7 Awesome Funk Music Examples You Need to Hear
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Check out these 7 awesome funk music examples that you need to hear! From classic tracks to modern remixes, this list has it all.
James Brown- “Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine”
There are so many incredible funk tracks out there, but this one by James Brown is a true classic. This song is the perfect example of how funk music should make you feel – it’s catchy, fun, and guaranteed to get you moving. If you’re looking for a tune to get your groove on to, this is it.
Parliament-Funkadelic- “Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof Off the Sucker)”
“Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof Off the Sucker)” is a song by Parliament-Funkadelic, released as a single in 1976. The song, written by George Clinton, Bootsy Collins, and Bernie Worrell, was released from the album Mothership Connection. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The Parliament-Funkadelic song “Give Up the Funk” has been sampled or interpolated over 150 times.
In 2001, it was ranked number 284 in Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
Bootsy’s Rubber Band- “Stretchin’ Out (In a Rubber Band)”
“Stretchin’ Out (In a Rubber Band)” is a song by Bootsy’s Rubber Band. The song was released as a single in 1976, and is the title track from their album Stretchin’ Out in Bootsy’s Rubber Band.
The song features Bootsy Collins on vocals and guitar, Frankie Kash Waddy on drums, Joel Johnson on keyboards, phaser and clavinet, Robert Johnson on bass, and Gary Mudbone Cooper on percussion. The song was written by Collins and William Earl Collins.
The song is considered to be one of the classic examples of funk music, and has been covered by numerous artists.
The Gap Band- “Outstanding”
The Gap Band was an American R&B and funk band which rose to fame during the 1970s and 1980s. The band’s lineup consisted of brothers Charlie, Ronnie, and Robert Wilson. “Outstanding” is a song performed by The Gap Band, released in 1982 as the second single from their sixth studio album, Gap Band VI (1982). The song was written by group members Ronnie Wilson and Charlie Wilson, with Leon Sylvers III serving as producer. “Outstanding” peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot Black Singles chart for one week in 1982, becoming the group’s first and only chart-topping single on that chart.
Zapp- “More Bounce to the Ounce”
Zapp was an American funk band that achieved mainstream popularity in the 1980s. The band was founded by brothers Roger and Larry Troutman. Their trademark sound featured the use of the Talkbox, a device that allows the user to modify the sound of their voice using a headset connected to a musical instrument.
“More Bounce to the Ounce” is a song by Zapp that was released as a single in 1980. The song peaked at number one on the Billboard R&B singles chart and number six on the Billboard Hot 100. The song is notable for its use of the Talkbox, which gives the song its distinctive sound.
Lakeside- “Fantastic Voyage”
Funk is a music genre that was born in the 1970s. It combines elements of Soul, R&B, and jazz to create a very unique sound. One of the most iconic funk songs of all time is “Fantastic Voyage” by Lakeside. This song is the perfect example of what funk music sounds like. It has a groove that is impossible to resist, and the bass line is insanely catchy. If you want to get into funk music, this is the perfect song to start with.
The Bar-Kays- “Soul Finger”
The Bar-Kays’ “Soul Finger” is one of the most famous funk songs of all time. The song was released in 1967 and reached number 3 on the Billboard R&B chart. “Soul Finger” is known for its catchy hook, which is created by a wah-wah guitar. The song also features a horn section and a bassline that has been described as “groovy”.