Top 40 Funk Albums of the 1970s
The 1970s marked a golden era for funk music, a genre that emerged from the vibrant cultural landscape of the time to captivate audiences with its infectious grooves, soulful melodies, and social commentary.
As disco fever swept the nation and as artists started to experiment with new sounds and styles, funk stood out as a dynamic force, pushing the boundaries of music and influencing generations to come.
In this exploration of the best funk albums of the 1970s, we delve into a diverse array of records that defined the era and shaped the future of music.
From the psychedelic “Maggot Brain” to the intergalactic funk odyssey of “Mothership Connection,” each album on our list offers a unique glimpse into the creative genius of its creators and the cultural zeitgeist of its time.
1. James Brown – “The Payback” (1973)
The Hardest Working Man in Show Business did it again with this funky masterpiece! “The Payback” is a non-stop groove machine, from the iconic intro to the blistering guitar riffs.
James Brown’s raspy vocals command your attention as the tight rhythms make you move. An essential classic!
2. Parliament – “Mothership Connection” (1975)
Funk royalty George Clinton and his P-Funk crew blasted off with this outrageous concept album about a mythical funk mothership.
From the immortal party anthem “Give Up the Funk” to the spacey odyssey “Mothership Connection,” it’s an audacious funk-rock-soul expedition like no other. All aboard the funk mobilization!
3. Sly & The Family Stone – “There’s a Riot Goin’ On” (1971)
A dark, gritty funk opus from Sly Stone that captured the turbulence of the times.
With its raw, lo-fi sound and Stone’s vulnerable vocals, it’s a deep dive into his psyche. Songs like “Family Affair” and “Runnin’ Away” exemplify the hard-hitting grooves and insightful social commentary.
4. Curtis Mayfield – “Superfly” (1972)
The soundtrack to the blaxploitation film is a towering funk-soul achievement. Mayfield paints vivid scenes of life in the hustle with his smooth yet gritty vocals over lush percussion grooves.
From the iconic title track to “Freddie’s Dead,” it’s a cinematic experience unto itself.
5. Earth, Wind & Fire – “That’s the Way of the World” (1975)
EW&F took their spiritually-guided funk-soul fusion to the stratosphere on this dance floor-filling LP.
The title track’s kalimba riff is iconic, while jams like “Shining Star” and “Reasons” blend jazz, funk, and African elements together effortlessly.
Pure ecstasy in musical form!
6. Funkadelic – “Maggot Brain” (1971)
The 10-minute guitar opus “Maggot Brain” alone makes this a funk landmark. But, really, the whole album is a wild psychedelic ride from the visionary George Clinton, packed with tripped-out grooves and free-form jams.
Weird and wonderful in equal measure.
7. Kool & The Gang – “Wild and Peaceful” (1973)
With this album, Kool & The Gang struck the perfect balance of gritty funk and sweet soul.
The mega-hit “Jungle Boogie” is an unstoppable groove, while cuts like “Hollywood Swinging” and “Funky Stuff” keep the dance floor popping.
Smooth yet raw at the same time.
8. Ohio Players – “Skin Tight” (1974)
The Ohio Players were at the peak of their powers on this sweat-drenched funk expedition. From the funky strut of “Skin Tight” to the seductive “Jive Turkey,” it’s an unrelentingly groovy slab of musicianship.
Prepare to get hot under the collar!
9. The Meters – “Rejuvenation” (1974)
The Meters were the ultimate funk tight-knit unit, locking into infectious grooves like a well-oiled machine.
“Rejuvenation” has them at their loosest and most playful, laying down irresistible rhythms colored with Big Easy flair.
10. Tower of Power – “Tower of Power” (1973)
Kick out the jams with this blazing debut album from the Oakland funk-soul titans!
The energy is sky-high as the 10-piece band’s punchy horns and gritty grooves make you move. Songs like “So Very Hard to Go” and “What Is Hip?” deliver the greasy soul-funk goods.
11. The Isley Brothers – “3+3” (1973)
The Isley Brothers reshaped their sound into a gritty, socially-conscious funk on this gem. From the anthemic title track to the sensual “That Lady,” they ride irresistible rhythms with their signature vocals.
A musically rich album from the soul legends.
12. Rick James – “Come Get It!” (1978)
The Rickster brought the funk party to town with this landmark debut! Packed with innuendo-laden grooves like “You and I” and “Mary Jane,” James’ raspy vocals add just the right amount of sleaze.
Essential for getting footloose!
13. Betty Davis – “Betty Davis” (1973)
This funk-rock queen’s debut is an unapologetically raunchy slab of primal funk.
From the libidinous “If I’m in Luck I Might Get Picked Up” to the speaker-shredding “Game Is My Middle Name,” Davis’ raspy howls match the music’s raw power.
14. Graham Central Station – “Release Yourself” (1974)
Sly & Robbie produced this eccentric funk-rock odyssey, resulting in an untamed, junkyard vibe. From the loose grooves to the punchy horns, it’s a freewheeling ride.
But tracks like “I Believe in You” show Central Station’s depth.
15. War – “The World Is a Ghetto” (1972)
War brought a gritty, streetwise vibe to their funk with this classic album.
The anthemic title track and “The Cisco Kid” are righteous grooves fueled by socially conscious lyrics. But they keep it loose too with jams like the breezy “Where Was You At.”
16. Bootsy’s Rubber Band – “Stretchin’ Out in Bootsy’s Rubber Band” (1976)
As part of Parliament-Funkadelic’s funk mob, Bootsy Collins was the master of the bubbly, playful groove.
His solo debut is a non-stop party with silly lyrics and rubbery basslines galore on cuts like “Psychoticbumpschool” and “Stretching Out.”
Impossible not to grin!
17. The Temptations – “All Directions” (1972)
The legendary Motown vocal group got revitalized with a heavy dose of funk on this gem.
“Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” is an epic soul-funk journey, while cuts like “Funky Music Sho’ Nuff Turns Me On” keep things loose and grooving.
This is the Temps at their grittiest!
18. Mandrill – “Mandrill” (1970)
This funk-rock troupe took as many influences as they could and blended it into their unique, worldly sound. The self-titled debut has it all, from Afro-Cuban rhythms to psychedelic jams to blistering guitar work.
An eclectic funk stew that’s endlessly funky.
19. Rufus Feat. Chaka Khan – “Rags to Rufus” (1974)
Before becoming the Queen of Funk, a young Chaka Khan made her presence felt on this hard-hitting album with Rufus. Her powerful pipes are the perfect match for the band’s heavy grooves, making every track an electrifying experience.
“You Got the Love” is just the tip of the iceberg.
20. Commodores – “Machine Gun” (1974)
With its rapid-fire rhythms and slick arrangements, this funk opus lives up to its intense title. But the Commodores balance it with sweet ballads too, showing their versatility.
It’s a nonstop thrill ride.
21. Brothers Johnson – “Right on Time” (1977)
The Brothers Johnson laid down some of the smoothest, most sophisticated funk of the 70s.
“Right on Time” is a masterclass, with tight rhythms and lush production surrounding gems like the title track and “Strawberry Letter 23.”
22. The Gap Band – “The Gap Band” (1977)
You can hear the family funk band’s Tulsa, Oklahoma roots in the down-home grooves of their debut.
From the infectious “Stand Up and Dance With Me” to the slinky “Knuckle Head Funkin,” The Gap Band brings an irresistible sense of fun to their tight instrumental work.
23. Average White Band – “AWB” (1974)
Don’t let the name fool you; these Scots could bring the funk with the best of them!
On their classic debut, AWB’s punchy grooves, gritty guitars, and soulful vocals blend together seamlessly on cuts like “Pick Up the Pieces” and the swampy “Nothing You Can Do.”
24. Cameo – “Cardiac Arrest” (1977)
With their unique mix of robotic funk, sweet harmonies, and off-kilter arrangements, Cameo were a breath of fresh air.
“Cardiac Arrest” has hits like “Rigor Mortis,” but deeper cuts like “Funk Funk” and “Post Mortem” showcase their quirky charm.
25. Brass Construction – “Brass Construction” (1975)
As the name implies, this funk outfit put brass front and center. But they tempered it with sleek arrangements and smooth vocals reminiscent of groups like The Ohio Players.
From the infectious “Love” to the party-starting “Movin’,” Brass Construction’s debut is a blast.
26. The O’Jays – “Ship Ahoy” (1973)
The Philly soul legends were firing on all cylinders for this gritty, funky album.
“For the Love of Money” has one of the most iconic intros ever, while jams like the title track showcase the group’s impeccable vocals riding hard-hitting grooves.
27. The Bar-Kays – “Money Talks” (1978)
Stax’s legendary house band came into their own with this funk/soul tour-de-force.
From the slick title track to the funky hit “Holy Ghost,” The Bar-Kays expertly blend tight arrangements, huge grooves, and socially conscious lyrics.
Memphis funk at its finest!
28. Con Funk Shun – “Secrets” (1977)
These funk masters from the Midwest put a little something extra in the groove.
“Secrets” has an irresistible mix of slinky rhythms, sweet vocal harmonies, and tight horn arrangements on cuts like the baby-making hit “Ffun” and the syncopated jam “DooWhaChaWannaDoo.”
29. Pleasure – “Dust Yourself Off” (1975)
This funk ensemble from Portland brought the party with their high-energy second album.
From front to back, it’s a sweat-soaked, hip-shaking extravaganza, from the relentless title track to the laid-back groover “Midnight at the Oasis.”
30. Roy Ayers Ubiquity – “Everybody Loves the Sunshine” (1976)
Vibraphonist extraordinaire Roy Ayers blended jazz, funk, and soul seamlessly on this sun-soaked delight.
Brimming with feel-good anthems like the title track and “Keep on Walking,” Ayers’ grooves are lush yet gritty, making you move while putting a smile on your face.
31. Lakeside – “Shot of Love” (1978)
This funk ensemble brought the heat on their second LP, with tight grooves and punchy horn lines anchored by Fred Lewis’ soulful pipes.
The cosmic funk of “Shot of Love” and the sensual “All the Way Live” are irresistibly groovy standouts.
32. Chocolate Milk – “Action Speaks Louder Than Words” (1975)
With a unique jazz-funk fusion sound, this one-of-a-kind group grooved hard on their debut.
From the explosive title track to the free-flowing “My Mind Is Hazy,” Chocolate Milk blended choppy rhythms, cosmic keys, and tight horn arrangements into pure bliss.
33. Slave – “Slave” (1977)
Right out of the gate, Slave delivered a funk powerhouse with their eponymous debut. The group rides massive beats and slick musicianship on tracks like “Slide” and “Screw Your Wig on Tite.”
Strap in for the funky ride with this hidden gem of the ‘70s.
34. Heatwave – “Too Hot to Handle” (1976)
Living up to their name, Heatwave brought an infectious and sizzling soulful funk sound on this classic.
The title track is an anthem, but cuts like the irresistible “All You Do Is Dial” and “Boogie Nights” keep things smokin’ hot from start to finish.
35. The Blackbyrds – “City Life” (1975)
As jazz-funk fusionists from Howard University, The Blackbyrds had unique sophistication.
Yet “City Life” is a deliciously gritty slab of funk, powered by heavy grooves and punchy horns on jams like the title track and “Rock Creek Park.”
36. Cymande – “Cymande” (1972)
This British collective took funk to uncharted territories by blending it with reggae, calypso, and African folk.
From the laid-back skank of “Bra” to the percolating “Zion I” and “The Message,” their self-titled effort is a kaleidoscope of global rhythms.
37. B.T. Express – “Do It (‘Til You’re Satisfied)” (1974)
B.T. Express kept things simple and let the thick grooves speak for themselves on their smash hit album.
Whether it’s the bumping title track or the irresistible funk workouts “This House Is Smokin’” and “Once You Get It,” this is pure get-down music.
38. The Jacksons – “Destiny” (1978)
Michael and his brothers signaled a new musical direction on this smooth-funk opus.
Cuts like “Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)” and “Destiny” still sizzle with youthful energy paired with tighter-than-tight grooves and sparkling production.
39. The Brothers Johnson – “Blam!” (1978)
George and Louis Johnson were masters of the sleek, ultra-stylish funk-pop sound.
“Blam!” delivers dancefloor fillers galore, like the hits “Ride-O-Rocket” and “Ain’t We Funkin’ Now” with their candy-coated grooves and impeccable musicianship.
Sheer funk sweetness!
40. Ohio Players – “Fire” (1974)
The Players were at their audacious, uninhibited best on this landmark LP. You can practically see the sweat dripping off nasty funk jams like “Smoke” and the proto-rap smash “Fire.”
Let the players get you heated up!