The 10 Best Obscure 1970s Funk Songs You’ve Never Heard

The 1970s was a golden era for funk music, with many classic tracks being released during the decade. However, there are plenty of great funk songs from the 1970s that have been largely forgotten. Here are ten of the best obscure funk songs from the 1970s that you’ve probably never heard!

Introduction

Today’s funk comes in many different forms. But in the 1970s, the genre was defined by a distinctly raw and relentless sound. From James Brown to Bootsy Collins, Maceo Parker to Parliament-Funkadelic, this was funk at its most primal and progressive.

And while the mainstream was dominated by these giants of the genre, there were plenty of other amazing funk bands operating just below the radar. Here are 10 of the best obscure 1970s funk songs you’ve never heard.

“Get Up, Get Into It, Get Involved” by James Brown

This classic James Brown tune from 1970 is the perfect example of obscure 1970s funk. It’s catchy, it’s fun, and it’s got a great message. “Get Up, Get Into It, Get Involved” is a song that everyone can enjoy, regardless of their age or musical taste.

“Pass the Peas” by The J.B.’s

“Pass the Peas” is a 1971 song recorded by James Brown’s band The J.B.’s. The song was written by Bootsy Collins and features the vocals of Fred Wesley and Bootsy Collins. The song is a funk classic and has been sampled numerous times.

“Doin’ It to Death” by Fred Wesley and The J.B.’s

This is a song that was originally released as a single in 1973, but it only became truly famous when it was included on the 1974 album “Hell Up in Harlem.” It’s a great example of the funky sound that Fred Wesley and The J.B.’s were known for, and it’s definitely worth a listen if you’re a fan of 1970s funk.

“Super Bad” by James Brown

Super Bad is a 1971 album by James Brown. The title cut was conceived as part of the soundtrack for the 1971 blaxploitation film Shaft. It is notable for being one of the first applications of the word “bad” in popular music, as well as being one of the earliest examples of funk. The song is ranked #73 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

“Sex Machine” by James Brown

Released in 1970, “Sex Machine” is a funk classic by James Brown. The song features Brown on lead vocals and guitar, with Bobby Byrd on keyboards and Bernie Worrell on bass. The song was recorded live at the Apollo Theater in New York City, with the audience providing background vocals. “Sex Machine” is a prime example of Brown’s signature sound, which combines funk, soul, and R&B.

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

Released in August of 1970, “Get Up I Feel Like Being A) Sex Machine” was one of James Brown’s most popular singles. The song is a funk classic and has been covered by many artists over the years.

“The Payback” by James Brown

This song was released in 1973 on the album “The Payback.” It is one of James Brown’s most famous funk songs, and is often considered one of the best funk songs of all time. The song was written by James Brown and Harry Terry.

“Funky President (People It’s Bad)” by James Brown

This 1974 classic by the Godfather of Soul is one of James Brown’s most beloved tracks, and with good reason: it’s got a hypnotic, resonant groove that’s impossible to resist. “Funky President” is the perfect funk song to get any party started.

“Ain’t It Funky Now” by James Brown

“Ain’t It Funky Now” is a song written by James Brown and recorded by Brown and The J.B.’s in 1970. It was released as a single in 1971 and reached #1 on the R&B chart.

The song is an example of Brown’s trademark funk sound, with a driving bassline and hard-hitting horns. The lyrics are typical of Brown’s call-and-response style, with the singer repeating the phrase “Ain’t it funky now?” to an ever-increasing response from the band.

Despite its popularity, “Ain’t It Funky Now” has often been overshadowed by other James Brown hits from the same era, such as “Get Up (I Feel Like Being A) Sex Machine” and “Super Bad”. However, the song has been sampled numerous times by hip hop and dance music artists, including Public Enemy, N.W.A., 2Pac, Madonna, and Daft Punk.