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.
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- 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
- A roundup of classic Western jazz-funk albums—from staples to the latest releases
- [For Beginners] A Roundup of Classic Popular Soul/Funk Bands
- [Definitive Edition] Masterpieces and Hit Songs of 80s Disco
- R&B Masterpieces in Western Music: From the Latest Hits to Timeless Classics [2025]
- Back to those nostalgic days… Classic and hit Western songs of the 1960s
- Classic fusion music masterpieces. Recommended staple tracks.
Funky Feelings: The Past and Present of Funk Music (’71–’80)
Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)Sly & The Family Stone
A track released in 1969 by Sly & The Family Stone.
It features an inventive bassline and was selected by Rolling Stone for its “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.” It was sampled in The Jury’s 1988 track “Thank You.”
ARKADE FUNKTROUBLE FUNK
This band often gets dismissed as being all about “energy,” but I’d like to introduce a slightly quirky track.
The ’80s were the golden age of arcades, so this is a funk tune that uses game sounds.
As you can see in the music video, it’s a funk track that samples Pac-Man sounds, and this kind of playful funk is really fun too.
Ain’t We Funkin NowThe Brothers Johnson
The Brothers Johnson, produced by the legendary Quincy Jones.
In particular, bassist Louis Johnson’s superhuman bass playing drew major attention.
Sadly, Louis passed away last year, but you can hear his playing on Michael Jackson’s Off the Wall.
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.