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 Mood: The Past and Present of Funk Music (21–30)
The Adventures of Rain Dance MaggieRed Hot Chili Peppers
A funk rock track released in 2011 by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
It became a hit around the world, reaching No.
1 on the charts in the United States, Poland, and Canada.
The music video, which features the band performing on a rooftop overlooking Venice Beach, was directed by Kreayshawn.
Paint ItLucky Daye
“Paint It” by American singer-songwriter Lucky Daye rides an ultra-groovy track showcasing his soaring high-tone vocals.
The sparse, stripped-down arrangement and mix are incredibly cool.
It’s a track where the dramatic song progression and the interplay between bass and drums are absolutely irresistible.
Gidget (feat. Anderson .Paak & T.Nava)Free Nationals
Playing mellow, romantic funk at a mid-tempo groove is the U.
S.
-born band Free Nationals.
Known as Anderson .
Paak’s live band, they released their debut album, Free Nationals, in 2019, which includes the track Gidget.
It’s a modern tune that blows away the heavy, thick image of ’80s funk!
Funk #49James Gang
It’s funk in a full-on rock style, but the sticky guitar coming in on the intro and the excellence of the rhythm section are must-hear.
It’s a song from the ’70s, yet a timeless classic that’s been covered by many artists.
As funk rock goes, it’s a very early track.
Shining StarEarth, Wind & Fire
Speaking of Earth, Wind & Fire, they’re a funk band with high name recognition even here in Japan! This track also makes a strong impression right from the start with a very funky beat.
Twin vocals with superb choral work, sprightly horns, a guitar solo, and a technical bass line… it’s a masterpiece packed with highlights you can’t fully savor in just one listen.
Stretchin’OutBootsy Collins
This is Bootsy Collins, who crafted funk into a comical visual style and exudes a flashy yet warm groove.
With his star-shaped bass that flaunts his flamboyance, along with a sticky tone drenched in wah and octave effects, he creates irresistibly feel-good funk.
He looks like he’s having a great time.
ManeaterDaryl Hall & John Oates
Although they were a mixed band of white and Black members, their music leaned heavily into soul and funk.
Their melodies were exceptionally strong, which explains their frequent appearances on the pop charts.
On top of that, their Black music–influenced rhythms were solid, making them a band that wouldn’t feel out of place in the 1980s “urban contemporary” (so-called ‘Black contemporary’) category.