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)
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.
Funky Vibes: The Past and Present of Funk Music (’81–’90)
Pick Up The PiecesAverage White Band
A funky track released in 1974 by Average White Band.
It reached No.
5 on the U.
S.
charts.
Frequently used at sporting events, it has been sampled in many tracks, including Nasty’s 1990 track of the same name.
FantasyEarth, Wind & Fire
Earth, Wind & Fire are not only icons of funk, but practically synonymous with danceable Western music.
Even if you don’t know much about funk, it’s fair to say that if you’re Japanese, you’ve probably heard this song at least once.
You can feel a wonderfully satisfying groove in the placement of accents by the horn section in the intro.
Back during the bubble era, people danced to it at discos, and I’ve heard the record sleeve even included choreography.
Long Hot Summer NightJames “JT” Taylor
It was James “JT” Taylor who joined Kool & the Gang when they began to slump in the late ’70s.
With him, the band started racking up hits again, and even after going solo, Taylor continued to score hits.
This LoveMaroon 5
It’s not a funk band, but this song is definitely funk! It was used in a commercial, so some of you might know it.
The twisted chords on the cutting guitar and the chorus are crafted into a really good funk vibe.
It’s mid-tempo, but it’s a super groovy track.