Funk Music Records You Need to Hear

Here are 10 funk music records you need to hear. This genre of music is often overlooked, but it is truly unique and special.

Introduction

Though it has its roots in the African-American community, funk music has had a profound impact on popular culture as a whole. With its focus on groove and rhythm, funk is a style of music that is impossible to resist moving to. Whether you’re a diehard fan of the genre or just getting started, there are certain funk records that you need to hear. Here are just a few of the essential funk albums out there.

Parliament- “Funkentelechy vs. the Placebo Syndrome”

This is the definitive Parliament record. It’s a concept album about the fight between good (the funk) and evil (the placebo), and it’s overflowing with Parliament’s signature brand of positive, life-affirming musicality. Every track is a masterclass in Funk, from the slinky opener “Bop Gun (Endangered Species)” to the George Clinton showcase “Theme From the Black Hole.” This is an essential record for any fan of Funk music.

Bootsy’s Rubber Band- “Stretchin’ Out in Bootsy’s Rubber Band”

This is the album that made Bootsy a household name, and introduced his unique brand of spacey, psychedelic funk to the world. It’s a perfect example of the P-funk sound, and features some of Bootsy’s most iconic bass playing. If you want to understand what all the fuss is about when it comes to Bootsy Collins, this is the place to start.

Funkadelic- “One Nation Under a Groove”

Funkadelic’s “One Nation Under a Groove” is a true classic of the genre, and is one of the most influential funk records of all time. The album was released in 1978, and features the band at the height of their powers, with George Clinton leading the way with his distinctive brand of funk. The album also features some of the best musicianship in the band’s history, with Bootsy Collins and Bernie Worrell both playing key roles.

James Brown- “Sex Machine”

“Sex Machine” is a 1970 two-part single by James Brown. It appeared on the album Sex Machine and was released as a two-part single in 1970. The song features Brown’s vocals and rap style supported by Sly and the Family Stone’s rhythms section, horn section and conga player. The song is considered one of Brown’s signature songs and is often cited as one of the greatest songs of all time.

The song was recorded on March 8, 1970, at the Soul Center in Atlanta, Georgia. The album version of “Sex Machine” was edited down from the original twenty-minute recording. The full length recording was released on the Star Time box set in 1991.

The song is structured around two distinct sections: the first half features Brown singing and rapping over a funk groove, while the second half features an extended instrumental jam by the band.

“Sex Machine” was a hit, peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the R&B chart. The song has been covered by many artists, including Parliament, Funkadelic, George Clinton, Bootsy Collins, Sly Stone, Isaac Hayes, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Prince, and James Brown himself.

Conclusion

Funk is a genre of music that is often considered to be a combination of soul, R&B, and rock. The genre first became popular in the early 1970s, and it has continued to be popular ever since. Funk albums are often characterized by their heavy use of grooves, which are usually created by drums, bass, and guitar. If you’re a fan of funk music, then there are certain records that you absolutely need to hear. Here are five of those records:

1. “Maggot Brain” by Funkadelic
2. “Motherlode” by Maceo Parker
3. “The Gettin’ Off Stage” by Parliament
4. “Ladies Night” by Kool & The Gang
5. “Flash Light” by Parliament