Funky Vibes: The Past and Present of Funk Music
Even if you don’t actually listen to funk as a music genre, many people unconsciously use the adjective “funky,” don’t they?
As a word that’s already woven into everyday life, what kind of image do you all have of “funk”?
Funk, whose prototype is said to have emerged in the 1960s, has continued to be loved into the 2020s, evolving in form and powering countless hit songs.
This time, we’ll bring you a wide array of classics—from foundational funk essentials to disco, mellow groove, and contemporary funk.
You just might encounter the destined masterpiece that awakens the funkiness sleeping inside you!
- Recommended Western funk bands. Popular overseas bands.
- Recommended Japanese funk bands. Funky Japanese artists.
- [Western Music] Tracing the Roots of Funk: Essential Albums Beginners Should Hear at Least Once
- Why Classic Disco Music Is Still Loved Today
- Legends of soul music: its history and allure revisited through classic songs
- 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.
- [Definitive Edition] Masterpieces of 70s Disco Music
- Dance music in Japanese (J-pop) that people in their 50s used to listen to. Nostalgic classic hits.
- [Japanese R&B] Notable Classics & New Tracks, Representative Songs of Japanese R&B
- Relive those feelings from back in the day! Youth anthems recommended for the Yutori generation
- A roundup of classic Western jazz-funk albums—from staples to the latest releases
- [For Beginners] A Roundup of Classic Popular Soul/Funk Bands
Funky Feelings: The Past and Present of Funk Music (’71–’80)
Cissy StrutThe Meters
When it comes to New Orleans funk, it’s The Meters.
With a rock-solid rhythm section and a crisp, chanky guitar, they build a deep groove through looping phrases.
You could add vocals, of course, but by deliberately focusing on just this backing track, you can savor that laid-back, behind-the-beat funk feel.
FireThe Ohio Players
Debuting in 1968 and remaining at the forefront through the 2000s, the Ohio Players evolved musically over the years.
This song, however, is a classic they left behind at the peak of their career as a funk band.
Unlike other funk groups, they placed a strong emphasis on improvisation, and you can sense that from this video.
Handa WandaThe Wild Magnolias
The Wild Magnolias are also a New Orleans funk band.
Their primitive, powerful sound—fusing the rhythmic call-and-response music of the Native peoples of the American South with funk—has a unique, intense character.
Smiling face sometimesUndisputed truth
Released in the 1970s, this song was originally written for The Temptations.
However, it ended up being released by this band on their debut album.
The quietly sung, groove-tinged lyrics are memorable, set against the sound of blaring trumpets.
so ruff, so tuffzapp and roger
These are the songs said to have influenced “Uptown Funk.” They feature big handclap sounds, a thick, undulating synth bass, and vocals processed with effects.
A sticky, elastic groove is a hallmark of Zapp, and here it blends perfectly with synthesizers and their signature sound, resulting in a standout hit in the electro-funk genre.
F.U.N.K.Betty Davis
Betty Davis, who was also the wife of Miles Davis—the trumpeter who epitomizes modern jazz—was a funk singer as well.
It is said that her presence was one of the reasons Miles Davis moved toward rock and funk.
Mr. Big stuffJean Knight
Jean, a native of New Orleans, America, rose to fame with this hit song in the 1970s.
Her singing voice is quiet yet powerful.
She is an R&B and soul singer, and is also known as a funk singer.