The Best Funk and Disco Albums of the 1970s

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1. 1
   Sex MachineJames Brown

   Sex Machine

   James Brown · 1970 · Funk & Disco

   A sprawling, groove-locked document of the Godfather of Soul at his rhythmic peak. Relentless and influential. A funk cornerstone.

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2. 2
   FireOhio Players

   Fire

   Ohio Players · 1974 · Funk & Disco

   A slick, horn-driven funk peak built around its chart-topping title track. Hot and beloved. A genre highlight.

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3. 3
   Wild and PeacefulKool & the Gang

   Wild and Peaceful

   Kool & the Gang · 1973 · Funk & Disco

   A loose, jam-heavy peak, home to 'Jungle Boogie' and 'Funky Stuff'. Joyful and beloved. A genre classic.

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4. 4
   RejuvenationThe Meters

   Rejuvenation

   The Meters · 1974 · Funk & Disco

   New Orleans funk at its most elastic and deep-pocketed. Greasy and influential. A genre cornerstone.

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5. 5
   MandrillMandrill

   Mandrill

   Mandrill · 1971 · Funk & Disco

   A wild fusion of funk, Latin and rock from the Brooklyn collective. Adventurous and beloved. A cult favourite.

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6. 6
   CymandeCymande

   Cymande

   Cymande · 1972 · Funk & Disco

   A hypnotic British blend of funk, soul and Afro-Caribbean groove, much sampled since. Deep and influential. A cult treasure.

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7. 7
   Everybody Loves the SunshineRoy Ayers

   Everybody Loves the Sunshine

   Roy Ayers · 1976 · Funk & Disco

   A warm, mellow jazz-funk peak whose title track became eternal. Smooth and beloved. A genre highlight.

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8. 8
   AWBAverage White Band

   AWB

   Average White Band · 1974 · Funk & Disco

   A tight, Scottish-soul funk peak, home to the instrumental 'Pick Up the Pieces'. Sharp and beloved. A genre classic.

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9. 9
   Back to OaklandTower of Power

   Back to Oakland

   Tower of Power · 1974 · Funk & Disco

   Muscular horn-funk powered by one of the genre's greatest rhythm sections. Tight and acclaimed. A high point.

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10. 10
    Stretchin' Out in Bootsy's Rubber BandBootsy's Rubber Band

    Stretchin' Out in Bootsy's Rubber Band

    Bootsy's Rubber Band · 1976 · Funk & Disco

    Bootsy Collins' cartoonish, deeply funky solo debut out of the P-Funk camp. Playful and beloved. A genre favourite.

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11. 11
    Betty DavisBetty Davis

    Betty Davis

    Betty Davis · 1973 · Funk & Disco

    A raw, fearless funk debut that was years ahead of its time. Bold and reappraised. A cult landmark.

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12. 12
    Right on TimeThe Brothers Johnson

    Right on Time

    The Brothers Johnson · 1977 · Funk & Disco

    A polished, Quincy Jones-produced funk peak, home to 'Strawberry Letter 23'. Smooth and beloved. A genre highlight.

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13. 13
    SlaveSlave

    Slave

    Slave · 1977 · Funk & Disco

    A heavy, horn-led funk debut, home to 'Slide'. Tight and beloved. A genre favourite.

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14. 14
    I AmEarth, Wind & Fire

    I Am

    Earth, Wind & Fire · 1979 · Funk & Disco

    A glossy disco-funk peak, home to 'Boogie Wonderland' and 'After the Love Has Gone'. Lavish and huge. A commercial high.

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15. 15
    Machine GunCommodores

    Machine Gun

    Commodores · 1974 · Funk & Disco

    A punchy instrumental-funk debut whose title track became a party staple. Tight and beloved. A strong start.

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16. 16
    I Remember YesterdayDonna Summer

    I Remember Yesterday

    Donna Summer · 1977 · Funk & Disco

    A concept album whose Moroder-built closer 'I Feel Love' rewrote dance music. Bold and influential. A landmark.

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17. 17
    Bad GirlsDonna Summer

    Bad Girls

    Donna Summer · 1979 · Funk & Disco

    A blockbuster disco double album, home to its title track and 'Hot Stuff'. Lavish and huge. Her commercial peak.

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18. 18
    We Are FamilySister Sledge

    We Are Family

    Sister Sledge · 1979 · Funk & Disco

    A Chic-produced disco peak, home to its euphoric, eternal title anthem. Joyful and huge. A genre classic.

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19. 19
    Love TracksGloria Gaynor

    Love Tracks

    Gloria Gaynor · 1978 · Funk & Disco

    The album that gave the world I Will Survive — and still holds up beyond that one inescapable track.

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20. 20
    Step IISylvester

    Step II

    Sylvester · 1978 · Funk & Disco

    You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real) — the hi-NRG touchstone that influenced house music directly.

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21. 21
    Disco InfernoThe Trammps

    Disco Inferno

    The Trammps · 1976 · Funk & Disco

    Twelve minutes of escalating intensity built around one of the genre's most enduring grooves.

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