Lipps Inc., Funkytown | 1 Hit WONDERful 👏👏👏

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In the 13^th edition of 1 Hit WONDERful , we highlight “Funkytown” performed by disco/funk collective, Lipps Inc..

It only takes ONE hit to solidify a musical legacy ! On 1 Hit WONDERful , we highlight songs that were the SOLE hit by a given musician. To be fair, it is possible that the artists appearing on this list earned a minor hit or two, BUT for the most part, it’s that ONE hit that earned them recognition. So, in the 13^th edition of 1 Hit WONDERful , we dive into “Funkytown”, the one hit wonder by Lipps Inc..

“Won’t you take me to Funkytown?” Minneapolis, Minnesota collective Lipps Inc. is remembered for one hit and one hit only: “Funkytown”. “Funkytown,” the opening track from Mouth to Mouth (1979), earned the disco/funk collective their sole no. 1 hit, and one of only two charting hits on the Billboard Hot 100. The beloved, infectious dance gem was written and produced by the collective’s founder, Steven Greenberg. Notably, those signature vocals – the one where she asks to be taken to Funkytown – are performed by Cynthia Johnson.

boxing Lyrically, “Funkytown” isn’t deep (an understatement ). It’s all about dancing – discoing it up! In the verse, for example, Cynthia sings, “Gotta make a move to a town that’s right for me / Town to keep me movin’, keep me groovin’ with some energy.” Self-explanatory lyrics. The chorus provides further clarification, not that it was necessary, of course. Johnson’s vocals are potent – part of the reason for the success of the track. This includes her processed vocals as well. Perhaps more notable is the backdrop – that instrumental is sick! It’s the drums , the percussion , the keys and synths. That bass line doesn’t hurt either . Of course, there are also guitars , strings , and saxophone . While “Funkytown” runs nearly 8 minutes in duration (in its original form), it’s a celestial 8 minutes. What I’m saying is, it is a no. 1 hit/ one-hit wonder well deserved !