I Wanna Get Funky
Albert King · 1974
45 min · 9 tracks · blues
A vibrant fusion of electric blues and funk, driven by King’s expressive guitar work and soulful vocals.
Top tracks — play these first
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I Wanna Get Funky — The title track captures the album's spirit, blending funky grooves with King's signature blues style, setting the tone for the entire record.
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'til My Back Ain't Got No Bone — This track features a deep, emotive vocal delivery paired with intricate guitar solos that highlight King's ability to convey raw emotion through music.
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Crosscut Saw — A reimagining of one of King's classic hits, this version showcases a heavier funk influence while retaining its blues roots, making it a standout track.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album effectively blends blues and funk, showcasing strong musicianship and distinctive guitar work.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a title track that features a prominent horn section, establishing a funk groove that persists throughout.
- King's guitar solos often intertwine with the rhythm section, creating a call-and-response dynamic that enhances the funk influence.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- steady grooves for dancing
- dynamic peaks of raw energy
- soulful vocals with grit
- for a lively gathering
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification
- dislike extended instrumental sections
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1974, I Wanna Get Funky marked Albert King's transition into a more contemporary sound, following his earlier success with albums like Born Under a Bad Sign. At this point in his career, King was already an established blues icon, but this album signified his embrace of the funk genre, showcasing his versatility as an artist.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Freddie King· Otis Rush· Buddy Guy
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 I Wanna Get Funky 4:11
- 2 Playing on Me 3:26
- 3 Walking the Back Streets and Crying 6:30
- 4 ’til My Back Ain’t Got No Bone 7:32
- 5 Flat Tire 4:46
- 6 I Can’t Hear Nothing but the Blues 4:19
- 7 Travelin’ Man 2:54
- 8 Crosscut Saw 7:47
- 9 That’s What the Blues Is All About 3:54
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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