The Best Jazz Funk Music Playlist

Listen to the best Jazz Funk songs of all time. This playlist features artists like Miles Davis, George Clinton, and Herbie Hancock.

Introduction

Jazz funk is a subgenre of jazz that combines elements of jazz and funk. Jazz funk is often characterized by a strong groove, robust basslines, and horn-based melodies. The genre developed in the 1970s and reached its height of popularity in the 1980s.

While jazz funk borrows heavily from both jazz and funk, it is not simply a fusion of the two genres. Jazz funk artists often use unusual time signatures and syncopated rhythms, and they frequently incorporate elements of rock, soul, and Latin music. Many jazz funk tunes also feature extended solos or improvisations.

Some of the best-known jazz funk artists include Miles Davis, George Clinton, Herbie Hancock, Ronnie Laws, Maceo Parker, Bootsy Collins, and Parliament-Funkadelic.

The Best Jazz Funk Songs

If you’re looking for the best jazz funk songs, look no further. This playlist has everything you could ever want, from classics to contemporary hits. You’ll find songs by some of the most popular artists in the genre, including Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, and George Clinton. Whether you’re a fan of smooth grooves or energetic beats, you’re sure to find something you’ll enjoy.

“Get Up (I Feel Like Being A) Sex Machine” – James Brown

“Get Up (I Feel Like Being A) Sex Machine” is a song recorded by James Brown with Bobby Byrd on backing vocals. Released in 1970, it was a #1 hit on the US R&B charts and reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was included on James Brown’s 1970 album Sex Machine, which reached #2 on the US R&B charts and #3 on the Billboard 200.

In 2004, Rolling Stone ranked “Get Up (I Feel Like Being A) Sex Machine” #326 on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. In 2006, the song was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the National Recording Registry due to its “cultural, historic, or artistic significance”.

“Superstition” – Stevie Wonder

There are so many amazing jazz funk songs out there, but “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder is definitely one of the most iconic and well-loved. Released in 1972, this groovy tune quickly became a hit, thanks to its catchy melody and infectious beat. It’s no wonder that it has been covered by countless artists over the years.

“I Want You Back” – The Jackson 5

“I Want You Back” was released in October 1969 as the first single from The Jackson 5’s debut album, Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 on January 31, 1970, and remained there for six weeks, becoming the band’s first number-one hit andRoss’ first as a producer. It was the band’s first million-selling single. Despite being written and produced by Motown’s main songwriting team of Holland–Dozier–Holland, the song is credited to the funk band Funkadelic on some editions of the Jackson 5 catalog.

“Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” – The Temptations

One of the most well-known and influential Motown groups of all time, The Temptations helped to shape the sound and style of R&B in the 1960s and 1970s. “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” is one of their most popular and beloved songs, fusing together elements of soul, R&B, and psychedelia into a unforgettable composition.

“Pick Up the Pieces” – Average White Band

One of the most catchy and well-known hits of the 1970s, “Pick Up the Pieces” was a massive success for the Average White Band. The song spent four weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in early 1975 and has been covered by a number of artists over the years.

The song is indicative of the jazz funk sound, with its horns, funk bassline, and simple yet effective melody. The band’s use of groove and soulful vocals helped to make “Pick Up the Pieces” one of the most enduring Jazz Funk songs of all time.

“Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof Off the Sucker)” – Parliament

“Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof Off the Sucker)” is a song by Parliament. It was released in May 1976 as the lead single from their fifth album The Mothership Connection. The song peaked at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Hot Dance Club Play chart.

In October 2009, it was ranked number eight on VH1’s 100 Greatest Dance Songs of All Time list. In 2012, Rolling Stone ranked it number 324 on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

“Flash Light” – Parliament

“Flash Light” is a song by Parliament. It was released in 1977 on the album Funkentelechy vs. the Placebo Syndrome. The song became one of Parliament’s most popular songs, and helped to popularize the genre of funk music. The song features a distinctive bassline, which has been sampled numerous times in hip hop and electronic music.

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

This song is an absolute classic and is often considered the definitive tune of the genre. Released in 1979, it topped the R&B charts for two weeks and has gone on to become a disco anthem. The song is based around a simple keyboard riff, which is then augmented by horns, strings, and percussion. The result is an infectious groove that is impossible to resist.

“We Are Family” – Sister Sledge

We Are Family is a song by American disco group Sister Sledge. It was composed by Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers for the band’s album of the same name. The song has been sung as a unity anthem, particularly within the African-American community, and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2002.

“Good Times” – Chic

“Good Times” is a song by the American band Chic from their second album C’est la vie. Released as the album’s lead single in 1978, “Good Times” became one of Chic’s biggest hits. It peaked at number one on both the US Billboard Hot 100 and Cash Box Top 100 charts, attended number two on the UK Singles Chart, and topped the charts in several other countries, including Australia, Canada, Germany, and New Zealand.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoy this playlist of the best jazz funk music around. If you have any suggestions for other tracks to add, please let us know in the comments below. And don’t forget to check out our other playlists for more great music.