1970s Music

Jagged Metal is inspired as much by music as fashion. Listen here to the music we love from the 70s

Find our best of 70s soul, funk and disco playlist here on Spotify -

 

The 1970s was a decade of change in the music industry, and it produced some of the most iconic and enduring genres of all time. Funk, disco, and soul music emerged during this time, each with their own unique sound and cultural significance. In this blog, we will explore the origins and influence of funk, disco, and soul music in the 70s.

Funk

Funk originated in the mid-1960s and was heavily influenced by rhythm and blues, jazz, and soul music. The genre is characterized by its use of syncopated rhythms, powerful bass lines, and electrifying horns. Funk music was the sound of a generation that was tired of the social and political turmoil of the 60s and wanted to express themselves through music. Bands like Parliament-Funkadelic, James Brown, and Sly and the Family Stone were the pioneers of the funk movement, producing hits like "Give Up the Funk," "Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine," and "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)." Funk music was all about getting people on the dancefloor and celebrating life and freedom.

Disco

Disco emerged in the mid-1970s and was a response to the excesses of the 60s and early 70s. The genre was characterized by its use of dance rhythms, electronic instrumentation, and flamboyant fashion. Disco music was the sound of the nightclub scene, with artists like Donna Summer, Bee Gees, and KC and the Sunshine Band producing hits like "I Feel Love," "Stayin' Alive," and "That's the Way (I Like It)." Disco music was all about celebrating life, love, and liberation, with its infectious beats and energetic dance moves becoming a cultural phenomenon.

Soul

Soul music originated in the 1950s and 60s and was heavily influenced by gospel music, rhythm and blues, and jazz. The genre is characterized by its use of heartfelt lyrics, soaring melodies, and powerful vocals. Soul music was the sound of the civil rights movement, with artists like Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, and Stevie Wonder producing hits like "What's Going On," "Respect," and "Superstition." Soul music was all about expressing the pain, joy, and struggles of everyday life, with its uplifting melodies and inspiring lyrics becoming a symbol of hope and resilience.

Funk, disco, and soul music had a profound influence on popular culture and music during the 70s and beyond. The genres brought people of different races, backgrounds, and sexual orientations together, creating a sense of unity and freedom that was unprecedented. The music of the 70s was more than just entertainment; it was a cultural movement that reflected the social and political changes of the time.

The legacy of funk, disco, and soul music can still be felt in the music of today. Artists like Bruno Mars, Daft Punk, and Beyonce have all been influenced by the genres, with their music paying homage to the sounds and styles of the 70s. The 70s was a decade of musical experimentation and innovation, producing some of the most iconic and enduring music of all time.

 Funk, disco, and soul music defined the sound of the 1970s and continue to influence music and culture today. The genres were more than just music; they were a reflection of the social and political changes of the time and a symbol of unity, freedom, and liberation. The music of the 70s will always be remembered as a defining moment in the history of popular music.