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 Feelings — The Past and Present of Funk Music (31–40)
King KuntaKendrick Lamar
A track released in 2015 by Kendrick Lamar.
It was inspired by Michael Jackson’s 1987 track “Smooth Criminal.” The music video, directed by Director X, was filmed in Compton, California, Kendrick’s hometown.
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.
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.
CallingQUIN
This is a song called “Calling,” released by Quinn, a singer-songwriter from California.
The ethereal synthesizer sounds make you feel as if you’re in a dream.
The sounds never clash, and the multi-layered vocal harmonies showcase her high level of musicality.
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.
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.
Jungle BoogieKool and The Gang
A track released in 1973 by Kool & the Gang.
It has been used in many forms of media, including Quentin Tarantino’s 1994 film Pulp Fiction, and has been sampled in numerous tracks, such as Ice Cube’s 1990 track The Product.