Funk Music Charts: The Top Ten Funky Tunes

Looking for the best funk tunes around? Check out our top ten list of the Funky Music Charts! From classic hits to new chart toppers, we’ve got the perfect funk soundtrack for your next party.

Introduction

Funk is a genre of music that first emerged in the mid-1960s. It is often described as a mix of soul, R&B, and rock, with a focus on groove and rhythm. Funk songs are often characterized by their syncopated rhythms, catchy hooks, and soulful vocals.

The term “funk” was first used in the late 1960s to describe James Brown’s brand of danceable, groove-based music. Brown’s style would come to be known as “funk” or “funky.” Over the next few years, other artists began to experiment with similar sounds and styles, resulting in the birth of the funk genre.

In the 1970s, funk became one of the most popular genres in the world. Funk bands like Parliament-Funkadelic and Bootsy’s Rubber Band would achieve mainstream success, while other artists like George Clinton and Prince would go on to redefine the genre.

Today, funk remains an important part of popular music. Many contemporary artists have been influenced by funk, and the genre continues to evolve. As we look back at the history of funk, here are ten of the most iconic funk tunes of all time.

What is Funk Music?

Funk is a popular music genre that originated in the mid- 1960s. It is defined by a distinctive bassline groove, often played on electric bass. Other features include a prominent rhythm guitar, horns, and vocals. Funk songs are often based on a 12-bar blues or 8-bar structure and use the Afro- Cuban boogaloo beat.

The Origins of Funk Music

Funk is a style of music that originated in the African-American community in the mid-1960s. It is a close relative of soul music and has been described as “soul with a hard, driving beat.” Funk is characterized by a strong, rhythmic groove that is often accompanied by horns and other instrumentation. The genre developed out of the musical traditions of the African diaspora, including blues, jazz, and rhythm and blues.

Funk began to gain mainstream popularity in the 1970s, with artists like James Brown and Sly and the Family Stone achieving commercial success. In the 1980s, funk experienced a resurgence in popularity with groups like Parliament-Funkadelic and Prince leading the way. funk has since influenced a number of other genres, including hip hop, disco, techno, and house.

The term “funk” can be traced back to the 1930s, when it was used to describe a type of African-American dance music popular at carnivals and parties. The word “funky” first appeared in print in 1961, in an article aboutLatin American music published in DownBeat magazine. In 1963, James Brown released his song “Mashed Potatoes U.S.A.,” which is often credited as being one of the first funk recordings.

Funk has always been characterized by its strong rhythmic groove, which is achieved through the use of syncopated bass lines, drum patterns that emphasize off-beat accents, and rhythmic guitar or keyboard riffs. The genre also often features horns and other brass instruments playing improvised lines that complement the groove. Lyrics are typically based on themes of love, sex, and partying; they are sometimes humorous or sexually suggestive.

Funk songs are usually structured around verse-chorus form, but they often deviate from this format by including extended instrumental sections or improvised solos. This looseness gives funk its distinctive feel; as Parliament-Funkadelic keyboardist Bernie Worrell once said, “It’s not rigid; it’s fluid.”

The origins of funk can be traced back to the work of African-American musicians like James Brown and Sly Stone in the 1960s. Brown’s influence was particularly strong; his sound was defined by its heavy use of rhythm and blues grooves combined with gospel harmonies and bluesy improvisation. Brown’s bandmate Pee Wee Ellis was also an important innovator; he helped develop the horn riff that would become one of funk’s signature elements. Other important early figures include George Clinton (of Parliament-Funkadelic) and Bootsy Collins (of James Brown’s band), who helped pioneer the style known as “booty bass,” which emphasized a heavy bass sound played along with sparse drums. Funk would go on to have a major influence on disco, hip hop, techno, house, and many other genres

The Influence of Funk Music

Funk music is a style of African-American popular music that originated in the mid-1960s. Funk is a blend of soul, R&B, and psychedelic rock that is characterized by a thick, repetitive bass line, interactive percussion, and often sexual lyrics.

Funk was not commercially successful until the early 1970s, when artists like James Brown and Parliament-Funkadelic began to cross over into the mainstream with hits like “Sex Machine” and “Flash Light.” Funk would go on to become one of the most popular genres of the 1970s, with artists like Sly and the Family Stone, George Clinton, and Earth, Wind & Fire achieving massive commercial success.

In the 1980s, funk began to decline in popularity as other genres like hip hop and disco rose to prominence. However, funk has remained an important influence on popular music to this day, with many modern artists incorporating elements of funk into their sound.

The Top Ten Funky Tunes

“Superstition” by Stevie Wonder

“Superstition” is a song by American singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder, released on October 24, 1972, as the lead single from his fifteenth studio album, Talking Book. The song was written by Stevie Wonder and produced by Wonder and Henry Cosby. “Superstition” was a critical and commercial success, topping both the Billboard Pop Singles chart and the R&B Singles chart. A staple of Wonder’s live performances, it was featured in the set-list of his successful 1973 world tour.

“I Want You Back” by The Jackson 5

The Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back” is a quintessential funky tune. The upbeat track features the signature sound of the Jackson 5: soulful vocals, catchy hooks, and energetic dance moves. The song climbed to the top of the charts in 1970 and has since become a funk classic.

“Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” by The Temptations

“Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” is a song written by Motown songwriters Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong as a single for The Temptations in 1972. Released on the album All Directions, it was one of the last hits produced by Whitfield.
The song is a narrative of a young man’s discovery that his father was not the saint he pretended to be. It was released as a single in late 1972, and hit number one on both the Billboard Hot 100 chart and the R&B Singles Chart in early 1973. A popular hit version by The Undisputed Truth reached number three on both charts later that year.George Clinton’s Parliament-Funkadelic recorded a 16-minute version for their 1974 LP Standing on the Verge of Getting It On; this version contains an early recording of Garry Shider’s guitar riff that would later be used on Funkadelic’s 1976 hit “(Not Just) Knee Deep”. The Temptations were nominated for three Grammy Awards for this song: Record of the Year and Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals (losing both to Roberta Flack for “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face”), as well as Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group or Chorus (losing to Simon & Garfunkel for “Bridge over Troubled Water”).

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

“Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine” is a song recorded by James Brown and written with Bobby Byrd. Released as a single in 1970, it reached No. 1 on the R&B charts and No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was included on James Brown’s 1971 album Get Up I Feel Like Being a Sex Machine.

The recording features several of Brown’s band members including Fred Wesley on trombone, Bootsy Collins on bass guitar, and Maceo Parker on alto saxophone. The song is notable for its opening drum break, which drummer John “Jabo” Starks claimed he played in one take;[1] engineer Ron Lenhoff reportedly captured it by accident while positioning microphones.[2][3] The opening drum break is frequently sampled.

“Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof off the Sucker)” by Parliament

“Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof off the Sucker)” is a song by Parliament that was released as a single in 1976. The song appears on the album Mothership Connection and is considered one of the classic funk tunes. The song peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and is considered one of the most popular funk songs of all time.

“Flash Light” by Parliament

“Flash Light” is a song by Parliament. It was released in 1977 on the album Funkentelechy vs. the Placebo Syndrome. The song became a hit single, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

The song features a distinctive bassline by Bootsy Collins, which has been sampled numerous times. The opening line “I’m gonna hit you with the flash light” is sampled in the 1992 song “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang” by Dr. Dre and Snoop Doggy Dogg.

“Ain’t No Stopping Us Now” by McFadden & Whitehead

“Ain’t No Stopping Us Now” is a 1979 disco song written and composed by Gene McFadden and John Whitehead. The song was first recorded by Philadelphia soul group Archie Bell & the Drells. It was produced by Leon Huff and Kenneth Gamble of Philadelphia International Records. The song was a number-one hit on both the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and the US Hot Soul chart in early 1979. It reached number forty-seven on the UK Singles Chart in 1980.

The song has been covered by numerous artists, including McFadden & Whitehead themselves, James Brown, Patti LaBelle, the O’Jays, Luther Vandross, George Benson, Jennifer Hudson, and Alicia Keys. In 2008, it was inducted into the Dance Music Hall of Fame.

“I Got Your Back” by Kool & the Gang

Kool & the Gang is a truly unique and iconic group, and “I Got Your Back” is one of their most beloved songs. The funky bass line and horn section make this tune instantly recognizable, and it’s sure to get your feet moving.

“The Ghetto” by Donny Hathaway

“The Ghetto” is a song written and performed by American soul artist Donny Hathaway. It was released on January 13, 1970, as the lead single from his self-titled second studio album. The song peaked at number seven on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number one on the Hot Soul Singles chart.

The lyrics of “The Ghetto” describe the conditions of African Americans living in inner-city neighborhoods. Hathaway’s lyrics were inspired by his own experiences growing up in the ghetto of Chicago. The song is notable for its emotive delivery and layered production, which includes a gospel choir arranged by Hathaway.

The song has been covered by a number of artists, including John Legend, who recorded a version for the soundtrack to the film Ali (2001). Legend’s cover received positive reviews from music critics and won a Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance at the 44th Annual Grammy Awards.

“Pick Up the Pieces” by Average White Band

Number one on our list of the top ten funky tunes is “Pick Up the Pieces” by the Average White Band. This classic tune was released in 1974 and reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song features a catchy horn section and is sure to get your feet moving.

Average White Band was a Scottish funk and soul band that was formed in London in 1971. The band is best known for their hits “Pick Up the Pieces” and “Cut the Cake.” They were nominated for a Grammy Award in 1975 for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.

So there you have it, our list of the top ten funky tunes. Be sure to check out these classic tracks and get your groove on!