What’s Funk?

Released in 1983 on Warner Bros. Records, What’s Funk? stands as the final studio album from Grand Funk Railroad’s original 1980s reunion period. Produced by Andrew Cavaliere and the band themselves, the record represents a significant sonic departure from the raw, heavy blues-rock that defined their 1970s peak. The album features the core lineup of Mark Farner and Don Brewer, though bassist Mel Schacher’s presence is less prominent than in their power-trio heyday, replaced by a more studio-refined bass sound. The tracklist includes a mix of original compositions and covers, most notably a hard-rock interpretation of James Brown’s 'It’s a Man’s World.' Critically, the album was seen as an attempt to modernize the band's sound for a new decade, incorporating synthesizers and contemporary production techniques that polarized long-time fans. It remains a fascinating artifact of the early 80s rock landscape, showcasing the band's enduring vocal harmonies and Farner’s distinctive guitar work amidst a backdrop of changing industry standards.