Eighties Funk Music: The Songs You Need to Know

Eighties Funk Music: The Songs You Need to Know – Need to get your groove on? Check out this list of the best eighties funk songs. You’re sure to find something that will get you moving!

Introduction

Eighties funk music brought a new level of energy and style to the dancefloor with its mix of synths, drum machines and bass grooves. From early players like Prince and Rick James to ’80s superstars like Madonna and Michael Jackson, funk drove the sound of pop music in the Reagan era.

In this article, we’ll introduce you to the essential tracks of eighties funk music, from classic hits to lesser-known gems. So put on your dancing shoes and get ready to groove!

“Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine” – James Brown

“Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine” is a song recorded by James Brown with Bobby Byrd on backing vocals. It was released in 1970 as a two-part single on King Records. The song was written by James Brown and Bobby Byrd. The song’s famous bassline was played byBootsy Collins. “Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine” peaked at number one on the R&B singles chart and number two on the Billboard Hot 100.

The song has been ranked as one of the greatest songs of all time by Rolling Stone and is considered one of Brown’s signature songs. It has been covered by many artists, including Lynyrd Skynyrd, George Clinton, Parliament-Funkadelic, Maceo Parker, Fred Wesley, Bootsy’s Rubber Band, Red Hot Chili Peppers, P-Funk All-Stars, Living Colour, Beck, Faith No More, Rage Against the Machine, Joss Stone, John Legend and The Roots.

“Ain’t Nobody” – Chaka Khan

There are many 80s funk songs that are essential listening, but if we had to choose just one, it would be Chaka Khan’s “Ain’t Nobody.” Released in 1983, the track was actually recorded in 1981 and originally intended for Rufus’ album, Party ‘Til You’re Broken. Thankfully, Khan laid down her own vocals for the final version and took the song to #1 on the R&B charts. The song has become one of Khan’s signature hits and has been covered by a host of artists over the years.

“Billie Jean” – Michael Jackson

“Billie Jean” is a song by American singer Michael Jackson, released by Epic Records on January 2, 1983 as the second single from his sixth studio album, Thriller (1982). It was written and composed by Jackson and produced by Jackson and Quincy Jones. With a lyrical theme of mistaken identity, “Billie Jean” is one of Jackson’s best-known songs and received critical acclaim, with many critics finding musical and lyrical aspects of the song innovative and groundbreaking.

The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for seven weeks and became one of the best-selling singles of all time. It was the second best-selling single in the United States in 1983, with sales of 2.6 million copies. Internationally, “Billie Jean” helped Thriller become the best-selling album of all time. The song won three Grammy Awards in 1984, including Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. It was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2001.

“Billie Jean” is considered one of Jackson’s signature songs and has been covered by numerous artists. Rolling Stone ranked it #58 on its list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time in 2004; it was inducted into the Dance Club Songs Hall of Fame; and VH1 placed it at #7 on its list of 100 Greatest Songs Of The ’80s in 2006. In 2010, Billboard magazine named “Billie Jean” as the eighth biggest Hot 100 song of all time; it also placed at #58 on their “Greatest Hot 100 Singles Overall” list in 2013.

“Super Freak” – Rick James

“Super Freak” is a 1981 single produced and performed by Rick James. The song was written by James and Alonzo Miller. It was first released on the album Street Songs, and as a single the following year. The single went to number one on the R&B singles chart for three weeks, and crossed over to number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. In 2002, it was ranked number 56 in VH1’s 100 Greatest Songs of Hip Hop. In 2003, the song was ranked number 459 on Rolling Stone’s list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

“Sexual Healing” – Marvin Gaye

Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing” is a classic 80s funk song. The song was released in 1982 as part of the album Midnight Love. The song quickly rose to the top of the charts and became one of Gaye’s most well-known songs. “Sexual Healing” is a slow, sensual song that is perfect for a romantic night in.

“I Wanna Be Your Lover” – Prince

Before there was “I Would Die 4 U,” “When Doves Cry,” or even “Little Red Corvette,” there was “I Wanna Be Your Lover.” The self-contained Prince band’s first attempt at a radio smash, this bouncy, Benztown-worthy jam introduced the world to His Royal Badness’ curious mix of post-disco dance music, new wave pop, and R&B soul. All the elements of what would become the Minneapolis Sound are here: Lisa Coleman’s insistently funky keyboard riff, Bobby Z.’s rock-solid drumming, Dez Dickerson’s stinging guitar leads. Even the sexually ambiguous lyrics (“I ain’t got no money/ I ain’t like those other guys you hang around”) were a coming attraction for things to come.

“Let’s Get It On” – Marvin Gaye

“Let’s Get It On” is a 1973 song and single by Marvin Gaye, released on the Motown label. The song was written by Gaye and produced by Hal Davis. It was the most successful chart performance of Gaye’s career and one of his best-known songs.

“Uptown Funk” – Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars

“Uptown Funk” is a song by English producer Mark Ronson featuring American singer Bruno Mars, from Ronson’s fourth studio album, Uptown Special (2015). The song was released as the album’s lead single on 10 November 2014. “Uptown Funk” topped several music charts, including the US Billboard Hot 100 and UK Singles Chart, as well as several others worldwide. The song won two Grammy Awards for Best Pop Vocal Performance and Record of the Year.

The song’s musicianship, style and production have led many critics to liken it to works by George Clinton, James Brown and Rick James. Its similarity to Clinton’s “Atomic Dog” has been noted, while others have pointed out its resemblance to Brown’s “The Payback”, as well as Parliament-Funkadelic’s standing as one of the most influential funk groups of all time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Eighties funk music was a genre that was characterized by its heavy use of synthesizers and drum machines, as well as its often sexually explicit lyrics. While the genre was not mainstream, it still produced some memorable songs that are still enjoyed today. If you’re a fan of Eighties funk music, be sure to check out the songs listed above.