Parliament

Parliament

doo-wop, funk

United States

"Dense layers of rhythm intertwine with playful grooves and expansive arrangements, creating an irresistible urge to move."

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Mothership Connection

Mothership Connection

1975
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Career Arc

Parliament's discography from 1970 to 2018

1970 1994 2018
Osmium (1970) Up for the Down Stroke (1974) Testify (1974) The Goose (1974) Mothership Connection (1975) Chocolate City (1975) The Clones of Dr. Funkens... (1976) Give Up the Funk (Tear th... (1976) P. Funk (Wants to Get Fun... (1976) Do That Stuff (1976) Mothership Connection (St... (1976) Funkentelechy Vs. the Pla... (1977) Live: P-Funk Earth Tour (1977) Fantasy Is Reality (1977) Bop Gun (Endangered Speci... (1977) Dr. Funkenstein (1977) Motor Booty Affair (1978) Flash Light (1978) Funkentelechy (1978) Gloryhallastoopid (1979)
Parliament redefined the possibilities of funk, crafting a sound that resonated deeply within the cultural landscape of the 1970s. Their influence extended beyond music, shaping the ethos of an era marked by social upheaval and celebration.
Parliament redefined the possibilities of funk, crafting a sound that resonated deeply within the cultural landscape of the 1970s. Their influence extended beyond music, shaping the ethos of an era marked by social upheaval and celebration. By weaving together playful experimentation with socially conscious themes, they created a sonic playground where listeners could find both joy and reflection. The band approached music as a communal experience, drawing from a collective of musicians and creators that pushed traditional boundaries. This collaborative spirit fostered an environment ripe for innovation, where rhythmic grooves intertwined with bold, theatrical performances. Their experiments with sound—melding intricate bass lines, brass sections, and synthesizers—generated a vibrant atmosphere that captured the imagination of audiences and transformed live shows into immersive experiences. Lyrically, Parliament often explores themes of identity, freedom, and cosmic consciousness through a lens that balances humor and sincerity. Their storytelling is rich with allegory, using fantastical imagery to highlight real-world issues while maintaining a joyous tone. This ability to blend weighty topics with a celebratory approach allows listeners to engage emotionally while dancing to infectious rhythms.

Full discography

Parliament's albums in order, from earliest releases to latest.

33 releases • 19 albums • 1970–2018
Type:

Singles ()

Sale of the Century album by Parliament

Sale of the Century

1996

Aqua Boogie (A Psychoalphadiscobetabioaquadoloop) album by Parliament

Aqua Boogie (A Psychoalphadiscobetabioaquadoloop)

1979

Party People album by Parliament

Party People

1979

Flash Light album by Parliament

Flash Light

1978

Funkentelechy album by Parliament

Funkentelechy

1978

Fantasy Is Reality album by Parliament

Fantasy Is Reality

1977

Bop Gun (Endangered Species) album by Parliament

Bop Gun (Endangered Species)

1977

Dr. Funkenstein album by Parliament

Dr. Funkenstein

1977

Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof off the Sucker) album by Parliament

Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof off the Sucker)

1976

P. Funk (Wants to Get Funked Up) album by Parliament

P. Funk (Wants to Get Funked Up)

1976

Do That Stuff album by Parliament

Do That Stuff

1976

Mothership Connection (Star Child) album by Parliament

Mothership Connection (Star Child)

1976

Testify album by Parliament

Testify

1974

The Goose album by Parliament

The Goose

1974

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Timeline

How their sound evolved over time

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Parliament sound like?

Dense layers of rhythm intertwine with playful grooves and expansive arrangements, creating an irresistible urge to move. Rooted in funk and doo-wop. Start with Mothership Connection.

What is the best Parliament album to start with?

The best album to start with is "Mothership Connection" (1975). It's the most representative of what makes Parliament worth hearing.

Who is Parliament for?

If you're into funk and doo-wop, Parliament is worth your time. Dense layers of rhythm intertwine with playful grooves and expansive arrangements, creating an irresistible urge to move.

How many albums does Parliament have?

Parliament has 33 releases in their discography, including 19 albums.

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