James Brown (1933-2006) was an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and bandleader, widely regarded as one of the most influential and innovative figures in the history of popular music. Born in South Carolina, Brown grew up in poverty and spent time in jail as a teenager. He began his career in the 1950s as a member of various R&B groups before achieving solo success with his energetic performances and unique blend of soul, funk, and gospel music.
Brown’s influence on popular music can be seen in his contributions to the development of funk, a genre characterized by its use of syncopated rhythms, prominent bass lines, and brass instruments. He also pioneered a style of showmanship that emphasized dancing and audience engagement, inspiring future generations of performers such as Michael Jackson and Prince.
Throughout his career, Brown released numerous hit songs, including “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag,” “I Got You (I Feel Good),” and “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud.” He also became known for his political activism and advocacy for civil rights, using his music and platform to speak out against racism and social inequality.
1. Super Bad
“Super Bad” is a funk and soul song by the iconic American singer James Brown, released in 1970. The song features a prominent bassline, funky guitar riffs, and brass instrumentation, with Brown’s powerful vocals delivering lyrics about his confidence and swagger. The song is known for its energetic and upbeat tempo, making it a popular choice for dance floors. “Super Bad” is considered one of James Brown’s most iconic songs, with its influence reaching beyond the funk and soul genres and into modern hip-hop and R&B. It remains a staple in Brown’s discography and a beloved classic in music history.
2. Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine
“Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine” is a funk song by James Brown, released in 1970. The track features an energetic tempo and showcases Brown’s powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence. Lyrically, the song is an ode to sexual liberation and encourages listeners to let loose and have fun. The production of “Get Up” is characterized by a blend of funk rhythms, horns, and Brown’s signature call-and-response style, creating a groove that is both infectious and powerful. The track is considered a landmark in funk music and has been widely sampled and covered in various genres.
3. It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World
“It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World” is a soulful and emotional song by James Brown, released in 1966. The song features a powerful and soul-stirring vocal performance by Brown, with lyrics that explore the many ways in which men dominate and control society. Despite its somewhat controversial lyrics, the song has become a classic and an anthem for gender equality, inspiring countless covers and interpretations by other artists. The song’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its powerful message and Brown’s masterful performance, which captures the pain and struggle of women and marginalized groups in a patriarchal society.
4. Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud
“Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud” is a powerful funk and soul anthem by James Brown, released in 1968 during the height of the civil rights movement in the United States. The song features a driving rhythm section and Brown’s passionate vocals, with lyrics that celebrate black pride and identity. The song’s message of self-love and empowerment became a rallying cry for the Black community, inspiring and empowering generations. “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud” is not only a landmark song in Brown’s career but also an important cultural milestone in the fight for racial equality in America.
5. Cold Sweat
“Cold Sweat” is a hit song by James Brown, released in 1967. The song features an innovative and influential funk groove, with a driving rhythm section and a prominent horn section. The song’s lyrics focus on the experience of sweating and the physical sensation of funk music, with Brown urging listeners to “get up” and dance. The song’s popularity helped solidify Brown’s reputation as a pioneer of funk music and influenced countless artists in the genre. “Cold Sweat” remains a beloved and iconic song, known for its infectious groove, memorable horn lines, and Brown’s dynamic vocal performance.
6. Please, Please, Please
“Please, Please, Please” is a classic R&B song by James Brown, released in 1956. The song features Brown’s emotive vocals, punctuated by his signature screams and yelps, over a soulful and bluesy backing track. The lyrics express desperation and pleading for a lost love to return, with Brown’s impassioned delivery adding to the song’s emotional weight. “Please, Please, Please” was a breakthrough hit for James Brown, launching his career as a major force in the R&B genre. The song remains a beloved classic in music history, with its raw emotion and soulful sound continuing to resonate with audiences today.
7. I Got the Feelin’
“I Got the Feelin'” is a funk song by James Brown, released in 1968. The track features a fast tempo and showcases Brown’s soulful vocals and dynamic performance. Lyrically, the song is about the feeling of falling in love and the emotions that come with it. The production of “I Got the Feelin'” is characterized by a mix of funk and soul elements, including horns, bass, and Brown’s signature call-and-response style, creating a groove that is both infectious and emotional. The track is considered a classic in funk and soul music and has been widely covered and sampled by various artists over the years.
8. Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag
“Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag” is a funk song by James Brown, released in 1965. The track features a fast tempo and showcases Brown’s powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence. Lyrically, the song is about a man who has a new dance that he wants to share with everyone. The production of “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag” is characterized by a mix of funk and soul elements, including horns, bass, and Brown’s signature call-and-response style, creating a groove that is both infectious and revolutionary. The track is considered a landmark in funk and soul music and has influenced countless artists in various genres.
9. Living In America
“Living in America” is a funk and soul song by James Brown, released in 1985. The song features a driving beat and a horn section, with Brown’s powerful vocals delivering lyrics about the American dream and the joys of living in the United States. The song became a massive hit, with its inclusion in the soundtrack of the movie “Rocky IV” and its accompanying music video featuring scenes of Brown performing alongside dancers and actors. “Living in America” is considered one of James Brown’s most iconic songs, encapsulating the spirit of the 1980s and the exuberance of American culture.
10. I Got You (I Feel Good)
“I Got You (I Feel Good)” is a classic soul song by James Brown, released in 1965. The song features a catchy and upbeat melody, with Brown’s trademark soulful vocals and a driving rhythm section. The song’s lyrics focus on the joy and happiness that comes with being in love, with Brown exclaiming “I feel good” throughout the song. The song’s infectious energy and positive message have made it a beloved classic, and it has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and commercials. “I Got You (I Feel Good)” remains one of Brown’s most recognizable and iconic songs, a testament to his enduring influence on popular music.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
