[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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[Western Music] Tracing the Roots of Funk: Must-Listen Classic Albums for Beginners (71–80)
Brick HouseFrankie Smith
Frankie Smith, a singer-songwriter and producer from Philadelphia who is also known for providing songs to funk bands like the O’Jays and the Spinners.
Although he released only one original solo album, his disco tune “Double Dutch Bus,” featuring a breezy rap and released in 1981, became a hit and remains a hugely popular source for sampling.
The compilation album “Double Dutch Bus,” which collects his solo recordings, is recommended, as it includes tracks not featured on the aforementioned album.
Not only for funk lovers, but also for those interested in old-school hip-hop—don’t miss it!
It’s Your ThingThe Isley Brothers
A classic by The Isley Brothers, also selected for Rolling Stone’s “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.” They are a funk band formed by real-life brothers.
Since its 1969 release, it has been covered by more than 60 artists.
In conclusion
We’ve introduced many classic funk albums up to this point.
Did you find any songs you like, a favorite artist, or the album you were looking for? Funk’s popularity is still going strong, and its sound is being passed on to the next generation.
For those who listened to it at discos in their youth, it may bring back fond memories.
Be sure to give it a listen again from time to time!