The albums that define
funk metal.
Our picks for where to start with funk metal — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top funk metal artists
Start with one of these.
The funk metal essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
Rage Against the Machine
Rage Against the Machine
A revolutionary blend of heavy riffs, hip-hop rhythms, and politically charged lyrics igniting a call to action.
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Incubus
If Not Now, When?
A contemplative blend of alternative rock and introspective lyrics set over lush instrumentation.
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Incubus
Light Grenades
A dynamic fusion of alternative rock and funk metal, layered with introspective lyrics and experimental sounds.
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Living Colour
Vivid
Funky grooves collide with heavy riffs, creating a vibrant fusion of rock, metal, and social commentary.
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Living Colour
Shade
A vibrant fusion of funk and metal, brimming with socio-political commentary and rhythmic intensity.
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Buckethead
Reunion
An eclectic blend of avant-garde jazz and experimental rock shaped by Buckethead's virtuosic guitar work and atmospheric soundscapes.
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Buckethead
Intelligence Failure
A sprawling auditory landscape merging chaotic experimental rock with reflective jazz-infused passages and unsettling ambient textures.
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Rage Against the Machine
Rage Against the Machine
Fierce guitar riffs and politically charged lyrics collide in a relentless sonic assault against oppression.
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Ugly Kid Joe
Uglier Than They Used Ta Be
A gritty blend of hard rock and alternative metal infused with a nostalgic edge and raw emotion.
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Ugly Kid Joe
Stairway to Hell
A gritty blend of hard rock and funk-infused melodies that captures the band's irreverent spirit.
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Sugar Ray
Lemonade and Brownies
A vibrant fusion of funk and metal, pulsing with playful energy and sharp lyrical wit.
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Sugar Ray
14:59
A sun-soaked blend of pop rock and funk metal that captures the carefree spirit of late '90s youth.
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Extreme
Extreme
A vibrant blend of funk-infused grooves and glam metal bravado, showcasing technical prowess and catchy hooks.
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Extreme
Take Us Alive
A vibrant fusion of hard rock and funk metal, electrified by soaring vocals and intricate guitar work.
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Fishbone
In Your Face
A frenetic blend of punk, funk, and ska that captures the raw energy of 1980s alternative music.
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Fishbone
Give a Monkey a Brain and He'll Swear He's the Center of the Universe
A frenetic blend of funk, punk, and rock that challenges societal norms with vibrant energy.
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