10 Funk and Soul Songs for your Reception

So you have made the best decision of your wedding planning, and no I am not referring to your decision to nix your cousin Agatha’s third choice of a plus one. I mean, really, when is she going to finally understand that you can’t fake the funk and find love on your first right swipe (or in this case the third). I am in fact referencing your decision to hire a wedding band. And then you were searching around and found The Replicas Music site. At The Replicas we want to provide your reception the best musical entertainment that money can buy. And we do that through our ensemble bands that can perform a unique set list designed by you!

The best receptions have the best guest engagement, and what is the best the best way to measure guest engagement: dancing. How do you get your guests to dance?

• Rule one: Play the FUNKIEST music!
• Rule Number Two: Avoid Slipknot as headbanging and mosh pits can cause nausea after the appetizers.

FUNK SOUL MUSIC MAKES YOU MOVE!

But really, what is the best to get people grooving on the dance floor? Good ole fashion Funk and Soul music. Don’t believe me? Check out this list from BuzzFeed, it will get you moving. As a shortcut, or cheat sheet if you will, I have compiled the ten best Funk and Soul songs that are a must for your wedding reception. They are as follows: 

1. Super Freak – Rick James

If you are going to choose one funk song at your wedding you must play this one. If you are not a fan of Rick James then you can at least appreciate the opening and flash back to the days of Hammer pants (yes I am referring to Can’t Touch This). 

2. Brick House – The Commodores

This is another classic in the funk genre. Although if you have this on the set list this you will risk a lecture from the women’s studies majors that are in the house. 

3. Jungle Boogie – Kool and the Gang

You can never go wrong choosing a Kool and the Gang song. First the band is called Kool and the Gang. If you are hanging out with Kool you are literally part of the gang of Kool. This makes you cool by association (you see kids Kool and Cool are interchangeable that is what makes it funny). Second, the lyrics are simply “Get down, get down. Jungle Boogie.” Even your burnout cousin Clyde can sing along! 

4. Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof of the Sucker) – George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelics

This is George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelics! You have to add at least one song by the master to the set list and this should be it! You want to know why? Because we want the funk! [/et_pb_text][et_pb_video admin_label=”3. Video Parliament – Give Up The Funk (Tear The Roof Off The Sucker”)

5. Uptown Funk – Mark Ronson Featuring Bruno Mars

Now unfortunately there may be teenagers at your wedding. If this is so, most of the songs on this list will draw even blanker stares from them than usual. Choose this “contemporary song” and they just might bob their heads

6. Midnight Train to Georgia – Gladys Knight and the Pips

I know what you are thinking…story songs do not always draw dancers. However this song will not disappoint as everyone will do the train sound (Woo! Woo!) in unison. 

7. At Last – Etta James

First off this could be your first dance song. But if you decide to go another way still make sure you choose this one for another slow dance “aww” moment. 

8. My Girl – The Temptations

While dancing to this song if you lip sync “I’ve don’t need no money, fortune, or fame/ I’ve got all the riches one man can claim” to your partner you will earn major points. 

9. You Can’t Hurry Love – The Supremes

Dancing to this song is cathartic to some of the singles in the house as they can remind themselves they need to “just give it time no matter how long it takes.” I am looking at you Aunt Ethel

10. Build Me Up ButterCup – The Temptations

If the band play this song at your wedding, literally everyone will dance and lip sync. It will be like a flash mob. It is impossible not at least move your head back and forth.