20 Best Funk Songs

Chelsea Cooke

Funk music has been around for decades, and it’s still going strong today.

While the genre is often associated with 1970s music, there are plenty of great funk songs that have been released in more recent years.

Here are 20 of the best funk songs ever- enjoy!

By the way, if you’re interested in funk songs, you may also be interested in songs about wildflowers, songs by the commodores, songs with great bass lines, and walk up songs baseball.

Little Red Corvette – Prince & The Revolution

Prince - Little Red Corvette (Official Music Video)

Prince & The Revolution’s “Little Red Corvette” is one of the most iconic funk songs of all time.

Released in 1983, the song was a huge hit and helped to define the sound of early ’80s funk.

With its driving bass line and irresistible groove, “Little Red Corvette” is a perfect example of how funk can be both danceable and catchy.

Don’t Stop (‘Til You Get Enough) – Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson - Don’t Stop 'Til You Get Enough (Official Video)

Michael Jackson’s hit song “Don’t Stop (‘Til You Get Enough)” is one of the most iconic funk songs of all time.

Released in 1979, the song was a massive success and helped to popularize funk music around the world.

With its catchy beat and soulful vocals, “Don’t Stop” is still a favorite among fans today.

Its lyrics are about the importance of ambition and overcoming obstacles in order to achieve success.

Family Affair – Sly & The Family Stone

Sly & The Family Stone - Family Affair (Official Audio)

There’s no denying that Family Affair by Sly & The Family Stone is one of the greatest funk songs of all time.

Released in 1971, the song was an instant hit and has since become a classic.

With its soulful vocals and infectious groove, it’s no wonder that it’s been covered by so many artists over the years.

If you’re looking for a good dose of funk, then be sure to check out Family Affair- you won’t be disappointed!

Living for the City – Stevie Wonder

Living For the City - Stevie Wonder LYRIC VIDEO

I’m going to write about Living for the City by Stevie Wonder. Released in 1973, the song is a classic funk track that reflects on the struggles of city life.

The lyrics are powerful and moving, and the song is full of soulful vocals and funky instrumentation.

It’s no wonder that it’s been covered by so many artists over the years!

Its lyrics are about having to work multiple jobs and cope with social injustice, which is still relevant today.

I’ll Take You There – Staple Singers

The Staple Singers - I'll Take You There (Official Lyric Video)

I’ll Take You There by the Staple Singers is a classic funk song that was released in 1972.

The song was written by Alvertis Isbell and recorded by the Staple Singers, a gospel group from Chicago.

I’ll Take You There is a feel-good song that is about taking people to a better place.

The song has been covered by many different artists over the years, and it remains one of the most popular funk songs of all time.

That Lady Part I – Isley Brothers

The Isley Brothers - Who's That Lady

Released in 1973, That Lady Part I is one of the most iconic funk songs of all time.

The Isley Brothers’ soulful vocals and infectious groove make for a perfect combination, and the song has been covered by numerous artists over the years.

If you’re looking for a classic funk song to get your groove on, look no further than That Lady Part I.

Its lyrics are about a man who is in love with a woman and wants to spend the rest of his life with her.

Mr. Big Stuff – Jean Knight

Jean Knight - Mr. Big Stuff (Official Lyric Video)

Jean Knight’s “Mr. Big Stuff” is one of the most well-known funk songs of all time.

Released in 1971, the song became an instant hit and has since been covered by many different artists.

The song is about a man who is supremely confident in himself and his abilities, and isn’t afraid to show it.

The infectious groove and powerful vocals make “Mr. Big Stuff” a true classic funk song.

Tell Me Something Good – Rufus

Chaka Khan and Rufus - Tell me something Good (RE-MASTERED) Official Video HD

Tell Me Something Good is a 1974 funk song by Rufus.

The song was written by Chaka Khan, Tony Maiden, and Andre Fischer.

It was released as a single and reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

The song has been covered by many artists over the years, and it’s considered to be one of the greatest funk songs ever written.

It’s been featured in TV shows and movies, and it’s still popular today.

Kiss – Prince & The Revolution

Prince & The Revolution - Kiss (Official Music Video)

Kiss is a funk song by Prince & The Revolution, released in 1986 as the second single from their album Parade.

Kiss is one of Prince’s most popular and well-known songs, and has been cited as one of the best songs of all time.

It was ranked #63 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2004.

Its lyrics are about Prince kissing his listeners, which is why the song has the phrase “I wanna funk with you all night” in it.

Higher Ground – Stevie Wonder

Higher Ground - Stevie Wonder LYRIC VIDEO

One of the all-time greatest funk songs is Higher Ground by Stevie Wonder.

Released in 1973, the song has been covered by many different artists and remains a popular choice at weddings and other events.

The soulful vocals, funky beat, and positive message make it a favorite among fans of funk music.

Its lyrics are about learning to do good in the world, learning from life’s struggles, and realizing that you are just as important in God’s eyes as anyone else.

Play That Funky Music (White Boy) – Wild Cherry

Wild Cherry - Play That Funky Music

Play That Funky Music (White Boy) by Wild Cherry is a classic funk song that was released in 1976.

The song was a huge hit, and it’s no wonder why- it’s got a catchy beat and great lyrics.

If you’re looking for a good funk song to get you moving, then you can’t go wrong with Play That Funky Music (White Boy).

Its lyrics are about a white boy who is part of a band, and he loves to play funky music.

The song became so popular that Wild Cherry released an album with the same name, which you can listen to here.

Car Wash – Rose Royce

Car Wash Lyrics-Rose Royce (lyrics on screen)

Released in 1976, “Car Wash” is a classic funk song that’s still popular today.

The song was written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, and it was performed by the group Rose Royce.

“Car Wash” topped the R&B chart when it was released, and it has been featured in several movies over the years.

Its lyrics are about working at a car wash to earn money in order to be able to go on dates with someone special.

The song is still popular in several movies and TV series, including the 2015 movie “Pitch Perfect 2.”

Brick House – Commodores

Brick House (w/lyrics) ~ The Commodores

One of the all-time greatest funk songs is “Brick House” by Commodores.

Released in 1977, the song was an instant hit and has been a dance floor favorite for decades.

With its funky bass line and infectious groove, “Brick House” is simply impossible to resist. Its lyrics are about a woman who’s “built like a brick house.”

The song was Commodores’ first No. 1 single on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and it stayed there for three consecutive weeks.

Fire – Ohio Players

Ohio Players - Fire

“Fire” is a funk song written by Ohio Players.

Released in 1974, the song became an instant hit, and is now considered one of the greatest funk songs of all time.

With its heavy bassline and soulful vocals, “Fire” is sure to get you moving!

Its lyrics are about a woman who is consumed with desire and lust for a man, and she’s willing to physically burn in order to have him.

Low Rider – War

WAR - Low Rider (Official Video) [Remastered in 4K]

Low Rider by War is one of the best funk songs of all time.

Released in 1975, the song has a smooth, funky groove that’s impossible to resist.

With its catchy melody and infectious beat, Low Rider quickly became a favorite among funk fans and remains a classic today.

If you’re looking for a great funk song to get your groove on, be sure to check out LowRider- you won’t be disappointed!

Pick Up the Pieces – Average White Band

Average White Band - Pick Up The Pieces

“Pick Up the Pieces” by Average White Band is one of the all-time greatest funk songs.

Released in 1974, the song quickly became a hit, and it’s easy to see why.

The catchy melody, funky rhythms, and soulful vocals make for a perfect combination.

If you’re looking for a good funk song to get your groove on, this is it!

Its lyrics are about a breakup, and the singer is trying to pick up the pieces of their life.

Got to Give It Up Part I – Marvin Gaye

Marvin Gaye - Got To Give It Up - Lyrics - SANFRANCHINO

Released in 1977, Got to Give It Up Part I was one of Marvin Gaye’s biggest hits.

The song was funky and soulful, and it helped to define the funk genre.

Gaye’s smooth vocals and the song’s catchy melody make it a classic that is still enjoyed by listeners today.

Its lyrics are about partying and how love is the only thing that matters; these are still popular topics of discussion.

If you’ve never heard of this song, you’re missing out!

More Bounce to the Ounce Part I – Zapp & Roger

Zapp & Roger - More Bounce to the Ounce

More Bounce to the Ounce Part I by Zapp & Roger is one of the most iconic funk songs of all time.

Released in 1980, the song has been sampled by dozens of artists over the years, and it’s easy to see why- with its funky horns and infectious beat, it’s hard not to get up and dance when you hear it.

If you’re looking for a good old-fashioned funk jam, More Bounce to the Ounce is definitely worth a listen.

Jungle Boogie – Kool & The Gang

Kool & The Gang - Jungle Boogie (Soul Train 1974)

“Jungle Boogie” is a funk song by Kool & the Gang, released in 1973.

The song was written by Kool & the Gang and Ronald Bell, and produced by the group.

“Jungle Boogie” was the first single from the album Kool & the Gang, and became a hit, reaching number three on the Billboard R&B chart and number fifteen on the Billboard Hot 100.

The song has been covered by many artists, and was featured in the films Pulp Fiction and The Hangover.

Funky Drummer Parts I and II – James Brown

Funky Drummer (Pt. 1 & 2)

Funky Drummer Parts I and II are two of the most iconic funk songs of all time.

They were released in 1970 and 1971, respectively, and have been sampled by countless artists over the years.

Both songs are classic examples of James Brown’s signature funk style.

If you’re a fan of funk music, you definitely need to check these songs out!

Some people think that funk music has to be from the 1970s.

However, there are plenty of great funk songs that have been released in more recent years as well!

Here are 20 of the best funk songs ever- enjoy!