The Best Funk Music Songs of All Time

Here is a list of the best funk songs of all time. This list was compiled by taking into consideration the popularity, critical acclaim, and overall greatness of each song.

Introduction

Funk is a genre of music that originated in the early 1970s. It is a style of music characterized by a strong bass line, intricate rhythms, and often horn-based melodies. Funk songs are often up-tempo and have a party-like feel to them.

The best funk songs of all time include classics like James Brown’s “Sex Machine,” Parliament’s “Flash Light,” and George Clinton’s “Atomic Dog.” These songs are still played regularly on funk radio stations and in clubs around the world.

If you’re looking for a great funk song to add to your collection, you can’t go wrong with any of the tunes on this list.

Parliament- “Flash Light”

“Flash Light” is a song by Parliament, released as a single in 1977 on Casablanca Records. The song was written by bandleader George Clinton, keyboardist Bernie Worrell, and bassist Bootsy Collins. It was the first single from Parliament’s sixth album Funkentelechy vs. the Placebo Syndrome, and became the group’s second number-one hit on the Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart.

The song features one of the most iconic basslines in all of funk music, played by Collins. The bassline has been sampled extensively in hip hop and electronic music, and has been covered by numerous artists.

“Flash Light” is widely considered to be one of the greatest funk songs of all time, and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2007.

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

“I’d Rather Be with You” is a song written and performed by Bootsy Collins. It was released in 1976 as a single from his album Bootsy? Player of the Year. The song was produced by Collins and George Clinton.

The song features Collins on lead vocals and bass guitar, with Roger Troutman on guitar, Frank Waddy on drums, and Gary Mudbone Cooper on percussion. The song is an ode to the joys of love and relationships, with Collins singing that he would rather be with his love than anywhere else.

The song was a moderate commercial success, reaching number 33 on the Billboard R&B chart. It has since been praised by critics as one of the best funk songs of all time.

George Clinton- “Atomic Dog”

“Atomic Dog” is a song by American musician George Clinton from his 1982 album Computer Games. The track was released as a single in December 1982 and became his biggest solo hit, reaching number one on Billboard’s Hot Dance Club Play chart and number 101 on the Hot 100. The song has been sampled numerous times, most notably by Snoop Dogg for his 1993 single “Who Am I (What’s My Name)?”.

Red Hot Chili Peppers- “Give It Away”

“Give It Away” is a song by American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers from the group’s fifth studio album, Blood Sugar Sex Magik. It was released as the lead single from their album on September 4, 1991, by Warner Bros. Records. The music was composed by guitarist John Frusciante and bassist Flea during a jam session months prior to the album recording sessions. Vocalist Anthony Kiedis wrote the song’s lyrics in collaboration with its producers Rick Rubin and Brendan O’Brien; it was inspired by and about poverty and giving to others.

Sly and the Family Stone- “Family Affair”

“Family Affair” is a song by Sly and the Family Stone. It was released on October 17, 1971, as the first single from their album There’s a Riot Goin’ On. The song peaked at number one on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot R&B Singles Chart, making it the first Number 1 hit for the band on both charts.

The song is based around a simple keyboard riff played by Sly Stone. The lyrics deal with everyday problems and relationships, with Sly delivering the message that “it’s all just a family affair”. The song became an anthem for African American families, and has been covered by numerous artists including Michael Jackson, Mary J. Blige, and John Legend.

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

“Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine” is a song recorded by James Brown with Bobby Byrd on backing vocals. Released as a two-part single in 1970, it was a worldwide hit, peaking at number one on the R&B singles chart and at number two on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was ranked at number six on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time and number one hundred and five on Pitchfork Media’s Top 500 Songs of the 1970s.

Prince- “Kiss”

“Kiss” is a 1986 single by Prince and The Revolution, from the album Parade. The song features a lead vocal by Prince in a falsetto register and backing vocals by Susannah Melvoin and Lisa Coleman. “Kiss” was ranked number 464 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. The single hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States in February 1987, becoming Prince’s third American number one single (after “When Doves Cry” and “Let’s Go Crazy”). It also reached number two in Ireland, number six in Australia and the UK, and number eight in Canada. In 1999, “Kiss” was voted the greatest dance song of all time by VH1 viewers.

Earth, Wind, and Fire- “September”

There are countless great funk songs out there, but one that always seems to top lists is “September” by Earth, Wind, and Fire. The band’s mix of R&B, soul, and disco-funk made them one of the most popular groups of the 1970s, and this song is a perfect example of why.

From the opening horn riff to the iconic bass line and drum groove, “September” is an irresistible dance track that has stood the test of time. The lyrics are optimistic and uplifting, making it the perfect song to get people moving. If you’re looking for a funk classic that will get everyone on their feet, look no further than “September” by Earth, Wind, and Fire.

Conclusion

So there you have it, the best funk songs of all time according to us. We know that there are many more great funk tunes out there, so please don’t hesitate to share your favorites with us in the comment section below. Also, be sure to check out our other lists of the best songs in different genres, such as the best hip hop songs of all time and the best R&B songs of all time.