War is an American funk/rock/soul band that emerged in the late 1960s and achieved fame in the 1970s and 1980s with their catchy and groovy songs. War is known for fusing elements of rock, funk, jazz, Latin, rhythm and blues, psychedelia, and reggae, creating a unique and influential sound that transcended racial and cultural barriers. War has released 18 studio albums, three live albums, seven compilation albums, and 60 singles, many of which have become classics in the funk genre.
Top 10 funk hits from War
Here are the top 10 funk hits from War, based on their popularity, impact, and musical quality.
Galaxy (1977)
Galaxy is the title track of War’s ninth studio album, released in 1977. It is a disco-funk song that features a catchy chorus, a funky bass line, and a spacey synth solo. The song is about exploring the galaxy and finding love in the stars. Galaxy reached number 39 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number five on the R&B chart. It also became a club hit in Europe and was sampled by several hip hop artists.
The Cisco Kid (1972)
The Cisco Kid is a song from War’s fifth studio album, The World Is a Ghetto, released in 1972. It is a funk-rock song that tells the story of the Cisco Kid, a fictional Mexican outlaw who appeared in movies, radio shows, and comic books. The song portrays him as a hero who fights for justice and helps the poor. The Cisco Kid reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number five on the R&B chart. It also inspired a TV series of the same name.
Why Can’t We Be Friends? (1975)
Why Can’t We Be Friends? is the title track of War’s seventh studio album, released in 1975. It is a funk-pop song that expresses a message of peace and harmony among people of different races, religions, and backgrounds. The song features a simple melody, a catchy chorus, and a spoken bridge that introduces the band members by name. Why Can’t We Be Friends? reached number six on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number nine on the R&B chart. It also became an anthem for social movements and was used in several movies and TV shows.
Summer (1976)
Summer is a song from War’s eighth studio album, Greatest Hits, released in 1976. It is a smooth funk-soul song that celebrates the joys of summer and love. The song features a mellow groove, a sweet saxophone solo, and a harmonized chorus. Summer reached number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number four on the R&B chart. It also became a popular song for weddings and parties.
Slippin’ Into Darkness (1971)
Slippin’ Into Darkness is a song from War’s third studio album, All Day Music, released in 1971. It is a psychedelic funk-rock song that deals with the themes of death, war, and drugs. The song features a dark and hypnotic bass line, a haunting organ riff, and a distorted guitar solo. Slippin’ Into Darkness reached number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 12 on the R&B chart. It also influenced many artists in various genres, such as Bob Marley, Carlos Santana, Dr. Dre, and Tupac Shakur.
Low Rider (1975)
Low Rider is a song from War’s seventh studio album, Why Can’t We Be Friends?, released in 1975. It is a funk-rock song that pays tribute to the lowrider culture of Chicano car enthusiasts in Southern California. The song features a distinctive cowbell intro, a funky guitar riff, and a catchy chorus. Low Rider reached number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number one on the R&B chart. It also became an iconic song for lowriders and was featured in many movies and TV shows.
Spill the Wine (1970)
Spill the Wine is a song from War’s second studio album, Eric Burdon Declares “War”, released in 1970. It is a psychedelic funk-rock song that features vocals by Eric Burdon, who was the former lead singer of The Animals and joined War for two albums. The song tells a surreal story of a soldier who wakes up in a field of wine bottles and meets a beautiful woman who speaks Spanish. Spill the Wine reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number five on the R&B chart. It also became one of Burdon’s signature songs.
All Day Music (1971)
All Day Music is the title track of War’s third studio album, released in 1971. It is a laid-back funk-soul song that invites listeners to enjoy music all day long. The song features a smooth groove, a melodic guitar solo, and a harmonized chorus. All Day Music reached number 35 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number four on the R&B chart. It also became a classic song for relaxing and chilling.
The World Is a Ghetto (1972)
The World Is a Ghetto is the title track of War’s fifth studio album, released in 1972. It is a funk-jazz song that reflects on the social and economic inequalities in the world. The song features a complex and sophisticated arrangement, a saxophone solo, and a spoken outro. The World Is a Ghetto reached number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number three on the R&B chart. It also became the best-selling album of 1973 and was ranked among the greatest albums of all time by Rolling Stone.
Low Rider (1975)
Low Rider is a song from War’s seventh studio album, Why Can’t We Be Friends?, released in 1975. It is a funk-rock song that pays tribute to the lowrider culture of Chicano car enthusiasts in Southern California. The song features a distinctive cowbell intro, a funky guitar riff, and a catchy chorus. Low Rider reached number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number one on the R&B chart. It also became an iconic song for lowriders and was featured in many movies and TV shows.
Conclusion
War is one of the most influential and successful funk bands of all time, with a legacy that spans over five decades. Their songs have touched millions of fans and inspired countless artists across genres and generations. War’s top 10 funk hits are a testament to their musical creativity, diversity, and excellence.
Most Asked Questions and Answers
Q: When did War form?
A: War formed in 1969 as Eric Burdon and War, with Eric Burdon as the lead singer and Howard E. Scott, Harold Brown, Charles Miller, Morris “B.B.” Dickerson, Lonnie Jordan, Lee Oskar, and Papa Dee Allen as the band members.
Q: What does War stand for?
A: War does not stand for anything. It is just a name that the band chose to reflect their musical style and attitude.
Q: Who is the leader of War?
A: War does not have a leader. It is a collective of musicians who share equal roles and responsibilities.
Q: Who is the current lineup of War?
A: The current lineup of War consists of Lonnie Jordan (the only original member), James Zota Baker, Scott Martin, Stanley Behrens, Sal Rodriguez, David “Pug” Rodriguez, Marcos Reyes, and Trevor Huxley.
Q: What are some of War’s musical influences?
A: Some of War’s musical influences include James Brown, Ray Charles, The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley, Santana, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Tito Puente.
Q: What are some of the genres that War has influenced?
A: Some of the genres that War has influenced include disco, hip hop, rap, reggae, Latin rock, jazz fusion, funk metal, and neo soul.
Q: What are some of the awards that War has received?
A: Some of the awards that War has received include two Grammy nominations (for Best R&B Instrumental Performance in 1972 and Best Pop Instrumental Performance in 1976), two American Music Awards (for Favorite Soul/R&B Band/Duo/Group in 1976 and 1977), two Billboard Music Awards (for Top R&B Album in 1973 and Top Pop Album in 1974), and induction into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2008.
Q: What are some of the movies and TV shows that have featured War’s songs?
A: Some of the movies and TV shows that have featured War’s songs include Cheech & Chong’s Up in Smoke , Dazed and Confused , Beverly Hills Cop , Boogie Nights , Gone in 60 Seconds , Friday , Lethal Weapon 4 , The Simpsons , Family Guy , Malcolm in the Middle , Scrubs , My Name Is Earl , Breaking Bad , The Office , How I Met Your Mother , Modern Family , Glee , The Big Bang Theory , Brooklyn Nine-Nine , Black-ish , Fresh Off the Boat , Narcos , Stranger Things , Cobra Kai , and many more.
Q: Where can I listen to War’s songs?
A: You can listen to War’s songs on various streaming platforms such as Spotify, YouTube Music, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Pandora, Deezer, Tidal, Napster, SoundCloud, or Bandcamp.
Q: Where can I find more information about War? A: You can find more information about War on their official website[17
