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)
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.
Funky Vibes: The Past and Present of Funk Music (’81–’90)
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.
Gonna Be Just Me (feat. Adryon de León)The New Mastersounds
The New Mastersounds are a jazz-funk band from London, UK, formed around guitarist Eddie Roberts.
They’ve performed at Fuji Rock and have become well-known among funk fans in Japan.
Strongly influenced by ’60s funk and soul, their sound has a vintage vibe.
It’s pretty special to be able to hear this kind of sound in contemporary music, isn’t it?
Me and Your MamaChildish Gambino
A track released as a digital download in 2016 by American rapper and singer Childish Gambino.
It features a 1970s funk sound.
It became a hit in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, and reached No.
4 on the charts in New Zealand.
POUND FOR POUNDFEDERATION OF THE DISCO PIMP
FEDERATION OF THE DISCO PIMP is a band that creates contemporary Scottish funk.
With powerful horn-section melodies and skillful song development, they’re a great recommendation even for those who aren’t hardcore funk fans but want something easy to enjoy as background music.
I love their brisk tempos and refreshing grooves.