[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!
- Recommended Western funk bands. Popular overseas bands.
- A masterpiece of soul music. Recommended albums you should listen to at least once.
- 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.
- Legends of soul music: its history and allure revisited through classic songs
- Philly soul classics | A wave of sweet soul music arrives
- 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 [For Beginners] (11–20)
Funky StuffKool and The Gang
“Funky Stuff,” a signature song by the American band Kool & the Gang.
It’s a track that later became a go-to source for samples in hip-hop and is well-known as the backbone for many beats.
The album that features this song as its opening track is Wild and Peaceful, released in 1973, which is said to have sparked the group’s breakthrough.
Seamlessly fusing funk, jazz, and R&B, their style moves effortlessly from hard-hitting, gritty funk tunes to mellow numbers—a true monument of funk! Be sure to check it out.
Chicken StrutThe Meters
The Meters, who were active in New Orleans, are a legendary band known as pioneers of funk.
Their third album, Struttin’, marked a bold shift from their previously instrumental-heavy approach by including vocal tracks for the first time.
From the R&B chart-stirring Chicken Strut onward, the uniquely New Orleans, tenacious groove runs throughout the album.
The raw performances—so vivid you can almost hear the band members breathing—and the jam session-like spontaneity make it an incredibly compelling listen.
This gritty yet comfortable sound went on to have a major influence on later hip-hop.
That LadyIsley Brothers
Released in 1973, 3 + 3 is a landmark album from the Isley Brothers, a group with a remarkably long history dating back to the 1950s.
Originally a trio of vocal brothers, the group officially added three younger instrumentalists with this album, boldly fusing soulful vocals with elements of funk and rock.
As a result, there’s no pretension whatsoever—just a sound that’s powerful and passionate through and through.
In particular, That Lady, driven by Ernie Isley’s explosive guitar, delivers a shock that pierces straight to the depths of your heart.
Their cover of the classic Summer Breeze is also essential listening; they elevate the gentle original into an entirely new track with their signature groove.
Be sure to experience the fiery spirit of a band reborn.
Super FreakRick James
Rick James is a bassist, composer, and producer who represents the world of funk music—and he’s also known as an eccentric who led a wild, unruly life.
His fifth solo album, Street Songs, released in 1981 and certified platinum, is a work that lets you fully savor the talent that truly merits the label “genius.” Starting with massive hits like Super Freak and Give It To Me Baby—both hugely popular sampling sources—the album is packed with tracks driven by Rick’s ultra-cool, badass bass lines.
His vocals are rich with character as well, making this a masterpiece that leaves you in awe of his multifaceted talent—a classic etched into funk history.
I’m Every WomanChaka Khan
Often hailed as the Queen of R&B, Chaka Khan has reigned over the scene since the 1970s.
Her overwhelming vocal prowess and tireless activity have continued well past 2020, profoundly influencing generations of artists.
Here, we introduce her 1978 solo debut album, Chaka.
From the famed dance classic “I’m Every Woman” to tender ballads and disco tunes, her innate talent shines across every style, leaving you breathless.
Produced under the flawless sonic direction of Arif Mardin and featuring an all-star lineup of top-tier musicians, it’s a truly luxurious record.
Who Can I Run ToThe Jones Girls
A highly skilled sister trio girl group well known among Philly soul fans.
Their self-titled debut, released in 1979, is packed with refined, high-quality songs, including the mellow classic “Who Can I Run To,” which topped the U.
S.
R&B chart.
The funky disco number “You Gonna Make Me Love Somebody Else,” quoted by Jay-Z, is also famous as a sampling staple.
The trio’s beautiful voices and the tight harmonies only sisters can achieve are simply outstanding—an essential masterpiece that everyone, not just soul fans, should hear at least once.
[Western Music] Tracing the Roots of Funk: A Collection of Must-Listen Classic Albums for Beginners (21–30)
Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)Sly & The Family Stone
Released in 1969 as a double A-side single along with “Everybody Is a Star,” the song reached No.
1 on the Billboard chart in 1970.
Janet Jackson’s 1989 hit “Rhythm Nation” samples the groove from this song’s breakdown section.