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 — The Past and Present of Funk Music (31–40)
MolassesKwaku Asante
This is a song called “Molasses,” released by Kwak Asante, a young singer-songwriter based in London.
His velvety vocals are intoxicating just to listen to.
Wrapped in a funky bass and a comfortable beat, they draw you into a luscious world.
Fantastic VoyageLakeside
Lakeside is counted as one of the bands representing Ohio funk.
Compared to other funk groups, they are distinguished by their prominent use of chorus vocals, and they had a tremendous influence on funk and Black music in the 1980s.
1999Prince
This strange track, which begins with a voice played back at a slow tape speed, heralded a razor-sharp ’80s funk sound using the then–state-of-the-art Prophet-5 and the LinnDrum drum machine.
The call-and-response vocals by the band—reminiscent of Sly—are superb as well.
Although the single peaked only at No.
12 in the U.
S.
, it remains a musically very important song.
Sir DukeStevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder continues to thrive as a vocalist in the funk world, which is filled with legendary heavyweights.
This song is featured in a Toyota car commercial, and the chorus overflows with joy and moving emotion.
The ensuing unison by the band, packed with an irresistible sense of groove, feels absolutely incredible.
Valdez in the CountryCold Blood
It’s old-school funk from the ’70s, but I felt it was incredibly warm, almost shining.
The grooving rhythm, the horn-led melody, and the breezy guitar and percussion vibe made me realize this style has been passed down for ages, and it really moved me.
It’s got both a rugged heft and a welcoming warmth—I’ve come to love this funk a lot.
Funky Feelings — The Past and Present of Funk Music (41–50)
Kung Fu fightingCarl Douglas
Known in Japan by the title “Hoero Dragon” (“Roar, Dragon”), this song became globally famous through the vocals of Carl, a singer from Jamaica.
Released in the 1970s, it’s a track in which the reggae singer also incorporated the funk-influenced style of that era.
Brick houseCommodores
This groove-driven tune was performed by a funk band that was active in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s.
The band members met at a university in Alabama and began their activities there.
Their other songs also enjoyed wide exposure, including being used in films.