What makes It's a Funky Thing to Do by Hank Crawford notable?

The album received critical acclaim for its innovative sound, helping to pave the way for the smooth jazz movement that would gain traction in the coming years. Its title track became a notable staple in Crawford's repertoire, solidifying his status within the jazz community and influencing future artists who sought to blend genres. When 'It's a Funky Thing to Do' was released in 1971, Hank Crawford was establishing himself as a prominent saxophonist in the jazz and soul genres. This album followed his successful collaboration with Ray Charles and marked Crawford's continued evolution as a solo artist, showcasing his ability to fuse complex jazz harmonies with soulful melodies.

Who is It's a Funky Thing to Do for?

It's a Funky Thing to Do works well if you're into infectious grooves for dancing, vibrant energy for socializing and rich textures for deep listening.

How many songs are on It's a Funky Thing to Do?

It's a Funky Thing to Do has 7 tracks, running approximately 34 minutes.

It's a Funky Thing to Do

Hank Crawford · 1971

34 min · 7 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of jazz and soul that grooves with infectious rhythms and rich instrumental textures.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
It's a Funky Thing to Do — This track embodies the album's playful spirit with its infectious groove and showcases Crawford's expertise on the saxophone, making it an instant classic.
→
Parker's Mood — A tribute to Charlie Parker, this composition highlights Crawford's deep respect for jazz traditions while infusing a contemporary soulfulness that defines his style.
→
Sophisticated Soul — With its lush arrangements and smooth vocals, this track exemplifies the seamless integration of jazz sophistication and soulful expression throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong grooves and rich instrumental textures, characteristic of early smooth jazz.

What we noticed

The album opens with a title track that features a strong, repetitive groove and prominent saxophone melodies, setting a lively tone.
Each track maintains a consistent mid-tempo feel, with rhythmic variations that keep the listener engaged without drastic shifts in pace.

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: 6/10
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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

infectious grooves for dancing
vibrant energy for socializing
rich textures for deep listening
soulful melodies for relaxation

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification
prefer standalone tracks only

Where this album fits

Career context: When 'It's a Funky Thing to Do' was released in 1971, Hank Crawford was establishing himself as a prominent saxophonist in the jazz and soul genres. This album followed his successful collaboration with Ray Charles and marked Crawford's continued evolution as a solo artist, showcasing his ability to fuse complex jazz harmonies with soulful melodies.
Stylistic neighbors: David Sanborn· Maceo Parker· Eddie Harris

Tracklist

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

1 It's a Funky Thing to Do 3:31
2 If Ever I Should Leave You 4:30
3 Hills of Love 5:14
4 Sophisticated Soul 4:35
5 You're the One 4:20
6 Parker's Mood 6:21
7 Kingsize Man 5:54

What to play next

Listen next

Help Me Make It Through the Night

1972

Go back to

The Best of Hank Crawford

1970

Full Hank Crawford discography Artists like Hank Crawford

jazz soul

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata