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 Feelings — Funk Music Then and Now (111–120)
Come Get It BaePharrell Williams
A track released as a digital download by Pharrell Williams in 2014.
It’s a funk track that skillfully balances old and new sounds.
It became a hit around the world, reaching No.
3 on the charts in Belgium.
The track was used in a Red Bull commercial.
La Negra (Bosq Remix)Son Palenque
This is a remix by the disco-funk band Bosq of “La Negra,” a track by Son Palenque—a Latin American band that plays African-influenced music.
While retaining the original vocal lines, it’s been restructured with a disco-funk beat, making it very easy to listen to.
Do MeTeddy Pendergrass
This song is well-known in Japan as the tune used for Ken Shimura and Cha Kato’s “Hige Dance.” Teddy, who was a top star representing Philadelphia soul in the 1970s, became quadriplegic in a traffic accident in 1982 and afterward performed concerts using a wheelchair.
Incidentally, this song was released as a single only in Japan.
Brick HouseThe Communards
The Commodores are also famous for having Lionel Richie, who later became a solo singer and achieved worldwide popularity.
They originally served as the Jackson 5’s opening act and backing band, and as such, their musicianship has been highly praised.
In particular, their heavy funk sound, as heard in this song, was truly one of a kind.
Between The SheetsThe Isley Brothers
The group that brought the then-unknown Jimi Hendrix into their lineup and featured a rock-oriented guitar sound was The Isley Brothers.
That style was later carried on during the era of guitarist Ernie Isley, who became one of the group’s defining hallmarks.
Who’s That ladyThe Isley Brothers
They’re a group that’s been active for a very long time, with countless hit songs.
The fact that they even have an anecdote involving Jimi Hendrix really shows how enduring they are.
This track was made just before disco took off; from the intro with its cutting guitar to the long, long electric guitar solo at the end, it evokes the transitional period of 1970s Black music.
State Of ShockThe Jacksons
This is the group Michael Jackson formed after his time with the Jackson 5.
It’s a song that became a major hit through his collaboration with rock star Mick Jagger.
The back-and-forth between these two superstars is a must-hear.
You rarely get this level of funk rock even in Michael’s solo work.