Top 10 Best Songs by James Brown

A majestic ballad that stands in stark contrast to his fast funk songs. The strings give it a dramatic, almost cinematic charge. Brown sings here with an emotional depth that is rare.nnAlthough the title seems chauvinistic, the lyrics ultimately acknowledge that man is nothing without a woman. The vocal performance is harrowing beautiful, full of pain and insight. In the Top 2000, this is historically his most valued work for its timeless emotion.

His greatest commercial success and his most recognizable song. The brass intro blows you away immediately. It's two and a half minutes of pure euphoria.nnThe "Hey!" and Brown's scream are sounds of pure lust for life. The saxophone solo is short and powerful. A perfect pop-soul song that works at every party on the planet.

"Get up, get on up!" Perhaps the most famous funk hook of all time. The collaboration with his band The J.B.'s is telepathic tight. The guitar riff by Catfish Collins is legendary.nnThe song is a long jam session that never gets boring. The interaction between Brown and the band ("Can I take it to the bridge?") makes you part of the creative process. Sweaty, sexy and brilliant.

The big comeback in the 80s thanks to the film Rocky IV. It's smoother produced than his early work, but the energy is unmistakable. Patriotism and showbiz drip off it.nnThe brass is bombastic and Brown screams like always. It's a celebration of American showmanship, grand and sweeping.

The song that marked the transition from R&B to soul/funk. The brass section is razor sharp and plays short, rhythmic stabs instead of long melodies.nnBrown sounds confident and cool. The "New Bag" refers to a new sound and attitude. It's tight, pointed and swings like a train.

His first hit and the song he perfected his "cape routine" with. It's pure rhythm-and-blues, saturated with despair and begging. Brown doesn't sing, he pleads.nnThe repetition of the word "Please" cuts right through you. It's raw emotion, theatrical and intense, and established his reputation as the "Hardest Working Man in Show Business."

An explosion of energy from his later disco period. The goal of this song is simple: get people to dance. The lyrics have little substance, but the groove is irresistible.nnIt's funk in its purest form: tight brass, a pumping bass and Brown acting as the rousing master of ceremonies. Impossible to stay seated.

More than a song; a cultural statement. Released at the height of the civil rights movement, this song gave voice and pride to the African American community. The children's choir in the chorus ("I'm black and I'm proud!") is iconic.nnMusically it's tight and compelling, but the message takes center stage. Brown shows himself not just as an entertainer, but as a social leader.

According to many musicologists, the first true funk song. Brown strips away the melody and focuses entirely on rhythm. The brass acts as percussion instruments.nnThe song is raw and repetitive in the best way. Brown's cries and commands to the band ("Give the drummer some!") make it a living organism. A turning point in music history.

Originally rejected for a soundtrack because it "wasn't funky enough", but grew into a classic. The groove is slow, menacing and bare. Brown talk-sings about revenge with restrained anger.nnThe wah-wah guitar and brass accents create an atmosphere of pure street attitude. It's one of the most sampled songs in hip-hop, thanks to that relentless bass line.