The Best Funk Music Ever

The best funk music ever created. From the classic James Brown to contemporary artists like Bruno Mars, find out which funk songs have stood the test of time.

James Brown- “Get Up I Feel Like Being A Sex Machine”

James Brown’s “Get Up I Feel Like Being A Sex Machine” is not only one of the best funk songs ever, it’s one of the best songs period. The Godfather of Soul’s raspy vocal performance is legendary, as is the groovy bassline and Brown’s trademark grunt. The result is a timeless classic that has been covered by everyone from George Clinton to Bruno Mars.

Parliament- “Flash Light”

“Flash Light” is a 1977 single by Parliament. It was the first single from the album Funkentelechy vs. The Placebo Syndrome, and is widely considered one of Parliament’s signature songs. The song features a prominent use of the talk box, most notably during the opening lines: “I’m on the right track baby, I was born this way.”

Bootsy Collins- “I’d Rather Be With You”

The Best Funk Music Ever, Bootsy Collins- “I’d Rather Be With You” is a great example of why this genre is so popular. The song has a great beat that will keep you moving, and the lyrics are both clever and fun. Bootsy Collins is a true legend in the world of funk, and this song is just one of the many reasons why.

Prince- “Kiss”

“Kiss” is a song by American recording artist Prince, from his 1986 album Parade. “Kiss” was written, composed, and produced by Prince. It reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart for two weeks in April 1986, becoming his second number-one single after “When Doves Cry”, which reached the top spot a few months earlier. Released as a single in February 1986, “Kiss” was his most successful US single after “When Doves Cry”, reaching number one on the Hot 100 and R&B charts. It was also a crossover hit, reaching number six on the Dance chart. The song has been covered by many artists.

Sly and the Family Stone- “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)”

One of the most soulful and important figures in Funk, Sly Stone revolutionized popular music with his brand of Sly and the Family Stone. With a sound that blended R&B, Soul, Rock, and Funk, the band had a string of hits in the late 1960s and early 1970s. “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)” is their best-known song and is a funky masterpiece.

George Clinton- “Atomic Dog”

George Clinton’s “Atomic Dog” is widely considered one of the best funk songs ever recorded. The song was released in 1982 as a single from Clinton’s debut solo album, Computer Games, and quickly became a hit. “Atomic Dog” is known for its catchy hook and unique use of synthesizers, which helped to set it apart from other funk songs of the time. Clinton’s vocals are also memorable, as he delivers his lyrics in a playful, yet somehow menacing, way.

Rick James- “Super Freak”

“Super Freak” is a song produced and performed by Rick James. The song, co-written by James and Alonzo Miller, became one of James’ signature songs and one of the most popular tracks from his album Street Songs. The single was a hit on both the pop and R&B charts, reaching number one on Billboard’s R&B chart and number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1981. Rolling Stone ranked it 45th in their list of the 100 Greatest guitar Songs of All Time.

Earth, Wind, and Fire- “September”

Earth, Wind, and Fire- “September” is a timeless classic that always gets people grooving. The horns, the bass, the drums, and all of the instruments come together to create something truly special that is hard to find in any other genre. This song is the epitome of funk music and is sure to get you moving.

The Gap Band- “Oops Up Side Your Head”

The Gap Band was an American R&B and funk band which rose to fame during the 1970s and 1980s. The band’s best-known line-up consisted of brothers Charlie, Ronnie, and Robert Wilson. The band merged elements of music, fashion, and dance together creating a style that was very appealing to the African-American community and later to the world. The Gap Band was one of the most successful funk bands of all time with hits like “Outstanding”, “You Dropped a Bomb on Me”, “Party Train”, and “Oops Up Side Your Head”.

Kool and the Gang- “Get Down On It”

Kool and the Gang is an American musical group formed in 1964 by brothers Robert “Kool” Bell and Ronald Bell, with Dennis Thomas, Ricky Westfield, Charles Smith, George Brown, and Ricky Beauford. The group reached the height of their popularity in the 1970s with a string of hits including “Get Down On It”, “Hollywood Swinging”, and “Joanna”. The group is still active today, and continues to tour and release new music.