On Aug. 1, James Brown fans and music lovers will get an inside peek into the life and sound of the “Godfather of Soul†in the new biopic “Get on Up.”
Known for creating feel good music accompanied with killer dance moves that inspired following generations of musical greats such as Michael Jackson and Usher, James’ collection of classic hit songs is one that will live on forever.
Whether on your morning commute to work, at your desk trying to knock out your workload, or stuck in evening rush hour traffic heading home, a James Brown playlist is just the thing you need to stay upbeat and motivated during the work week. Check out these six songs created by the hit maker himself that are sure to have you moving and grooving in your seat.
I Feel Good:
When this 1965 classic drops on your radio, no matter what mood you’re in or where you are, you can’t help but snap your fingers and bob your head. Brown’s distinct vocals on top of the heavy trumpets played throughout the song are sure to get your workday off to a great start. So the next time your boss or co-worker tries to ruin your day just replay Brown’s “I Feel Good” lyrics in your head and watch your mood instantly turn around.
Get on the Good Foot:
“You know my face getting short and I got the blues. I got a funky job and I paid my dues on the good foot,†are the words Brown sings on his upbeat track. So when your job puts you in a crappy mood or
you know that your workload for the day is going to leave you exhausted, blast “Get on the Good Foot” through your headphones before walking into the office and your motivation to have a good day will be 10 times better.
The Payback:
We all have those moments where we want to get revenge on the co-worker who tried to throw us under the bus in the last company meeting, or get payback on a higher level executive who we feel ignores our workplace concerns and displays office favoritism, but because the rent is due every month we know that getting payback on a colleague is always easier said than done. But turn your pent up job frustrations over to the “Godfather of Soul†himself and put his hit “The Payback” in rotation on your iPod. Brown’s funky beat coupled with lyrics that express our desire to sometimes go postal at work, will have you tapping your feet in no time.
Say it Loud- I’m Black and I’m Proud:
When you feel like office politics concerning race or cultural differences gets between you and the promotion or recognition you deserve at work, hit the play button on Brown’s “Say it Loud- I’m Black and I’m Proud” and watch your confidence shoot right through the roof. Listening to this song might not help you get that pay increase, but it will keep you motivated to not get down in the dumps about messy office politics.
Make it Funky:
Yes, more than 80% of the lyrics to the song consist of Brown saying, “Make it funky” over and over again, but how can you not love this classic hit? Whether you’re stuck in traffic or sorting through work at your desk, this song is sure to get you in the mood to put an extra pep in your workday step.
I Got the Feelin’:
Whether you’re already in a good mood or looking for an attitude booster, Brown’s “I Got the Feelin'” is just what you need on your playlist to help sort out your mood for the day. Just singing the infamous chorus, “I got the feeling,” and replaying a James Brown performance of the song in your head will put you in an upbeat spirit to effectively finish your assignment for the work day.