The Best Funk LPs of All Time

Funk is defined as a mixture of soul music, jazz, and rhythm and blues, often times with a ‘rock’ leaning thump to it. What are the most popular or best examples of Funk? Here’s our list of what we consider to be the greatest Funk LPs ever to hit the airwaves…

‘Superfly’ – Curtis Mayfield
‘There’s A Riot Goin’ On’ – Sly and the Family Stone
‘Songs In The Key of Life’ – Stevie Wonder
‘Mothership Connection’ – Parliament
‘Stand!’ – Sly and the Family Stone
‘One Nation Under A Groove’ – Funkadelic
‘The Payback’ – James Brown
‘Funkentelechy vs. the Placebo Syndrome’ – Parliament
‘‘Street Songs’ – Rick James
That’s the Way of the World’ – Earth, Wind & Fire

Conclusions: Nothing is better than “Superfly” from Curtis, but notice that most popular artists like Stevie, James, and Earth Wind & Fire were able to evolve their commercial formula to penetrate the Funk market. Hard core Funk fans will appreciate Parliament, Funkadelic, and Curtis, while middle of the road music fans bought music from Stevie, Earth Wind & Fire, and Sly and the Family Stone. All is all, Funk is the thing!

—
Photo credit: Randy Miramontez / Shutterstock.com