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.
- [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
- 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 Vibes: The Past and Present of Funk Music (’81–’90)
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.
SorryBeyoncé
A track released in 2016 by Beyoncé.
It was inspired by her husband, rapper Jay-Z’s infidelity.
The track became a hit worldwide and was certified platinum in the United States.
The music video features Serena Williams.
What Is Hip?Tower Of Power
This song is Tower of Power’s signature track and a piece that should be called a landmark of funk music.
Released in May 1973, it features a distinctive sound that brilliantly fuses funk, R&B, and soul, and it played a major role in propelling the band onto the international stage.
With a catchy melody and an infectious groove, the lyrics strikingly question the essence of being “hip” and the changing tides of trends.
Drummer David Garibaldi’s polyrhythmic beats and his exquisite interplay with bassist Rocco Prestia form the core of the track.
In recent years, it was featured in the popular Netflix series The Umbrella Academy, bringing in a new generation of fans.
The Great DivideMayer Hawthorne
This is a song called “The Great Divide” by Mayer Hawthorne, a singer-songwriter who won a Grammy in 2013.
Its relaxed tempo and soulful vocals are incredibly sensual.
It’s a richly atmospheric track that combines both languidness and romance.
Funky Vibes — The Past and Present of Funk Music (91–100)
FunkentownSlave
Slave is also a funk band from Ohio.
They are known for performing a Parliament-like style of funk with a large lineup, highlighted by Mark Adams’s slapping bass and a tight rhythm section.
“Funkentown” is one of their signature tracks.