Funkadelic - One Nation Under a Groove

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Free Music Notes for One Nation Under a Groove

Free Music Review: The Last True Funkadelic Album
Hit: 5 Stars

This album is unique in that Bernie Worrell, the band's ace keyboardist, had departed. Junie Morrison, another talented keyboardist, had taken his place. And this album is quite a lot of Junie, with his influence all over it.

"One Nation" was Funkadelic's concept album, all about "Funkadelica". Funkadelica was a nation united under the funk (the USA we haven't seen), everyone living together in happiness (in other words, whites and blacks can get along), and dancing.

"One Nation Under A Groove" was a number one hit, a cleverly-written song describing Funkadelica. Even with remasters, this song lacks the "oomph" that a dance song should have, even with its awesome keyboard riffs and perfect rhythm guitar. But when you turn it up, it turns into a dance floor hit! Just for the lyrics, it's glorious; "Here's my chance to dance my way...out of my constrictions! Do you promise to funk, the WHOLE funk, nothin' but the funk!" 5 Stars.

"Grooveallegiance" is a VERY clever spoof on the Pledge of Allegiance, now pledging "grooveallegiance to the united funk of Funkadelica". A very jazzy song, it's got some wicked guitar from Mike "Kidd Funkadelic" Hampton. A little long, sadly. 4 Stars.

"Who Says A Funk Band Can't Play Rock?!" is the ESSENTIAL Funkadelic song, my personal favorite rocker from them. Jumping from funk ("One Nation") to jazz ("Grooveallegiance") to now HARD rock, this song is a lovely interlude that is very under-utilized in concert (a shame). Mike Hampton goes out of control with his guitar, giving up some wicked riffs during the verses and some HEAVY riffs in the choruses. Hampton's overdue solo is one of Funkadelic's perfections, amazingly fast and rough. The bass for this song is just plain killer, giving way to some amazing "slap bass" in parts. Overall, "Who Says..." is too good to be passed up. PLAY IT LOUD! 5 Stars.

"Doo Doo Chasers" is a song with some of Funkadelic's best lyrics, just VERY nasty ones. If you can get past the scatological references (George Clinton's lovely trademark) this song is genius. 4 Stars.

Putting the concept album on hold is a beautiful ballad called "Into You." Great bass and vocals. 4.5 Stars!

AGAIN Putting the concept album on hold is a Funkadelic anthem, "Cholly (Funk Gettin' Ready to Roll)". A great song with Hampton giving up some more awesome guitar riffs. Not much can be said about the lyrics, but a fun song overall. 4.5 Stars.

"Lunchameataphobia (Think! It Ain't Illegal Yet!)" is one heavy, HEAVY guitar jam. Mostly instrumental, it features Mike Hampton going off the walls while George Clinton shouts "Think! It Ain't Illegal Yet!" Just plain wicked. 5 Stars.

Rounding out the album are some extra tracks: an instrumental version of the very cool "Doo Doo Chasers" and a big surprise, a live version of "Maggot Brain". This live version is unbelievable, a faster version with Hampton just plain tearing the guitar up. I had the recent pleasure to see Hampton do this in Washington, DC...still amazing to hear 1971's "Maggot Brain" amped up to ear-busting volumes.

Funkadelic's last real album before it completed the de facto merger with Parliament's sound, "One Nation" is a masterpiece. Get it now.

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