The soul/funk era was the era of vynl records. The record player was what made the music that was stamped onto these vynl plates, unique. The dance floor showed which songs had the most approval by audiences.
In an era when good music was marked by human creativity, a lot of the your favorite songs became timeless classic running through generations of listeners.
This list includes some of the most iconic and influential soul and funk tracks that shaped the genre, complete with their release years! With 50 of the Best Soul/Funk Songs, welcome to a world of music from past years that had the audience dancing.
Years later, that same audience reminisces on those good times of their youth, wondering if such timeless funk and soul hits will ever be made again.
50 Best Soul/Funk Songs playlist and release dates
1. Superstition – Stevie Wonder (1972)
2. Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag – James Brown(1965)
3. Let’s Stay Together – Al Green (1972)
4. I Want You Back – The Jackson 5 (1969)
5. Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell(1967)
6. September – Earth, Wind & Fire (1978)
7. Pick Up the Pieces – Average White Band (1974)
8. Give Up the Funk – Parliament (1975)
9. Tell Me Something Good – Rufus & Chaka Khan (1974)
10. Rock Steady – Aretha Franklin (1971)
11. Move On Up – Curtis Mayfield (1970)
12. Shining Star – Earth, Wind & Fire (1975)
13. Jungle Boogie – Kool & The Gang (1973)
14. Got to Give It Up – Marvin Gaye (1977)
15. Family Affair – Sly & The Family Stone (1971)
16. What’s Going On – Marvin Gaye (1971)
17. Flash Light – Parliament (1977)
18. Get Down on It – Kool & The Gang (1981)
19. The Payback – James Brown (1973)
20. If You Want Me to Stay – Sly & The Family Stone (1973)
21. You Make Me Feel Like Dancing – Leo Sayer (1976)
22. Love and Happiness – Al Green (1972)
23. Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Babe – Barry White (1974)
24. Use Me – Bill Withers (1972)
25. She’s a Bad Mama Jama – Carl Carlton (1981)
26. Clean Up Woman – Betty Wright (1971)
27. Funky Stuff – Kool & The Gang (1973)
28. Give Me the Night – George Benson (1980)
29. Back in Love Again – L.T.D. (1977)
30. Do I Do – Stevie Wonder (1982)
31. Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin) – Sly & The Family Stone (1969)
32. Ain’t Nobody – Chaka Khan (1983)
33. Best of My Love – The Emotions (1977)
34. Let’s Groove – Earth, Wind & Fire (1980)
35. Funky Nassau – The Beginning of the End (1971)
36. Slippery When Wet – The Commodores (1975)
37. Who Is He (And What Is He to You)? – Bill Withers (1972)
38. Right Place, Wrong Time – Dr. John (1973)
39. Be Thankful for What You Got – William DeVaughn (1974)
40. Hollywood Swinging – Kool & The Gang (1974)
41. I Can’t Stand the Rain – Ann Peebles (1973)
42. Soul Man – Sam & Dave (1967)
43. Dance to the Music – Sly & The Family Stone (1967)
44. Boogie Wonderland – Earth, Wind & Fire (1979)
45. Express Yourself – Charles Wright & The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band(1970)
46. I Got You (I Feel Good) – James Brown (1965)
47. Car Wash – Rose Royce (1976)
48. Get Ready – The Temptations (1966)
49. Me and Mrs. Jones – Billy Paul (1972)
50. Mr. Big Stuff – Jean Knight (1971)
This playlist may not include all the genre's top classic hits. However if you think that a song must be on the list but isn't included, just drop the name of the song, the artist and the year the song was released.
All songs can be found on some of your favorite music platforms such as,
Spotify
Youtube Music
SoundCloud
Apple Music, and so many more.
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