Essential funk rock listening

The albums that define funk rock.

Our picks for where to start with funk rock — with a one-line read on why each one matters.

The funk rock essentials

Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.

The Black Album

Prince

The Black Album

A provocative blend of funk, rock, and provocative lyrics that challenges societal norms and personal boundaries.

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No One Ever Really Dies

N.E.R.D.

No One Ever Really Dies

A vibrant fusion of hip-hop, rock, and funk that challenges norms while celebrating individuality and resilience.

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Tarzan – An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack

Phil Collins

Tarzan – An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack

A vibrant fusion of pop and world music, echoing themes of adventure and belonging through heartfelt melodies.

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Brother Bear – An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack

Phil Collins

Brother Bear – An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack

A heartfelt blend of pop and world music, echoing themes of nature and brotherhood through Phil Collins' emotive songwriting.

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Are You Gonna Go My Way

Lenny Kravitz

Are You Gonna Go My Way

A vibrant fusion of rock, funk, and soul that channels the spirit of classic music while pushing contemporary boundaries.

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5

Lenny Kravitz

5

A vibrant fusion of rock, funk, and soul, radiating an infectious energy and rhythmic groove.

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Overexposed

Maroon 5

Overexposed

A polished blend of pop and rock, featuring catchy hooks and glossy production that defined early 2010s mainstream music.

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Red Pill Blues

Maroon 5

Red Pill Blues

A polished blend of pop and funk rock that balances radio-friendly hooks with introspective lyrics.

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Automaton

Jamiroquai

Automaton

A vibrant fusion of funk and electronic elements that reflects a futuristic soundscape.

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A Funk Odyssey

Jamiroquai

A Funk Odyssey

A vibrant fusion of funky grooves and danceable beats that encapsulates early 2000s pop sensibilities.

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Definitive INXS

INXS

Definitive INXS

A vibrant collection blending catchy hooks with danceable grooves and emotive lyrics that defined a generation.

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Live Baby Live

INXS

Live Baby Live

High-energy live recordings amplify INXS's dance-rock anthems, merging funk grooves with soaring vocals in a vibrant concert atmosphere.

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Live Phish 07.15.03

Phish

Live Phish 07.15.03

Eclectic improvisations blend funk grooves and progressive rock explorations in a captivating live setting.

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Farmhouse

Phish

Farmhouse

A harmonious blend of alternative rock and funk, interwoven with intricate jams and reflective lyrics.

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Diamonds and Pearls

Prince

Diamonds and Pearls

A vibrant fusion of funk, R&B, and pop that showcases Prince's eclectic musical genius and lyrical depth.

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Let Me Touch Your Mind

Ike & Tina Turner

Let Me Touch Your Mind

A vibrant fusion of funk and soul that showcases Tina Turner's powerhouse vocals against Ike’s tight arrangements.

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The Hunter

Ike & Tina Turner

The Hunter

A vibrant fusion of blues, soul, and funk that showcases Ike and Tina's dynamic vocal interplay.

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