What is the best James Brown album of all time?

By YPB Team
0 votes

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!

Live at the Apollo - ranking option ranked #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.

1/12
Sex Machine - ranking option ranked #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.

2/12
The Payback - ranking option ranked #3

The Payback

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

3/12
Live at the Apollo, Vol. II - ranking option ranked #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.

4/12
Papa's Got a Brand New Bag - ranking option ranked #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.

5/12
Revolution of the Mind - ranking option ranked #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.

6/12
Hell - ranking option ranked #7

Hell

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

7/12
There It Is - ranking option ranked #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.

8/12
It's a Man's Man's Man's World - ranking option ranked #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.

9/12
Black Caesar - ranking option ranked #10

Black Caesar

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

10/12
Gravity - ranking option ranked #11

Gravity

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

11/12
Get Up Offa That Thing - ranking option ranked #12

Get Up Offa That Thing

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

12/12

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