Lipps Inc. - Beyond Funkytown

Lipps Inc is an American disco, funk and soul music group formed in 1979 by Minneapolis-based songwriting duo Steven Greenberg and Cynthia Johnson. Although they are justly remembered for their hit single Funkytown, the band's history goes far beyond that infectious anthem. Over the years, Lipps Inc has been praised for its unique sound blend of funk elements with pop sensibilities, but there are also those who criticize the outfit as being a one-hit wonder. In this blog post, we'll take a deep dive into some of the pros and cons of Lipps Inc—weighing both sides to present a balanced evaluation of one of dance music's most influential groups ever..

Disco, funk, and soul music lovers all agree on one thing: Lipps Inc. is an iconic band that has left an indelible mark on the music industry. Their massively successful single Funkytown topped the charts for weeks and remains a beloved classic even today. But Lipps Inc's legacy goes far beyond that quintessential song, and it's worth taking a look at all the highs and lows of this American music group. In this blog post, we'll examine the positives and negatives of Lipps Inc's sound, influence, and overall impact, exploring both the good and the bad to present a balanced view of the band's career.

Lipps Inc's blend of funk and disco is a standout feature of their sound. Their distinctive style was revolutionary in its time, bringing together two genres that were previously very different. While some folks might dismiss their sound as contrived or cheesy, there's no denying the sophistication it took to create such a tight, energetic, and catchy sound. Their timeless grooves and rhythms continue to inspire a new generation of musicians, and their influence can be heard in modern music that adopts that same blend of funk and disco.

Few bands have been as polarizing as Lipps Inc. While many people thoroughly enjoy their music, there are still folks who argue that they were one-hit-wonders, and their entire career was based on one song. Consistency was certainly an issue for the band, as they failed to duplicate the success they had with Funkytown. However, they still had other standouts like Rock It and All Night Dancing. The fact that people still remember their music and dance to it is proof that they had plenty of talent to offer, and their impact can't be discounted by a single chart-topping song.

One thing that's worth noting about Lipps Inc. is how their songs continue to paint a picture of that time period. Their unique blend of funk and disco goes beyond just music; it's a representation of an entire movement and an era. Every time you listen to a Lipps Inc. song, you're transported back to the '70s and '80s, a time when disco balls, platform shoes, and Saturday Night Fever were all the rage. That nostalgia is what makes their music so powerful and enduring, and it's why their catalog of songs remains popular today.

It's also worth acknowledging that Cynthia Johnson and Steven Greenberg were the brains behind the band. They deserve huge credit for bridging the distance between funk and pop culture in an era when such an idea was not yet mainstream. Johnson's sultry vocals and Greenberg's high-pitched harmonies set Lipps Inc. apart from their contemporaries. That unique sound and style are what make Lipps Inc. such an important and singular band.

Regardless of what side of the fence you fall on regarding Lipps Inc, there is no denying that their contribution to the music industry was essential to the evolution of disco, funk, and pop music. The band was innovative, creative, and celebrated for its unique blend of funk and disco. While they may not have been the most consistent outfit, they still managed to produce music that continues to stand the test of time, and that's why we're still talking about Lipps Inc. decades later. If you're a fan of dance music, you should give their catalog a listen, and you'll discover that they're more than just Funkytown.