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 (51–60)
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.
HairGraham Central Station
Larry Graham, who delivered powerful slap bass and deep vocals with Sly & The Family Stone, formed his own band, Graham Central Station.
The slap-bass intro of “Hair” has become a canonical example of funk bass.
Funky Vibes: The Past and Present of Funk Music (61–70)
It’s Just BegunJimmy Castor Bunch
This is the song that became famous after the Japanese hip-hop group RHYMESTER sampled it in their signature track “B-BOY Izm.” The Jimmy Castor Bunch was active from the 1960s to the 1970s and released many songs that made it onto the Billboard charts.
Evan Finds The Third RoomKhruangbin
“Khruangbin” means “airplane” in Thai, so you might expect an exotic Southeast Asian band, but they’re actually from the United States.
They’ve been gaining recognition among music enthusiasts and have even performed live in Japan.
Rather than bright, upbeat funk, the band specializes in mellow, laid-back grooves—perfect for nighttime listening.
Feel RightMark Ronson feat. Mystikal
A collaboration between British producer Mark Ronson and American rapper Mystikal.
Released in 2015, it became a hit in the United States, Mexico, and various European countries.
It was first performed on the television show Saturday Night Live in November 2014.