What's Funk? cover

What's Funk?

Grand Funk Railroad · 1983

39 min · 10 tracks · hard rock

A hard rock exploration blending classic grooves with politically charged lyrics and dynamic instrumentation.

Why this album works

The album is significant for its blend of funk influences with rock, reflecting the genre's evolution in the early '80s. While it did not achieve major commercial success, it received attention for tracks like 'El Salvador,' which addressed political issues, showcasing the band's willingness to engage with contemporary social themes.
Best for
steady mid-tempo groove exploration politically charged lyrical themes engaging sing-along moments
Context
Released in January 1983, 'What's Funk?' was Grand Funk Railroad's ninth studio album, following a brief hiatus after their previous album, 'Good Singin', Good Playin'' (1976). This album marked their return to the studio after several years and showcased a shift towards a more polished sound while still retaining their hard rock roots.
Stylistic neighbors
Alice Cooper· Aerosmith· Holograf

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Rock & Roll American Style Standout 4:27
  • 2 Nowhere to Run 2:44
  • 3 Innocent 3:07
  • 4 Still Waitin’ Standout 4:17
  • 5 Borderline 2:58
  • 6 El Salvador Standout 4:05
  • 7 It’s a Man’s World 4:59
  • 8 I’m So True 4:09
  • 9 Don’t Lie to Me 4:30
  • 10 Life in Outer Space 4:18

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata