Song of the Day (America Week): Funkadelic “One Nation Under A Groove”

Funkadelic

Song of the Day (America Week): Funkadelic “One Nation Under A Groove”

George Clinton’s most overtly political statement in song

In many ways, Parliament and Funkadelic impresario George Clinton has always been one of the great Utopian thinkers of the last 50 years: a man who has reached for the promise of a better world built around the unifying principles of p-funk and the groove. In many ways, the tiles and themes of the many records he made with Funkadelic, in particular, represent something of a political manifesto for a better, funkier world. Free Your Mind and Your Ass Will Follow, Uncle Jam Wants You and of course, One Nation Under A Groove are a political manifesto with the depth and popular appeal of the Federalist Papers, but with a beat that you can really get down to.

“One Nation Under A Groove” is the title track from the album of the same name and is one of the best songs Funkadelic ever recorded. The song is a sweaty funk epic. It boasts an absolute pile-driver of a funky groove, some tasty Bernie Worrell keys, cascading vocals and pushes into some deeply mesmeric territory. The song is a perfect blend of slight weirdness and pure groove. While the track runs to nearly 7 and a half minutes, it doesn’t feel its length at all, featuring subtle shifts and coloration and staying both engaging and interesting. Its one that will leave you wanting more!

What George Clinton has introduced here is an indelible vision for a better, funkier and groovier America. A tolerant nation built upon the all-inclusive cornerstone of p-funk. The manifesto remains as compelling as its ever been. Will we head the call?

 
Funkadelic