The Best Funk Music to Get You Jamming
Looking for some great funk music to help get you in the groove? Check out our picks for the best funk tracks to get you moving and shaking!
Introduction to Funk
Funk is a genre of music that originated in the mid-1960s. It is characterized by a heavy groove and a strong emphasis on the downbeat. Funk is often danceable and often features extended instrumental solos.
What is Funk?
Funk is a type of music that originated in the African-American community in the mid-1960s. It is a genre that is characterized by a strong bass line and rhythmic groove. Funk music often has a few elements of soul, jazz, and R&B. The first funk song ever recorded was “I Got My Mojo Working” by Muddy Waters in 1957. However, the first true funk song is often considered to be “Cold Sweat” by James Brown, which was released in 1967.
Funk became popular in the 1970s with artists like Parliament-Funkadelic, Sly and the Family Stone, and Kool and the Gang. Some of the most popular funk songs of all time include “Pick Up the Pieces” by Average White Band, “Super Freak” by Rick James, and “Kiss” by Prince. Funky grooves can also be found in some hip hop and disco songs.
The Origins of Funk
The origins of funk can be traced back to the mid-1960s, when James Brown and his band began experimenting with a new, more rhythmic sound. This new style blended elements of soul, R&B, and African music, and was characterized by a driving beat, ” syncopated ” basslines, and horns played in a ” call-and-response ” style.
Funk quickly caught on with other artists, and by the early 1970s, it was one of the most popular genres of music. Funk bands like Parliament-Funkadelic and Sly & The Family Stone were creating innovative and influential music, while hits like Brown’s “Get Up (I Feel Like Being A) Sex Machine” and George Clinton’s “Atomic Dog” had people dancing all over the world.
Today, funk is still going strong, with new artists like Bruno Mars, Mark Ronson, and Disclosure keeping the genre fresh and exciting. So whether you’re a fan of old-school funk or contemporary grooves, there’s sure to be some funk music that you’ll love!
The Best Funk Songs
Funk is a genre of music that is known for its groovy feel and catchy melodies. If you’re looking for some funk music to get you jamming, look no further! We’ve compiled a list of the best funk songs to get you moving.
“Superstition” by Stevie Wonder
“Superstition” is a song by American singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder. Released on October 24, 1972, it is the lead single from his fifteenth studio album,Talking Book. The song was written by Wonder with Jeff Beck and co-produced by Wonder and Robert Margouleff.Musically, “Superstition” is a mix of rock, R&B, pop and funk. The song’s lyrics deal with the superstitions surrounding bad luck.
“Superstition” received positive reviews from music critics who praised its composition and Wonder’s vocal performance. The song peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, becoming Wonder’s second single to top the chart and his first as a solo artist. It also peaked at number one in several other countries including Canada, France and the Netherlands. The song has been covered by various artists including Beck, Aerosmith and Faith No More.”
“I Want You Back” by The Jackson 5
The Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back” is the perfect Funk song to get you jamming. It has a catchy beat that will make you want to dance, and the lyrics are full of attitude and yearning. This song is sure to get you moving and will get you back in the groove in no time.
“Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine” by James Brown
There are few artists who personify funk music more than James Brown, and “Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine” is one of his most iconic songs. Released in 1970, the song is a force of nature, with Brown’s signature vocals backed by a hard-hitting horn section and a thumping bassline. The song is guaranteed to get you on your feet and moving, making it the perfect choice for any funk fan looking to get their groove on.
“P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)” by Michael Jackson
There are few artists as synonymous with funk as the late, great Michael Jackson. The King of Pop got his start in the genre as a member of his family band The Jackson 5, and he would go on to have massive success as a solo artist with hits like “Billie Jean” and “Beat It.” But one of Jackson’s funkiest tracks is undoubtedly “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing),” which was released as the ninth single from his Thriller album in 1983.
With its signature bass line and catchy hook, “P.Y.T.” is the perfect example of Jackson’s genius for creating danceable tunes that also have an undeniable groove. The song peaked at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making it one of Jackson’s many singles to find success on both pop and R&B radio stations.
If you’re looking for a funk song that will get you moving, look no further than “P.Y.T.” by the one and only Michael Jackson.
“Flash Light” by Parliament
“Flash Light” is one of the most iconic funk songs of all time. The song was released in 1977 on the album Funkadelic and quickly became a hit. The song features a catchy bass line and hooked listeners with its catchy melodies and strong beats. The song has been sampled numerous times and has been covered by many artists.
The Future of Funk
Funk is a genre of music that is often overlooked. It is a style that is unique, and often considered to be a subgenre of disco or soul. However, funk has its own distinct sound that is characterized by a heavy groove and often features horns and keyboards.
The Evolution of Funk
The appeal of funk lies in its celebration of the groove, and its ability to get people dancing. It’s a style of music that has been around for decades, and it shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, funk is currently experiencing a renaissance, with new bands taking the genre in exciting new directions.
Funk originated in the 1960s, with African American musicians drawing from psychedelic rock, soul, and R&B. The result was a raw, danceable style of music that emphasized the bass and drums. Funk quickly spread from its birthplace of New Orleans to other parts of the country, and eventually the world.
The 1970s were a golden age for funk, with pioneering bands like Parliament-Funkadelic and Sly & The Family Stone pushing the boundaries of the genre. Funk began to incorporate elements of disco in the late 1970s, giving birth to “ disco-funk ” . This new subgenre took funk to the mainstream, with hits like “ Dance Fever ” by The Trammps and “ I Wish ” by Stevie Wonder.
In the 1980s, rap began to borrow heavily from funk, resulting in the emergence of electro-funk. This fusion of styles produced some of the most iconic songs of the decade, including Afrika Bambaataa’s “ Planet Rock ” and Run-DMC’s “ Walk This Way ” . In the 1990s , Deee-Lite took electro-funk in a more playful direction with their hit “ Groove Is In The Heart ” .
Today, funk is enjoying a resurgence thanks to a new generation of artists who are putting their own spin on the genre. These artists are taking inspiration from classic funk bands while also incorporating elements from other genres like hip hop and electronic dance music. Some notable contemporary funk bands include Vulfpeck , Junglepussy , Anderson .Paak , and Thundercat .
So whatever your taste in music may be, there’s sure to be a funk band that you can groove to. So get out there and start dancing!
The Future of Funk
It’s been 40 years since the release of George Clinton’s ground-breaking album, Parliament’s Mothership Connection, and funk is still going strong. In the intervening years, the genre has continued to evolve, incorporating elements of hip hop, R&B, and even electronic music. As a result, today’s funk is a far cry from the sound of Clinton and his contemporaries. Here are five artists who are keeping the funk alive and pushing it into new directions.
1. Vulfpeck
2. Lettuce
3. The Internet
4. Prince
5. Bruno Mars
