Is First Ya Gotta Shake the Gate a good place to start with Funkadelic?

Yes, First Ya Gotta Shake the Gate is recommended as a starting point for new Funkadelic listeners. A vibrant blend of funk grooves, playful lyrics, and experimental soundscapes that push musical boundaries. Released in 2014, First Ya Gotta Shake the Gate marked Funkadelic's first album in over a decade, following their previous release, The Electric Spanking of War Babies in 1979. The group, led by George Clinton, sought to reestablish their presence in the contemporary music scene while maintaining their classic funk essence. This album reflects a period of revitalization for the band amid changing musical landscapes.

Who is First Ya Gotta Shake the Gate for?

First Ya Gotta Shake the Gate works well if you're into wave-like pacing with peaks, exhilarating grooves for dancing and dynamic journey through sound.

How many songs are on First Ya Gotta Shake the Gate?

First Ya Gotta Shake the Gate has 33 tracks, running approximately 207 minutes.

Released 12 years ago this November

First Ya Gotta Shake the Gate

Funkadelic · 2014

207 min · 33 tracks · funk

A vibrant blend of funk grooves, playful lyrics, and experimental soundscapes that push musical boundaries.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Ain’t That Funkin’ Kinda Hard on You? — This track stands out for its infectious groove and clever lyrics that humorously address the challenges of life and love, encapsulating Funkadelic's signature style.
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Baby Like Fonkin’ It Up Start here — The opening track sets an energetic tone with its catchy rhythms and playful lyrics, inviting listeners into Funkadelic's world of fun and freedom.
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Nuclear Dog, Pt. II — This song showcases the band's experimental approach with intricate arrangements and layered sounds, reflecting their innovative spirit while pushing conventional boundaries.
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You Can’t Unring the Bell — This track combines poignant storytelling with a funky backdrop, demonstrating how Funkadelic weaves deeper themes into their music while still engaging listeners.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

57 /100

Foothills

Higher than 6% of albums we've rated

The album showcases Funkadelic's eclectic style but struggles with cohesion due to its numerous short tracks.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate spoken word elements and unconventional song structures, often shifting abruptly between themes and styles.
The production employs a wide range of instruments, including horns and synthesizers, contributing to its eclectic sound.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

wave-like pacing with peaks
exhilarating grooves for dancing
dynamic journey through sound
extended tracks for deep immersion
playful irreverence throughout the album

Maybe skip if you

prefer concise, standalone tracks
seek immediate gratification

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Revitalizes Funkadelic's sound after a long hiatus, connecting with fans and new listeners.
Themes: playful life challenges· contemporary funk revival· experimental soundscapes
Career context: Released in 2014, First Ya Gotta Shake the Gate marked Funkadelic's first album in over a decade, following their previous release, The Electric Spanking of War Babies in 1979. The group, led by George Clinton, sought to reestablish their presence in the contemporary music scene while maintaining their classic funk essence. This album reflects a period of revitalization for the band amid changing musical landscapes.
Stylistic neighbors: Parliament· Sly and the Family Stone· George Clinton

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

If I Didn’t Love You

The verse shifts perspective dramatically midway through, moving from introspective thoughts to a direct address that emphasizes emotional urgency.

This structural choice enhances the song's emotional impact by bridging personal reflection with a confrontational tone that deepens listener engagement.