‘Papa’s got a brand new bag’ by James Brown
This was the first song from Get On Up that came across to me as musically brilliant. It is classic funk: the rhythm, by a drummer in the James Brown band, is one of the most sampled drum loops till date. The horn section does not conform to the vocals but plays a completely different melody. The singer sings, then the horn replies instead of harmonising with it. That is what makes Funk what it is — you can do anything.
‘September’ by Earth, Wind & Fire
This is a very groovy song. What makes it beautiful is the vocal arrangement, and its typical 1970s-1980s disco theme. It used to be the party song of its time.
‘Gust of Wind’ by Pharrell Williams
It is a mellow song; very orchestral. For a Funk group to have a violin piece that actually works is quite rare, and the violin loop here is beautiful. It is not a completely Funk number, but if I had to fit it into a genre, I would call it Soul Funk.
‘Chunky’ by Bruno Mars
This is one of the most modern renditions of funk. It has a lot of oomph, and is also the high note number in this album — in each of his albums, Bruno Mars has one song where he tries to hit the highest note he can. Its overtly sexual nature is something that is common throughout Funk songs, since it started out as a counterculture movement. Not caring what other people think, is part of the genre.
‘Alright’ by Kendrick Lamar
You have definitely heard this song being chanted — it is a Black Lives Matter anthem now. It caught my eye with its video about police brutality against the African-American community. The song revolutionised the portrayal of things happening in the US; the album ‘To Pimp A Butterfly’ shot Lamar into stardom. It is a beautiful song with a lot of Funk and Jazz influences.
We would love to know how you are keeping busy at home. Tell us what you are listening to at metro@hehindu.co.in.
