What is the best James Brown album of all time?

Whether you prefer the raw sweat of his early Apollo recordings, the birth of funk in the late 60s, or the groove-machine perfection of the 70s — there's a case to be made for all of them. Cast your vote!

1

Live at the Apollo

James Brown's landmark 1963 live album recorded at Harlem's Apollo Theater — one of the most electrifying concert recordings in American music history.

2

Sex Machine

James Brown's raw 1970 double live album that codified the funk genre with grooves built on rhythm, repetition, and call-and-response.

3

The Payback

James Brown's sprawling 1973 funk double album driven by the ferocious title track, showcasing the JBs at their tightest.

4

Live at the Apollo, Vol. II

James Brown's 1968 sequel live album proving his Apollo performances only grew more spectacular, featuring extended funk workouts.

5

Papa's Got a Brand New Bag

James Brown's 1965 album that introduced his groundbreaking new rhythmic approach, featuring the song that changed popular music.

6

Revolution of the Mind

James Brown's 1971 live album capturing him and the JBs at the peak of their raw funk power with incendiary performances.

7

Hell

James Brown's 1974 double album blending funk, soul, and social commentary, featuring 'Papa Don't Take No Mess.'

8

There It Is

James Brown's hard-funk 1972 album featuring 'King Heroin' and 'Talkin' Loud and Sayin' Nothing' at its full unedited length.

9

It's a Man's Man's Man's World

James Brown's 1966 album featuring his most poetic and emotionally devastating ballad of the same name.

10

Black Caesar

James Brown's gritty 1973 blaxploitation film soundtrack featuring some of his most aggressive and socially charged funk.

11

Gravity

James Brown's 1986 album featuring the pop-funk hit 'Living in America,' which introduced him to a massive new audience.

12

Get Up Offa That Thing

James Brown's 1976 disco-funk album featuring the irresistible title track that became a dancefloor staple worldwide.