Get ready to groove with Extreme as they unleash a whirlwind of funk and rock in this high-energy music video.
The Song
"Get the Funk Out" is a powerful track from Extreme's critically acclaimed second album, Pornograffitti, released in 1990. The song showcases the band's unique blend of funk, hard rock, and intricate musicianship, particularly highlighting Nuno Bettencourt's blistering guitar work and Gary Cherone's dynamic vocals. It's often cited as a prime example of their "funk metal" style, which set them apart from many of their glam rock contemporaries. The track was written by Bettencourt and Cherone.
The Artist
Extreme formed in Malden, Massachusetts, in 1985, consisting of Gary Cherone (lead vocals), Nuno Bettencourt (guitar, backing vocals), Pat Badger (bass, backing vocals), and Paul Geary (drums, percussion, backing vocals). They rose to international fame with their 1990 album Pornograffitti, which blended funk-infused hard rock with acoustic ballads. While "Get the Funk Out" demonstrated their heavier, funk-driven side, it was their acoustic ballad "More Than Words" that became a massive global hit, solidifying their status as a major rock act.
Chart Performance
While not as commercially dominant as "More Than Words," "Get the Funk Out" still made an impact on various charts. The song reached number 34 on the U.S. Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart. Internationally, it performed well in the UK, peaking at number 19 on the UK Singles Chart. Its success helped to cement Pornograffitti's status as a multi-platinum album and a benchmark for musicianship in the rock genre.
Cultural Impact
"Get the Funk Out" became an anthem for many rock and funk metal fans, demonstrating Extreme's prowess beyond just ballads. The song's energetic performance and musical complexity solidified the band's reputation as serious musicians in an era often criticized for superficiality. Its fusion of heavy guitars, intricate rhythms, and soulful vocals influenced a generation of aspiring funk-rock bands and contributed to the evolving sound of hard rock in the early 90s. The track remains a fan favorite and a staple in the band's live performances, celebrated for its raw energy and musicality.
Fun Facts
- The music video for "Get the Funk Out" features the band performing in a gritty, high-energy setting, capturing the raw power of their live shows.
- The album Pornograffitti, from which the song hails, is considered a seminal work in the funk metal genre and has sold over 2 million copies in the U.S. alone.
- The song's title itself is a playful command, urging listeners (and perhaps other bands) to embrace the funk within their rock sound.
- The video was directed by Andy Morahan, who also directed Guns N' Roses' "November Rain" and George Michael's "Faith" videos.
- Despite its hard-rocking nature, the song's intricate harmonies and rhythm section showcase the band's diverse musical influences, ranging from Queen to Prince.