Funk Music: The Best Instrumental Songs
Contents
Funk music is a genre of music that originated in the 1970s. It is characterized by a groove-oriented sound and is often used as a term to describe music with a funky feel.
Introduction
Funk is a genre of music that is often overlooked. It is a genre that is not as popular as it once was, but it still has a place in the music industry. Funk music is a genre of music that is characterized by its own unique sound. It is a style of music that has its own specific instruments, rhythms, and melodies.
Funk music originated in the United States in the early 1970s. It was created by African American musicians who were influenced by the sounds of soul and R&B. Funk music typically has a slow and groove-based sound. The most important element of funk music is the bassline. The bassline is what gives funk its groove. without the bassline, funk would not be funk.
While funk may not be as popular as it once was, there are still many great funk songs out there. Here are 10 of the best instrumental funk songs:
The Best Funk Songs
Funk songs are some of the best types of songs to groove to. They are often high-energy and make you want to get up and dance. Funk songs often have a great beat, catchy lyrics, and a catchy hook.
“Superstition” by Stevie Wonder
“Superstition” is a funk song written by Stevie Wonder, and produced by Wonder and Henry Cossey. It was released as the lead single from Wonder’s album Talking Book in October 1972. The song’s lyrics are about superstitions, and its central hook is based on an urban legend about a man who broke into a store to steal money. Wonder came up with the title and concept for the song while he was on his way to a recording session with Cossey; he stopped at a Red Lobster restaurant to eat, and overheard two men talking about an urban legend about a man who had been killed after breaking into a store.
“Brick House” by The Commodores
“Brick House” is a song by The Commodores released in 1977 from their fifth studio album, Commodores. It peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1978 and became one of the group’s most successful singles. The song is built around a prominent bass line provided by James Jamerson and orchestral strings. The arrangement also features a chanted introduction, horn section punctuations, and a keyboard solo by Greg Phillinganes.
The song’s title refers to a “big house with plenty of room” where “there’s always something going on.” Despite its sexual innuendo, the lyrics are clean enough for radio airplay. The horn section arrangement was inspired by Tower of Power’s “What Is Hip?” while the rest of the arrangement was inspired by Isaac Hayes’ theme from Shaft.
The song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2007. In 2004, it ranked at number 485 on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time”. In 2013, it ranked at number 25 on Billboard magazine’s list of “The 100 Greatest Songs of the ’70s”.
“Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof off the Sucker)” by Parliament
“Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof off the Sucker)” is a funk song by Parliament. The song was written by George Clinton, Bootsy Collins, and Bernie Worrell, and was released as a single in 1976, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
The song has been covered by many artists, including Red Hot Chili Peppers, who released a cover of the song as a single in 1997.
“I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” by The Beatles
Funk is a style of music that originated in the African-American community in the mid-1960s. It is a genre that is characterized by a strong beat and a focus on bass and percussion. Funk songs are often danceable and have a groove that is easy to follow. The Beatles’ “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” is a classic funk song that features a heavy bassline and drums that keep the song moving forward.
“Knee Deep” by Funkadelic
“Knee Deep” is a song by American funk band Funkadelic, released as the second single from their sixth studio album Uncle Jam Wants You (1979). Written by bandleader George Clinton, bassist Bootsy Collins and guitarist cordell mosson, the song features a prominent bassline by Collins and is widely regarded as one of the best examples of funk music. It peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 R&B chart and number 37 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop chart.
Conclusion
After listening to all of the funk songs on this list, it’s safe to say that the genre is as varied and dynamic as any other. While some funk songs are designed to get you moving, others are meant to be more reflective and introspective. Regardless of their intent, all of these songs are united by their groove-heavy instrumentals and unforgettable melodies. So if you’re in the mood for something fun and funky, any of these tunes is sure to hit the spot.
