you won’t forget after a single listen.