20 Best Funk Albums of 2024

2024 had a wealth of funk albums and once again, the faces of funk continue to deviate from its core 70’s and 80’s “on the one” formula”.

AS ALWAYS, here is our pre-amble. It’s GREATLY IMPORTANT that YOU realize that your favorite funk album of 2024 might not be here because a) we only pick 20 (plus some bonuses), b) it may not have been released in 2024, c) it was a good album, but had very little funk on it, or d) we haven’t even heard of it. So if we missed it, PLEASE share it in the comments area below. There are always some unintentional omissions. Lastly, while some links below are affiliate links, so that we can also get credit for sharing this awesome music with you, our decisions are based on the music quality, not kickbacks.

So here they are! The 2024 funk albums listed below which are not listed in ANY numerical order. This is NOT a countdown. They are all funky and if it’s on this page, it’s worth your time! Here we go!

Bernie Worrell – Wave From the WOOniverse
(Check It Out Here | Artist Website)

Bernie Worrell is consistently on most keyboardists list as one of the most influential to ever do it. He has graced many Parliament and Funkadelic albums and it has an iconic keyboard riff, it was probably Bernie behind the keys. And if he wasn’t funking it up, he was strategically placed on legendary albums like Stop Making Sense from Talking Heads, Fela Kuti, Ginger Baker, and many others.

Wave from the WOOniverse is a 2024 Record Store release that is a collection of archived sessions that Bernie that he had conducted over the years and recorded on 2-inch analog tape. The tracks were lovingly put together for this compilation and hand picked to insure quality funk front to back. Produced by Evan Taylor, the album features artists like Mike Watt (Minutemen, Porno for Pyros), Binky Griptite (Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings), Fred Schneider (The B-52’s), Sean Ono Lennon, Bootsy Collins, Marco Benevento (Joe Russo’s Almost Dead), and more. There’s also a previously unreleased Funkadelic track entitled, “Contusion”. So why are you still reading? Press play.

The Rumble featuring Chief Joseph Boudreaux –
Stories From the Battlefield
(Check It Out Here | Artist Website)

The Rumble feat. Chief Joseph Boudreaux Jr. is Mardi Gras Indian Funk ensemble based out of New Orleans representing the Black Masking Indian community. The Rumble is fronted by Grammy-nominated singer Chief Joseph Boudreaux Jr. for the legendary Golden Eagle Indian tribe.

Back in 2021, Cha Wa‘s also landed on our list which featured 6 of The Rumble band members who have multiple Grammy nominations and shared stages with bands like Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Dumpstaphunk, Neville Brothers, and many more. Stories From the Battlefield is their studio debut album, which further solidifies their NOLA funk roots from their live debut last year. You have to listen.

Tha Skunk Mob – The Firmament
(Check It Out Here | Artist Website)

Tha Skunk Mob is back with a brand new album continuing the Parliament Funkadelic tradition of fuzzy, buzzy, bass and keys. They intentionally craft the sound to replicate that 70’s funk and typically always bring on Parliament DNA to legitimize each release with this one featuring Tra’Zae Clinton.

Tha Skunk Mob (previously known as Tha P Union) stayed the course with their sound and seemingly always find their way onto our Best Funk lists if only because they stay true to the sound, which is paramount. If you like your funk stinky, come on over and smell their finger and be warned that it’s a big doo doo bomb and they peed all over it. But remember, you got to put your sunglasses on. That’s the law around here.

Mononeon – Quilted Stereo
(Check It Out Here | Artist Website)

Mononeon always embraced his marketing not just with his cutting edge bass style, but also through his unusual tripped-out neon outfits and iconic sock on the neck of his bass guitar. This time around he dons an outfit made from quilts and loves it so much that he named his album Quilted Stereo.

Quilted Stereo is one of his most consistent thematic albums in years with front to back funk tracks. It also has guest appearances from Parliament founder George Clinton and even a song showcasing Mavis Staples. And the album still features his renowned silly and quirky lyrical content that even further solidifies his alignment with all things that define Clinton-esque funk.

High Fade – Life’s Too Fast
(Check It Out Here | Artist Website)

I can honestly say that I have been actively pushing this amazing frenetic funk band from London going by the name of High Fade. They found their way on last years list in the bonus section with their EP and now they’ve dropped their first ever full album entitled Life’s Too Fast.

What is endearing about High Fade is their infectious energy. My previous comparison of the early days of The Police still stands. It’s the same bundle of energy that’s the equivalent of being on a high dose of caffeine, but dialed in like Adderall. The funk is precise and loose and detonates on every track. Watch them closely and just know that I told you so.

Fantastic Negrito – Son of a Broken Man
(Check It Out Here | Artist Website)

The multiple Grammy winning Xavier Dphrepaulezz better known as Fantastic Negrito has done it again with a groundbreaking new album that touches on a wide variety of influences that fall somewhere between Jack White and Lenny Kravitz on this release with some rowdy screaming to boot.

Son of a Broken Man is loud and rowdy, delivering a raw funk energy that’s reminiscent of The Black Crowes showcasing a growly southern flair that is steeped in the bayou. The entire album is focused on his poor relationship with his parents with lyrical drops like “I’m gonna run away from you because you treat me so bad,” “Mamma did not like me /Daddy did not like me … Mama left me /Daddy gone/All my friends done dumped me/Now I’m all alone,”. It doesn’t get more raw than this.

The Motet – Love Time
(Check It Out Here | Artist Website)

The Motet is a super solid funk that has been funking out of Denver for over 2 decades. The band has seen many faces with a wide variety of premier vocalists donning the mike over the years including Lyle Divinsky and Jans Ingber.

Now they seem to have found the perfect complement to their sound with the amazing clean and strong feminine energy of Sarah Clarke who brings that true London-esque vibe that lives and breathes early Brand New Heavies. The songs are crisp and clean and bring a refreshing blend of easily accessible bright pop funk radio hits and proving once again why they have survived for 20+ years in this rough and tumble industry.

Saoul – ElectricPeachyCoCoFuzz
(Check It Out Here | Artist Website)

While Saoul‘s last album Popsicle had (probably unintentional) nods Van Hunt due to its quirky chord changes and unusual vocal quirks, Saoul‘s brand new album ElectricPeachyCocoFuzz seems to have a wealth of intentional nods to Prince and all things purple, even down to the name. Think Prince‘s songs Electric Intercourse, Peach, and Coco Boys. Everything about this album manages to scream purple influences down to his look, his spoken dialogue, segues, and frequent chord changes.

All that being said, this album is fantastic and you can’t even be mad. It is filled with extraordinary song writing, lyrics, and vibes. Even the bizarre tracks like Hump U seem to be reaching hard, but still manage to land a perfect aural punch that make it a great track. The album is filled with one bumping song after another. One of my favorite albums of the year for sure.

Cliff Beach – Beach Please
(Check It Out Here | Artist Website)

Cliff Beach‘s latest album, Beach Please, released in October 2024, marks a dynamic return to his funk roots following his earlier jazz project, You Showed Me The Way. The album comprises 11 tracks—10 originals and a distinctive cover of Michael Jackson‘s The Way You Make Me Feel—structured as a three-part suite that delves into themes of love, heartbreak, and self-redemption.

Transitioning into the depths of heartache, Beach’s soulful expression is complemented by bluesy undertones and jazz-inflected grooves. The album culminates in a journey toward self-love and empowerment, highlighted by the single The Work, which encapsulates Beach’s philosophy of relentless hustle and determination. It’s a great album that is worthy of its place here.

Watermelon Funk – Afrodesiac
(Check It Out Here | Artist Website)

Watermelon Funk brings the funk yet again with more those great funk riffs and keyboard sounds of the Funkadelic era. Led by the mastermind, Deshawn D’vibes Alexander (Kingfish, Marcus King), he once again legitimizes that P-Funk DNA by working with Garrett Shider (son of the late legendary Parliament guitarist Garry Shider aka Diaperman) who helps to lend a wealth of credence to their sound. Also rounding off the group is Kevin Goins, Brittney Beckett, BQuiz, and others.

D’Vibes maintained the same winning formula as their previous album recapturing that Parliament sound. Trombonist Greg Boyer (not on this album) noted on Funkatopia Live that Garrett Shider‘s vocals was so reminiscent of his father that it nearly brought him to tears. And putting this album on your turntable will bring you to the dancefloor.

Lenny Kravitz – Blue Electric Light
(Check It Out Here | Artist Website)

Lenny Kravitz‘s twelfth studio album, Blue Electric Light showcases his enduring ability to blend rock, funk, and soul into a cohesive and vibrant collection. The album opens with It’s Just Another Fine Day (In This Universe of Love) featuring lush instrumentation and uplifting lyrics that hearken back to his debut album Let Love Rule. While tracks like TK421 and Paralyzed highlight Kravitz’s knack for crafting infectious grooves, with the former channeling Prince-like funk.

There aren’t any other artist on this list besides Lenny Kravitz that can brag about being on recording with Prince (background vocals on Dolphin), recording many hours of session work, and also performing live with his purple majesty (Rave Un2 the Year 2000). And this is his first album in a while that really maintains a strong cohesive feel front to back which reaffirms Kravitz’s status as a versatile artist capable of traversing genres and still maintaining his signature sound.

The New Mastersounds – Old School
(Check It Out Here | Artist Website)

The New Mastersounds have been on our list multiple times and for good reason. Their new release, Old School, encapsulates the band’s signature fusion of funk, soul-jazz, and classic R&B, delivering a collection of ten instrumental tracks that pay homage to their musical roots. Recorded during a rainy week in July 2023 at keyboardist Joe Tatton‘s studio in the English Peak District, the album exudes an organic vibe, highlighting the quartet’s seamless interplay and individual prowess.

Guitarist Eddie Roberts complements Tatton’s organ leads with crisp, rhythmic riffs, where his interplay with the rhythm section—bassist Pete Shand and drummer Simon Allen—creates infectious grooves that are both tight and dynamic. Overall, Old School stands as a testament to The New Mastersounds‘ dedication to authentic, unadulterated funk and soul-jazz, offering listeners a fresh yet nostalgically resonant experience that underscores the band’s enduring appeal in the contemporary music scene.

Cory Wong – Starship Syncopation
(Check It Out Here | Artist Website)

Cory Wong‘s album, Starship Syncopation, is a vibrant collaboration with the Netherlands-based Metropole Orkest, conducted by Jules Buckley. This project seamlessly blends Wong‘s signature funk and jazz guitar stylings with rich orchestral arrangements, resulting in a dynamic fusion that elevates both elements. The album features ten tracks, each showcasing the synergy between Wong‘s rhythmic precision and the Orkest‘s expansive soundscapes.

Throughout the album, Wong‘s guitar work is both technically proficient and emotionally resonant, while the Metropole Orkest provide a versatile backdrop that ranges from cinematic expansiveness to tight, rhythmic interplay. Starship Syncopation stands as a testament to Wong’s innovative approach to genre fusion and his ability to craft engaging, multifaceted compositions.

Orgōne – Chimera
(Check It Out Here | Artist Website)

Orgōne‘s Chimera, very bluntly is a frigging masterpiece. From the funk undertones to the warbly droning jam session that put you in a trippy headspace. It’s just magic that showcases the Los Angeles-based ensemble’s mastery in blending funk, soul, Afrobeat, and psychedelic influences into a cohesive and dynamic sound. The album opens with an instrumental track called Hallowed Dreams that sets a hypnotic tone with its spacey keys and boom-bap drums, while the entire album delivers smooth soul vibes with synths and guitars weaving around grooves that channel their go-to ’70s jam aesthetic.

Chimera further demonstrates Orgōne‘s prowess in creating infectious grooves through retro funk vibes, vibrating keys, echoing guitar strums, resulting in a perfect perky pocket groove that will captivate listeners of all the faces of funk. Chimera is a testament to Orgōne‘s evolution as a band and this album proves they are at a very high peak of creativity right now.

Electro Deluxe – Next
(Check It Out Here | Artist Website)

Electro Deluxe‘s album, Next, marks a significant evolution in the French ensemble’s fusion of jazz, funk, soul, and hip-hop. This is their seventh studio release featuring collaborations with notable artists, including saxophonist Candy Dulfer (Nakie Nakie), Swedish trombonist Nils Landgren (Next),” and legendary trombonist Fred Wesley (Wanna Have A Good Time!) which help contribute to the start-to-finish funk party.

Electro Deluxe has crossed the bridge to a refined maturity, bringing us old school funk jams. The band’s meticulous attention to detail is evident in the intricate arrangements and polished production, resulting in an album that appeals to both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

PTFI – Put Your Foot on the Rock
(Check It Out Here | Artist Website)

While Phillip Jones aka Phil The Funky Instrumentalist aka PTFI has multiple albums under his belt including work with other musicians, he managed stayed under the radar for a good bit of his career. But that’s about to change as he spotlights his funk prowess with this collection of amazing tracks for this release, Put Your Foot on the Rock.

PTFI utilizes the tried and true funk elements from all of the masters including Funkadelic, Cameo, Zapp, and many more. The end result is a literal grab bag of every facet of synth funk that exists and stirred up in a huge cauldron of funkafied gumbo spanning across 3 generations of funk styles. This is a worthy inclusion on this list and it deserves to place Phil onto a much bigger stage than he’s been given in the past.

Nubiyan Twist – Find Your Flame
(Check It Out Here | Artist Website)

I am excessively happy that I discovered the U.K. band Nubiyan Twist and their fourth album, Find Your Flame. It is a full-frontal fusion of jazz, soul, Afrobeat, and R&B. It features Sheffield-based vocalist Aziza Jaye who affectionately reminds me of Brand New Heavies N’dea Davenport with her patois-infused delivery that brings a perfect jazzy inflection to the overall sound.

The album also features collaborations with Nile Rodgers (Lights Out) as well as Seun Kuti (Carry Me) to even further commit to Afrobeat roots and bring some serious flavor. Produced by guitarist and producer Tom Excell, it is is meticulously crafted with songs filled with energetic rhythms and sharp horn arrangements. Nubiyan Twist‘s diverse global musical influences are showcased across the entirety of the album that should easily bring them fans from all corners of the world and especially in Funkatopia.

Nikka Costa – Dirty Disco
(Check It Out Here | Artist Website)

Nikka Costa‘s new album, Dirty Disco, marks her full-blown return to her funk and soul roots that is sure to drive people to the dance floor. Nikka definitely lets her freak flag fly and puts her dynamic vocals on full display that certainly explains why Prince was such a huge fan. While I had some trepidation that the album would maintain its funk leaning vibe for the entirety of the album, I was pleasantly pleased and just how solidly funk filled this album is.

Throughout the album, Nikka Costa seamlessly blends elements of disco, funk, and soul that creates a soundscape that somehow magically is both nostalgic and fresh at the same time. Tracks like Glitter in My Tears and Satellite Girl highlight her ability to craft memorable melodies, but she makes sure she finishes strong with what you came for by slamming the album closed with an extended late night dance floor jam. Nikka Costa is 100% back baby! Not that she ever went anywhere.

Ghost-Note – Mustard N’ Onions
(Check It Out Here | Artist Website)

Ghost-Note‘s album, Mustard n’ Onions delivers an expansive 15-track collection that elevates their signature fusion of funk, jazz, and R&B. Co-led by Snarky Puppy alumni drummer Robert “Sput” Searight and percussionist Nate Werth, the album showcases the group’s evolution over a six-year hiatus since their previous release.

It kicks off with the high-energy opening homage to James Brown, JB’s Out! (Do It Babay) and adorned with track collaborations like Grandma’s Curtains with blues-rock guitarist Eric Gales, Yellow Dan with slap bassist of Marcus Miller, and Karl Denson donning flute on Move With a Purpose. From front to back, it is a non-stop relentless groove with diverse sonic landscapes. Mustard n’ Onions is a testament to Ghost-Note‘s commitment to pushing the boundaries of funk.

The Black Mamba – Last Night in Amsterdam
(Check It Out Here | Artist Website)

The Black Mamba‘s 2024 album, Last Night in Amsterdam, is a masterpiece complete with an overarching storyline of our protagonist Nando who gets a second chance at life, but loses his mojo in the process. The album captures imagery of the band’s experiences in Amsterdam, and the city’s bohemian spirit. All done through a musical lens that is a fusion of soul, funk, and blues.

The album’s storyline is well acted and humorous and really shines a spotlight on their attention to detail to create an engaging, even if silly, theme. The album also sparkles with tracks like the instrumental Kathmandu featuring Jorge Pardo and Rão Kyao, further painting their movie score. The Black Mamba‘s tight instrumentation and Pedro Tatanka‘s expressive vocals create a cohesive journey that pays tribute to Amsterdam’s eclectic nightlife and the band’s own artistic evolution.

SURPRISE BONUSES!
REMASTERS AND LIVE SHOW MUST HAVES!

The Bonus area is designed for remasters and live shows. 2024 brings you FIVE bonuses. It’s the bonuses you never knew you needed. But you do.

Various Artists – Ayo Ke Disco: Boogie, Pop & Funk from the South China Sea (1974-88)
(Check It Out Here | Artist Website)

Ayo Ke Disco is a vibrant compilation released by Soundway Records curated by DJ and general manager Alice Whittington, also known as Norsicaa. The 10 track collection delves into Western disco, funk, and soul coming from countries including Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand released during the 1970s and 1980s.

Some highlights include Dahaga by Malaysian singer Fatimah Razak blending sensual vocals with a backdrop of horns, electric guitar, and gendang, and then the funky Pinoy Funk by Filipino drummer Jun Regalado that incorporates the gong chime kulintang (Google it). The album accentuates the era’s danceable grooves and the physical copy actually includes an informative zine that provides cultural context to accompany the musical journey to shed light on a dynamic period in Southeast Asian music history.

Lettuce – Live in Tokyo (Remastered)
(Check It Out Here | Artist Website)

If you’ve never experienced Lettuce in concert, you should add it to your bucket list. Lettuce has over 2 decades of funk and all of its members past and present are considered OG’s in the funk jam band universe featuring bassist Erick “Jesus” Coomes, saxophonist Ryan Zoidis, guitarist Adam “Shmeeans” Smirnoff, drummer Adam Deitch, keyboardist & vocalist Nigel Hall and trumpeter Eric “Benny” Bloom.

This Tokyo performance was originally released in 2004 and showcases the band’s tight musicianship and their ability to captivate audiences blending funk, jazz, and soul. Even songs that had a beautiful shelf life as studio releases get refurbished and given 2nd lives with exciting renditions and the remastering of these tracks bring each instrument to life with crisp and clear cut clarity.

Dumpstaphunk – Live at the 2023 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
(Check It Out Here | Artist Website)

Dumpstaphunk‘s Live at the 2023 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, fully captures the band’s electrifying performance at the renowned NOLA festival.

The album features 11 tracks, including fan favorites like Deeper, Justice, and a dynamic cover of Tower of Power‘s Soul Vaccination. The recording showcases Dumpstaphunk‘s signature blend of funk, soul, and rock, highlighting their tight musicianship and the vibrant energy of their live shows. This release serves as a testament to the band’s enduring presence in the New Orleans music scene and their ability to deliver compelling live performances.

Various Artists – Eccentric Soul: The Shoestring Label
(Check It Out Here | Artist Website)

Eccentric Soul: The Shoestring Label delves into the catalog of Howard Neal‘s Shoestring Records, which was a small, modest label from Alton, Illinois which operated out of a basement studio near the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. Neal produced a limited selection of singles between the late 1970s and early 1980s, primarily within the 62002 zip code that focused on the Midwest disco and soul scene.

Opening with The James Family‘s disco track We’ve Got It Made, it highlights dynamic horn sections and compelling grooves. It also showcases the labels dance tracks like Jimmie Green‘s Let Yourself Go and Howard Neal‘s Disco Fever. And for Prince fans, there are cuts like You & Me by Pete & Cheez, and for soul fans, Carletta Sue‘s You Keep Holding Back on Love, adding a soulful dimension to the collection. All in all, it’s a retrospective and celebration of Shoestring all in one package.

Average White Band – Live at the Rainbow Theater, 1974
(Check It Out Here | Artist Website)

Average White Band is one of the most celebrated and groundbreaking funk bands that ever existed and gave true artistic credence played by highly technical musicians that have been celebrated by the greats. Live at the Rainbow Theatre, 1974 is a remarkable archival release that captures the original lineup of the Scottish funk ensemble’s dynamic performance at London’s Rainbow Theatre on July 12, 1974 during what many consider to be one of their peak periods.

The album comprises nine tracks, showcasing early versions of “before they were classic” songs like a nearly 10-minute rendition of Pick Up the Pieces, along with a cover of The Isley Brothers‘ hit, Work to Do with a distinctive AWB twist. The recording quality preserves the authenticity of the live experience, immersing listeners in the vibrant atmosphere of the 1974 performance.

Extra Bonuses from YOU!

And once again, lots of music to get you through 2024. And just like every year, our readers always have some great additions that we either missed or that they feel should have been here. And most of the time, they are SO right!

But if you add to this list in the comments, REMEMBER THE RULES!