[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: A Collection of Must-Listen Classic Albums for Beginners (21–30)
Lady Cab DriverPrince
When it comes to pioneers of the Minneapolis sound, Prince is the first name that comes to mind.
Among his work, this song could be considered one of his signature pieces.
It’s also a track recommended by Toshinobu Kubota, one of Japan’s leading funk singers.
Needless to say, Prince, who released countless remarkable songs, has had a tremendous impact on today’s music scene.
Soul Power ’74Maceo and the Macks
As a saxophonist and a central figure in P-Funk, Maceo Parker’s track was sampled by Jennifer Lopez for “Get Right,” which later became a huge hit.
The irresistibly clap-worthy rhythm is the same in the original as well.
FantasyEarth, Wind & Fire
This song, which we often hear as a theme or insert song in numerous movies and TV dramas, is, I believe, one of Earth, Wind & Fire’s signature tracks, known in Japan as “Uchū no Fantasy” (Fantasy).
In fact, it was reportedly more popular in Japan and Europe than in the United States.
SeptemberEarth, Wind & Fire
Earth, Wind & Fire have etched their name into the history of funk music.
They produced many songs everyone has heard at least once and achieved major commercial success.
They’re hugely popular here in Japan as well.
Here, I’d like to introduce The Eternal Dance, a compilation released in 1992 that quickly covers their history.
It features many fan favorites from 1971 to 1989, including the massive hit September, which wasn’t included on their original studio albums.
It’s a great pick for newcomers too!
Papa’s got a brand new bagJames Brown
A track produced and performed by James Brown himself.
It became his first Grammy Award-winning song.
When it was selected for single release from the album of the same name, it was rearranged into a more sped-up version by raising both the tempo and pitch by half.
Between The SheetsIsley Brothers
The Isley Brothers have been active for more than half a century.
Their timeless classics are still being covered and sampled by many artists today, so chances are you’ve heard their songs at least once.
Among them, I believe the masterpiece of masterpieces is Between the Sheets.
Get Down On ItKool and The Gang
Formed in New Jersey in 1964, they are a flagship band of the soul-funk scene with a long-running career.
After their 1973 single “Funky Stuff” became a smash hit, they followed up with a string of successes like “Jungle Boogie” and “Hollywood Swinging.” Even into the 1980s, they continued to release many hit singles, including “Celebration” and “Get Down On It.” Their 1983 compilation album, Never Cool With Kool & The Gang, features many of their peak-era hits, making it a quick and easy way to enjoy the charm of a group renowned for crafting funky, pop-savvy tracks.