What makes Chicken Lickin' by Funk, Inc. notable?

The album is notable for its deep grooves and high-energy tracks that helped define the jazz-funk movement of the early 1970s. Its title track gained popularity on radio stations, contributing to the band's rise and cementing their reputation within the jazz community, even leading to performances at festivals across the U.S. When 'Chicken Lickin'' was released in 1972, Funk, Inc. was solidifying their place in the jazz-funk scene following their debut album in 1971. This sophomore effort showcased their growth as a band, blending tight instrumentation with rhythmic innovation, setting the stage for their continued influence in the genre.

How many songs are on Chicken Lickin'?

Chicken Lickin' has 6 tracks, running approximately 35 minutes.

Chicken Lickin'

Funk, Inc. · 1972

35 min · 6 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of jazz rhythms and soulful grooves, embodying a lively celebration of musical expression.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Chicken Lickin’ — This title track exemplifies the album's energetic spirit with infectious rhythms and improvisational flair, making it a staple in live performances.
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Let’s Make Peace and Stop the War — With its socially conscious message wrapped in an engaging groove, this track highlights the band's ability to blend musicality with meaningful themes.
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Running Away — This song features intricate arrangements and showcases the band’s tight harmonies and instrumental prowess, representing their unique sound well.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album showcases tight instrumentation and vibrant grooves, characteristic of early jazz-funk.

What we noticed

The album opens with a title track that features a prominent horn section and syncopated rhythms, establishing a lively groove.
Each track maintains a consistent tempo, with intricate interplay between the guitar and keyboards throughout.
The last two tracks introduce more complex arrangements, layering additional percussion that enhances the overall energy.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Let’s Make Peace and Stop the War

The verses articulate a desire for unity amidst societal strife through rhythmic repetition that emphasizes urgency and hope.

The call for peace juxtaposed with upbeat instrumentation creates a powerful contrast that enhances the message's impact.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Chicken Lickin’ 5:43
2 Running Away 6:38
3 They Trying to Get Me 4:41
4 The Better Half 6:40
5 Let’s Make Peace and Stop the War 5:31
6 Jung Bongo 6:22

What to play next

Listen next

Hangin' Out

1973

Go back to

Funk, Inc.

1971

Full Funk, Inc. discography Artists like Funk, Inc.

jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata