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)
Squib CakesTower Of Power
Tower of Power is the group that represents Oakland funk.
Over the razor-sharp, tight rhythms created by the drums, guitar, and organ, a solid brass section layers on top.
The disco influence is minimal, and it’s characterized by a strong brass-rock flavor.
Funky Mood — The Past and Present of Funk Music (121–130)
So Nice You Name Him TwiceWilliam Bootsy Collins
One reason James Brown’s band leaned more heavily into funk was a complete overhaul of the backing group.
Among the new members was bassist Bootsy Collins, whose slap-bass technique became synonymous with the funk sound.
More Bounce to the OunceZapp
“More Bounce to the Ounce” is a funk classic whose looped cutting guitar feels great on the ears.
Zapp is an American funk band formed in 1978 by the Troutman brothers, centered around Roger Troutman.
Their hallmark is vocals processed through a talk box, yielding a sound that, while created with analog methods, has a programmed, digital-like quality.
More Bounce To The OunceZapp
A track released in 1980 by Zapp, an American funk band active since 1977.
It reached No.
2 on the U.
S.
charts and has been sampled in many tracks, including Ice Cube’s 1990 track “The Bomb.”
Once In A LifetimeTalking Heads
A track released in 1981 by Talking Heads.
It was a hit around the world, reaching No.
14 on the UK chart.
The dance performed by David Byrne in the music video was choreographed by Toni Basil.
It was sampled in a 1999 track of the same name by Phoebe One.
Low riderWar
Formed by the former vocalist of The Animals, this band was active in the 1970s.
It was written on the album “Why Can’t We Be Friends.” They achieved remarkable success, including topping the Billboard charts.
Be thankful for what you gotWilliam DeVaughn
William, a singer and singer-songwriter from Washington, D.
C.
, became internationally known with this song released in 1974.
The song was a rewritten and released version of another track that William had originally written.