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 Vibes — The Past and Present of Funk Music (91–100)
CommodoresBrick House
The Commodores are a soul and funk band that represents the United States.
They debuted in 1974.
Lionel Richie, who co-wrote “We Are the World” with Michael Jackson, was a member.
“Brick House” was released in 1977 and became a hit, reaching No.
5 on the U.
S.
pop chart.
Got to Get DownAnalog Son
This is a track called “Got to Get Down” by Analog Son, a funk band from Colorado in the United States.
From the moment you hear it, you can tell it’s a sound that pays respect to James Brown—irresistible for funk fans.
Analog Son covers everything from foundational funk sounds to jazz and fusion styles, so be sure to check them out!
Someday We’ll Get ByAzteca
Azteca, a band that helped shape Bay Area funk.
This made me realize that funk isn’t just groove built from looped phrases—it’s music where various instruments can sing pleasantly.
It’s the kind of music I’d love to listen to by the sea on a southern island, lounging under a beach umbrella.
You Are The First, My Last, My EverythingBarry White
It’s a vocal-driven track without sticky rhythms, yet it conveys the warm vibe of funk.
The artist is a singer-songwriter and producer who helped shape the prototypes of funk and disco music—an essential listen when exploring the roots of funk.
Take Me There (ft. Nicole Willis)Bosq
Bosq is a band I recommend to anyone who loves disco-funk! Just listening will get you grooving—the driving dance beats are irresistible.
The guitar’s choppy rhythm has a Nile Rodgers feel, and you can sense their love for disco-funk in the sound.
At the same time, there’s a modern vibe, so it’s a band I can recommend to all funk fans.
Warning feat KaiitCookin’ On 3 Burners
This is a track called “Warning feat.
Kaiit” by Cookin’ On 3 Burners, a funk trio from Melbourne, Australia.
When it comes to recent funk, many songs have funk beats but lean toward pop in their structure and sound.
In contrast, this track is old-school funk, and those who like that style will get completely hooked.
Upside down (inside out)Diana Ross
This song, sung by American singer Diana Ross, was released in 1980.
She is also famous for winning a Grammy Award in the rhythm and blues category for her beautiful vocals.
Because it was produced by members of Chic, a band known for funk, the song is also known as a funk track.