Toys cover

Toys

Funkadelic · 2008

51 min · 9 tracks · funk

A playful fusion of funk and experimentation, blending humor with social commentary across eclectic soundscapes.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Heart Trouble a.k.a. You Can't Miss What You Can't Measure Start here — This track opens the album with a narrative that critiques societal norms around love and loss, setting the tone for Funkadelic's bold exploration of complex themes.
  • →
    The Goose That Laid the Golden Egg — Infused with humor and social commentary, this track uses metaphor to explore themes of greed and exploitation, embodying the band's knack for satire.
  • →
    Slide on In (2nd Tune Olympic) — With its extended jam format, this track showcases Funkadelic's improvisational prowess and commitment to groove-driven exploration, making it a standout piece.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • infectious grooves for dancing
  • dynamic journey through moods
  • playful exploration of themes
  • wave-like pacing with intensity

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward, predictable tracks
  • seek instant gratification in music

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Revitalized interest in Funkadelic after a long hiatus, showcasing continued creativity.
Themes
societal norms critique· metaphorical greed· psychedelic funk revival
Career context
Released in 2008, Toys marked Funkadelic's first album in over two decades, arriving after a long hiatus following their last studio album, The Electric Spanking of War Babies. This period saw the band exploring new directions while maintaining their signature psychedelic funk sound, indicative of a legacy that had influenced countless artists since their peak in the 1970s.
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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Talk About Jesus

    The shift from personal introspection to broader social critique serves as a pivotal moment within the song's narrative arc.

    This transition highlights the duality of individual faith against collective struggles, effectively marrying personal experience with communal challenges.

Tracklist

  • 1 Heart Trouble a.k.a. You Can't Miss What You Can't Measure Start here 4:34
  • 2 The Goose That Laid the Golden Egg 5:39
  • 3 Vampy Funky Bernie (3rd Tune Olympic) 6:36
  • 4 Talk About Jesus 5:52
  • 5 Slide on In (2nd Tune Olympic) 10:49
  • 6 Stink Finger 3:20
  • 7 Magnififunk 6:07
  • 8 Wars of Armageddon (karaoke version) 6:06
  • 9 2 Dollars & 2 Dimes 1:58

What to play next

U.S. Music with Funkadelic
Listen next

U.S. Music with Funkadelic

2009

Continues the playful experimentation while expanding on social themes.
By Way of the Drum
Go back to

By Way of the Drum

2007

Sets the stage with a blend of funk and groove that leads into 'Toys'.
Full Funkadelic discography Where to start with Funkadelic Artists like Funkadelic Which Funkadelic albums to start with
funk

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

100 Days, 100 Nights

100 Days, 100 Nights

Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings

Combines playful funk grooves with sharp social commentary and a vibrant retro production aesthetic.

Musicology

Musicology

Prince

Merges humor and social critique with a funky, eclectic sound palette, reflecting a similar playful spirit.

Game Theory

Game Theory

The Roots

Explores societal themes through clever wordplay and diverse musical styles, echoing Funkadelic's experimental approach.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata