War

One of the most enduring funk groups, War are also among the most eclectic, freely melding soul, Latin, jazz, blues, reggae, and rock influences into an effortlessly funky whole. Although War's lyrics are sometimes political in nature -- in keeping with their racially integrated lineup -- their music almost always has a sunny, laid-back vibe emblematic of their Southern California roots. They keep the groove loose with frequent extended jamming. In fact, many of their studio songs are edited together out of longer improvisations. No one soloist or vocalist really stands above ...