[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 classic R&B masterpiece. A must-listen recommended album.
- Legends of soul music: its history and allure revisited through classic songs
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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
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[Western Music] Tracing the Roots of Funk: A Collection of Must-Listen Classic Albums for Beginners (21–30)
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.
More Bounce To The OunceZapp & Roger
It’s the opening track from the debut album by the American funk band Zapp.
It was produced by the band’s central member, Roger Troutman.
The song is also featured in the video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City.
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!
Lady MarmaladePatti LaBelle
This song was a massive hit in 1974.
In 2001, Christina Aguilera and others covered it as the theme song for the film Moulin Rouge, and it became a big hit once again! Even after nearly 30 years, it’s impossible not to think that a true classic remains a classic—this is one of those songs that continues to captivate many people.
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.
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.