What makes Funk Is in the House by Walter "Wolfman" Washington notable?

Funk Is in the House received positive acclaim from critics for its energetic fusion of genres, contributing to the resurgence of funk-infused blues in the late 90s. Its title track became a staple in Washington's performances, solidifying his reputation as a dynamic live artist. In 1998, Walter 'Wolfman' Washington was in a significant phase of his career, having already established himself as a prominent figure in the New Orleans music scene. This album followed his acclaimed work with the band The Roadmasters and marked a continued evolution of his sound, emphasizing funk influences alongside traditional blues elements.

How many songs are on Funk Is in the House?

Funk Is in the House has 12 tracks, running approximately 57 minutes.

Funk Is in the House

Walter "Wolfman" Washington · 1998

57 min · 12 tracks · blues

A vibrant blend of blues and funk, layered with Washington's expressive guitar and soulful vocals that invite you to dance.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Funkyard — This track showcases Washington's ability to seamlessly blend funk rhythms with blues motifs, featuring an infectious groove that highlights his guitar prowess.
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I Stand Accused — A poignant ballad that displays Washington's emotive vocal delivery and lyrical depth, capturing the heartache and resilience prevalent in his songwriting.
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Wolf Funk — An instrumental showcase that pays homage to classic funk while allowing Washington's guitar skills to shine, embodying the spirit of the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album effectively blends blues and funk with strong instrumentation and engaging vocals.

What we noticed

The album opens with a mid-tempo track that sets a groove, followed by several tracks that progressively increase in tempo and energy.
Washington's guitar work features prominently, often taking the lead in instrumental breaks, while his vocals are layered with backing harmonies.
The title track is positioned towards the end of the album, serving as a climactic moment that encapsulates the fusion of funk and blues.

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: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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.

I Stand Accused

The verse transitions into a powerful confession of regret and longing, directly addressing a lost love with raw honesty.

This direct address intensifies emotional stakes within the song, creating an intimate connection through vulnerability rarely seen in other tracks.

Tracklist

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

1 Trials and Tribulations 3:52
2 Funkyard 4:59
3 I Stand Accused 6:16
4 Mary Ann 4:48
5 Please Come Back to Me 4:16
6 Wolf Funk 6:47
7 When the Answer Is Clear 5:38
8 Close the Door 5:57
9 The Big Easy 4:59
10 I'm in Love 3:54
11 Funk Is in the House 5:26
12 Cousin Joe 0:05

What to play next

Full Walter "Wolfman" Washington discography Artists like Walter "Wolfman" Washington

blues

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata