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 (51–60)
Respect YourselfThe Staple Singers
A powerful message song urging self-respect and respect for others arrived from America’s The Staple Singers.
Released by Stax Records in October 1971, the track had a profound impact on African American communities in the aftermath of the civil rights movement.
Recorded with the Muscle Shoals rhythm section, its soulful vocals—infused with gospel essence over a funky groove—stir the heart.
It reached No.
12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No.
2 on the Hot Soul Singles chart, and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2002.
As an anthem that raises social issues while offering hope, it continues to shine undimmed today.
It’s a song to turn to when you need the courage to face forward or want to cherish your true self.
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.
Funky Vibes: The Past and Present of Funk Music (61–70)
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.
le freakChic
Even if you don’t know the artist’s name, you’ve probably heard the classic with the shout “freak out,” Le Freak, in movies and elsewhere.
Its impactful intro is particularly distinctive, and there’s no doubt that its disco-driven, high-energy groove makes it one of the bands that brought a breath of funk into pop music.
Super StupidFunkadelic
It’s another song by a P-Funk-affiliated group.
While rooted in funk, most of their tracks put rock front and center, and this one in particular has a vibe from the intro that calls Jimi Hendrix to mind.
It’s been described as a group with “multiple Jimis,” and the result is a gritty, deep-dyed funk rock sound.