Funk-Rock Pop
tagStarted 1976Peak 1984-1991Last big hit still active
Funk's slap-and-pocket fused to rock guitar and pop hooks: a punchy syncopated backbeat, distorted or wah guitar riffs, and a prominent funky bass under big radio choruses. Tighter and catchier than jam-band funk-rock, it weds the swing of the groove to rock's drive and pop's economy for high-energy, guitar-forward dance-pop.
History
Took shape as rock acts absorbed funk rhythm in the late 70s and 80s, with Prince fusing rock guitar to funk on '1999' and 'Purple Rain.' INXS, the early Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Living Colour sharpened the crossover; the funk-rock-pop template recurs whenever guitar bands chase a danceable, hook-driven groove.
Defining artists
Essential listening
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Funk_rock
- https://www.allmusic.com/style/funk-rock-ma0000011921
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_(musician)