Expand Your Palette With These 3 Legendary Funk Rock Songs

These funk rock songs will expand your palette if you don’t normally listen to them. They will appeal to listeners of all persuasions, igniting a love for danceable rock music with a soulful edge.

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“Let’s Go Crazy” — Prince

Odds are you’ve heard this song plenty of times, but revisit it with a honed focus on its funk elements. This song is guaranteed to make you dance. If you can stay still during it, you’re a rare breed. The bassline and synth elements are insatiable. It’s the epitome of funk’s effects.

“If you don’t like / The world you’re living in / Take a look around / At least you got friends,” the electrifying lyrics read. Whether you’ve heard this song a million times or haven’t ever really taken the time to digest it, it’s worth revisiting.

“Give It Away” — Red Hot Chili Peppers

Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Give It Away” is the epitome of funk rock. The bassline is as groovy as it gets. Paired with the powerhouse drums, it makes for a song you have to at least bob your head to.

“What I got, you got to give it to your mamma / What I got, you’ve got to give it to your pappa / What I got, you got to give it to your daughter / You do a little dance, and then you drink a little water,” the lyrics read. This is a song about generosity, but it’s hard to really hone in on that message because the backing beat is so delectable.

“Slippery People” — Talking Heads

“What about the time you were rollin’ over? / Fall on your face, you must be having fun / Walk lightly, think of a time / You’d best believe this thing is real,” the lyrics to Talking Heads’ “Slippery People” read. In this song, the band leans into funk rock with a driving bassline and danceable synth tones. It’s a little different for the band, but these art rockers pulled it off perfectly.

“Don’t play no games (He’s alright) / Love from the bottom to the top / Turn like a wheel (He’s alright) / See for yourself (The Lord won’t mind) / We’re gonna move (Right now),” the religious-coded lyrics read. It’s quite a heady song for such a sanguine beat. But that juxtaposition is what makes this song special and enticing.

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