The Top 10 Funk Songs of All Time

In this blog post, we countdown the top 10 funk songs of all time. From James Brown to Parliament-Funkadelic, these are the tracks that will make you get up and groove.

Introduction

Funk is a genre of music that was popularized in the 1970s. It is characterized by a heavy groove and often contains elements of soul, R&B, and jazz. Funk songs are often danceable and have a catchy hook or melody.

In no particular order, here are 10 of the best funk songs of all time:

1. “Super Freak” by Rick James
2. “Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine” by James Brown
3. “Brick House” by The Commodores
4. “Flash Light” by Parliament
5. “Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof off the Sucker)” by Parliament
6. “icken Head” by Parliament 7. “Pass the Peas” by The JBs
8.”Pick Up the Pieces” by Average White Band
9.”I Got You (I Feel Good)” by James Brown
10.” low Rider” by WAR

“Super Freak” by Rick James

“Super Freak” is a song produced and performed by Rick James. It was released in 1981 as a single off of his album, Street Songs. The song quickly rose to popularity, becoming James’ most successful single. In addition to its popularity, the song is credited with helping to popularize the funk genre.

“Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine” by 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 as a single in 1970, it reached No. 1 on the R&B charts and No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. It has been ranked as one of the greatest songs of all time by publications such as Rolling Stone and NME.

“Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof off the Sucker)” by Parliament

“Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof off the Sucker)” is a song by Parliament that was released as a single in 1976. The song appeared on the album Mothership Connection and was written by George Clinton, Bootsy Collins, and Bernard Worrell. The song peaked at number one on the Billboard R&B chart and number fifteen on the Billboard Hot 100.

“Flash Light” by Parliament

“Flash Light” by Parliament was released in 1977 and was one of the first funk songs to use a drum machine. The song was an instant hit and helped to popularize the use of drum machines in funk music. The song is widely considered to be one of the greatest funk songs of all time.

“The Ghetto” by Donny Hathaway

There are plenty of great funk songs out there, but “The Ghetto” by Donny Hathaway is truly one of the best. The song was released in 1970 and quickly rose to fame, becoming one of the most popular funk songs of all time. Hathaway’s smooth vocals and the catchy groove make “The Ghetto” an instant classic.

“Theme from Shaft” by Isaac Hayes

2010 might have been the Year of the Funk, with hits by Bruno Mars, Cee Lo Green, and Janelle Monáe, but the truth is that funk has been around since the ‘60s, when it first burst onto the scene as a new style of R&B. With its signature mix of soul, jazz, and rock, funk has since gone on to influence some of the biggest artists in music history, from Michael Jackson to Prince. Here are ten of the best funk songs of all time.

“Theme from Shaft” by Isaac Hayes
This classic 1971 track was written for the blaxploitation film of the same name and went on to win an Academy Award for Best Original Song. With its wah-wah guitar licks and laid-back groove, “Theme from Shaft” is the perfect example of early ‘70s funk at its finest.

“Super Freak” by Rick James
Rick James was one of the most successful musicians of the disco era, but he also dabbled in funk with songs like “Super Freak.” Released in 1981, “Super Freak” peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and has since been covered by everyone from Madonna to My Chemical Romance.

“Give Up The Funk (Tear The Roof Off The Sucker)” by Parliament-Funkadelic
This 1976 track is one of Parliament-Funkadelic’s most famous songs and a true classic of the genre. With its infectious bassline and funky horn section, “Give Up The Funk (Tear The Roof Off The Sucker)” is a guaranteed partystarter.

“I Want You Back” by Jackson 5
The Jackson 5 were Motown royalty, and this 1969 track is one of their most iconic hits. While it might be best known for its catchy chorus and Michael Jackson’s irresistible vocal performance, “I Want You Back” also features a tight horn arrangement that gives it a distinctly funky sound.

“Kiss” by Prince
Prince was one of the most successful pop stars of the 1980s thanks to hits like “Kiss.” Taken from his 1986 album Parade, “Kiss” blends elements of pop, R&B, and funk into a dancefloor-ready bop that is impossible to resist.

“Brick House” by The Commodores

There’s just something about a good funk song that gets people moving, and “Brick House” by The Commodores is no exception. The infectious groove of the bass and drums, paired with the horn section and Lionel Richie’s vocals, make this song an undeniable dance classic.

Originally released in 1977, “Brick House” quickly rose to the top of the charts, becoming one of The Commodores’ most well-known hits. In 2003, Rolling Stone ranked it at #73 on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, solidifying its place in music history.

If you’re looking for a fun song to add to your party playlist, or just want to enjoy some great funk music, “Brick House” is a must-listen.

“I Want You Back” by The Jackson 5

“I Want You Back” by The Jackson 5 is often considered one of the greatest funk songs of all time. The song was released in October 1969 and quickly rose to the top of the charts, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in January 1970. The song remained at the top of the charts for four weeks and was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in January 1970. “I Want You Back” was written by Berry Gordy, Jr. and produced by The Corporation, a group composed of Gordy, Alphonso Mizell, Deke Richards, and Freddie Perren. The song features Michael Jackson on lead vocals and is notable for its catchy hook and Jackson’s high-pitched vocals. “I Want You Back” has been covered by numerous artists, including Justin Timberlake, Usher, Alicia Keys, and John Mayer.

“Ain’t Nobody” by Rufus and Chaka Khan

“Ain’t Nobody” by Rufus and Chaka Khan is a classic funk song that is sure to get you grooving. The song was released in 1983 and reached #1 on the R&B charts. The lyrics are about a woman who is searching for a man who can make her feel alive and loved. The song has a catchy beat and is guaranteed to get you moving.