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 (41–50)
Why can’t we live togetherTimmy Thomas
It’s funk distinguished by conveying its message over a heavy, somber groove.
The track is stripped-down—just the earliest drum machine paired with a Hammond organ—yet its gritty core is undeniable.
The sharply edged organ intensifies the dark, weighty mood.
It’s a song that vividly portrays Black society in the early 1970s.
Funky Mood: The Past and Present of Funk Music (51–60)
Lucky StrikeBerhana
This is a song called “Lucky Strike” by Belhanna, a singer-songwriter from Atlanta, USA.
The retro drum beats and synthesizer tones are essential elements of the currently booming city pop sound.
His soulful vocals also match the refined sound of this track perfectly!
Black catJanet Jackson
This is a single from the 1989 album Rhythm Nation.
It features distinctive drum sounds and is an intense funk rock track with powerful low-end.
By the way, please note that the ending is different between the album’s original version and the one included on the best-of compilation.
I Can’t stand the rainAnn Peebles
Ann Peebles, who made her mark as a soul singer from Missouri, honed her vocal skills from a young age by singing gospel.
This song, which became a hit in the 1970s, is also well-known for being covered later by other artists, including Tina Turner.
Rock SteadyAretha Franklin
A funk-soul track released in 1971 by Aretha Franklin, also known as the Queen of Soul.
Donny Hathaway plays the organ.
It reached No.
2 on the U.S.
charts and was sampled in EPMD’s 1988 track “I’m Housin’.”
I know you got soulBobby Byrd
Covering the genres of soul, R&B, and funk, he was active as a singer-songwriter and also held a wide range of roles as a producer.
In this era, he played an important role alongside James Brown in energizing the funk scene.
Another You (Feat. Ruckazoid)Breakbot
Breakbot is a French music producer highly recommended for anyone who loves disco-funk! He’s a forward-thinking musician who championed the disco revival earlier than anyone else.
His glittering, glamorous sound makes it easy to enjoy even if you usually listen to pop.
You can feel not only disco vibes but also a touch of house.
