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 Mood — The Past and Present of Funk Music (121–130)
Blended Family (What You Do For Love)Alicia Keys ft. A$AP Rocky
A track that sings about love, growth, and healing.
A collaboration between Alicia Keys and A$AP Rocky, it was released as a digital download in 2016.
It was inspired by Edie Brickell & New Bohemians’ 1988 track “What I Am.”
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.
Word Up!Cameo
Cameo is an American funk band formed in 1974.
They originally performed under the name New York City Players, but changed their name to Cameo in 1976.
Word Up! was released in 1986 and became a major hit, reaching No.
1 on the R&B chart and No.
6 on the pop chart.
With its crisp electronic drum rhythms and synthesizer sounds, it’s a bright, feel-good funk track packed with quintessential ’80s elements.
LazarusDavid Bowie
A track released in 2015 by David Bowie and used in the off-Broadway musical of the same name.
It became a hit around the world, reaching No.
1 on the charts in Poland.
It was sampled in Bones’s 2016 track “MagentaLavaLamp.”
Funky Feelings — The Past and Present of Funk Music (131–140)
GetawayEarth, Wind & Fire
It’s a group that’s familiar in Japan as well.
I’ve heard they were actually more popular in Japan during the disco boom of the ’70s! This song was released in 1975, right in the prime of the group’s sound.
The horn performance in the intro is simply superb.
Since it’s often used in commercials in Japan, many people might recognize it.
Atomic DogGeorge Clinton
A classic funk track that sings about why men are always chasing women.
It was released by George Clinton in 1982 and has been sampled in many tracks, including Ice Cube’s 1991 track “No Vaseline.”
I Want You BackThe Jackson 5
This is the group that the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, belonged to.
It’s such a famous song that even people in Japan can recognize it just from the piano intro.
With a very pop arrangement, young Michael’s clear, soaring vocals are a must-hear.