What Style of Music is the Song “Uptown Funk?”
Contents
The song “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars has been described as a “mashup of several late-1970s and early-1980s funk tracks.”
Introduction
“Uptown Funk” is a song by English producer Mark Ronson featuring American singer Bruno Mars. It was released on November 10, 2014, as the lead single from Ronson’s fourth studio album, Uptown Special (2015). “Uptown Funk” topped the charts in several countries including the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
The song has been described as an “irresistible cocktail of throwback funk and up-to-the-minute hip-hop/R&B.” It features a vintage 1970s funk sound with elements of hip hop and soul music. The song is built around a strong horn section groove. The lyrics were provided bylined American songwriter Philip Lawrence. “Uptown Funk” won two Grammy Awards for Best Record of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group.
The Song’s Elements
The Artist
Mark Ronson is a British musician, DJ, and record producer. He is best known for his work in the 2010s, including his work on the albumversions of Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” and Amy Winehouse’s “Rehab.” He has also won awards for his work as a producer on Bruno Mars’s “Uptown Funk.”
The Lyrics
These are the lyrics for “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars.
Do not believe me just watch (x4)
Uh
Sugar
Yes please
Won’t you come and put it down on me? (x2)
I’m too hot (hot damn)
Called a police and a fireman
I’m too hot (hot damn)
Make a dragon wanna retire, man
I’m too hot (hot damn)
Say my name you know who I am
I’m too hot (hot damn)
And my band ’bout that money break the bank
Bruno Mars: Uptown Funk you up, uptown funk you up
(repeat x4)
Mark Ronson: Ladies hit your hallelujah (whoo!)
Bruno Mars: Uptown funk you up, uptown funk you up
Mark Ronson: Girls hit your hallelujah (whoo!)
Bruno Mars:Uptown funk you up, uptown funk you up
The Music
The music of “Uptown Funk” is a mix of many different genres, including funk, hip hop, disco, and soul. The song’s music was written by Mark Ronson, Jeff Bhasker, Bruno Mars, and Philip Lawrence. The song’s lyrics were also written by Ronson, Bhasker, Mars, and Lawrence.
The Song’s Meaning
The song is about having a good time and enjoying life. It is about being happy and dancing. The lyrics tell the story of a group of friends who are out having a good time. They are dancing and enjoying themselves.
The Artist’s Perspective
“Uptown Funk” is a song by English recording artist Mark Ronson featuring American singer and rapper Bruno Mars. The song was released on 10 November 2014 in the United Kingdom and on 18 November in the United States, as the lead single from Ronson’s fourth studio album, Uptown Special (2015). The song was written by Ronson, Mars, Philip Lawrence, Jeff Bhasker and Nicholas Williams; produced by Ronson, Bhasker and Mars; with additional production by Emile Haynie. Dev Hynes contributed additional instrumentation to the song.
Ronson has said that he wanted to record a song that would make people want to dance when they heard it and that he was aiming for a 1970s-inspired sound. He has also said that he was inspired by bands such as Chic and Parliament-Funkadelic while making the song. “Uptown Funk” is an funk and disco-influenced pop song. The lyrics describe a man who is trying to live his life to the fullest in spite of personal struggles.
The song has been praised for itsuptempo beat, catchy hooks, retro style, and impressive production. “Uptown Funk” has been a commercial success, peaking at number one in several countries including Australia, Canada, France, Ireland, New Zealand, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. In the United States, it topped Billboard’s Hot 100 chart for seven consecutive weeks; as of February 2015, it is the second longest-running number-one single of all time on that chart behind only “Despacito”.
The Listener’s Perspective
There are a few different ways to answer this question. The first way would be to consider the musical elements of the song, which would lead us to classify “Uptown Funk” as a pop song with R&B and funk influences. Another way to answer the question would be to think about the song’s purpose or intended effect, which would lead us to say that “Uptown Funk” is an upbeat, feel-good tune meant to make listeners dance and have fun.
From a listener’s perspective, “Uptown Funk” is a catchy, fun song that is perfect for dancing. The song has a great beat and an infectious melody, and it is impossible not to feel happy when listening to it. Whether you are hearing it on the radio, in a commercial, or at a party, “Uptown Funk” is sure to put a smile on your face and get your feet moving.
Conclusion
After analyzing the song “Uptown Funk,” it is safe to say that the genre is a mix of funk, pop, and soul. The use of horns, a funky bassline, and simple yet effective lyrics create a sound that is both timeless and classic. Bruno Mars’ smooth vocals add an extra layer of depth and soulfulness to the track, making it one of the catchiest songs of the decade.
