GLOBALRPH MUSICATLASJames Brown: Artist Essentials
Twenty-five selections connect the early vocal singles with the increasingly interlocked rhythms of his later bands.
Showing 25 of 25 selected recordings.This depth selects the first 25 recordings in the recommended sequence. Changing the order rearranges those same selections.
When only a year is established, chronological order within that year is approximate.
01list
orderJames Brown
First released: 1970 (year verified)
Original single: Get Up I Feel Like Being a Sex Machine, Pt. 1
Original Part 1 single
MusicAtlas editorial note: The repeating guitar and bass figures create a firm platform for the quick vocal exchanges.
Beyond the yearly listsRelease evidence and recording details
First released: 1970 (year verified)
The selected original recording was released in 1970. Later anthologies and their release dates do not reset its first-release year.
Recording: Original Part 1 single
Credit: James Brown
Role in this collection: Lead recording artist
Original single: Get Up I Feel Like Being a Sex Machine, Pt. 1
Get Up I Feel Like Being a Sex Machine, Pt. 1 - licensed recording metadata
Licensed track metadata identifies the selected original part 1 single and artist credit. Only the supported original year 1970 is used; January 1 or other catalog default days are not asserted as worldwide release days. | Reviewed 2026-10-18
02list
orderJames Brown & The Famous Flames
First released: 1965 (year verified)
Original single: I Got You (I Feel Good)
Original 1965 hit single recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: The sharp horn answers make the spaces between the vocal phrases part of the hook.
Annual appearances: 1965
Release evidence and recording details
First released: 1965 (year verified)
This is the 1965 hit master. The earlier 1964 Smash prototype and the later album/reissue years are not its first release.
Recording: Original 1965 hit single recording
Credit: James Brown & The Famous Flames
Role in this collection: Lead recording artist; historical group billing retained where credited
Original single: I Got You (I Feel Good)
I Got You (I Feel Good) - UMG release history
UMG account places the hit single in late 1965. Used with the official recording chronology to distinguish the 1964 prototype from the selected 1965 hit master; no exact worldwide first day is claimed. | Reviewed 2026-10-18
James Brown - official recording chronology
Official chronological account by Harry Weinger and Cliff White. Supports the separate 1965 hit recording of I Got You after its 1964 prototype, the edited/sped-up Papa release, Licking Stick in the 1968 sequence, and distinct later remakes. No disputed motive is attributed to Brown. | Reviewed 2026-10-18
03list
orderJames Brown
First released: 1965 (year verified)
Original single: Papa's Got a Brand New Bag, Pt. 1
Original edited and sped-up 1965 Part 1 single master
MusicAtlas editorial note: The clipped instrumental patterns let the rhythm carry as much personality as the lead vocal.
Annual version match under reviewThe selected recording has release evidence, but its version has not been matched to the retained annual entry. It is omitted from Beyond the yearly lists until this match is resolved.
Release evidence and recording details
First released: 1965 (year verified)
The selected original recording was released in 1965. Later anthologies and their release dates do not reset its first-release year.
Recording: Original edited and sped-up 1965 Part 1 single master
Credit: James Brown
Role in this collection: Lead recording artist
Original single: Papa's Got a Brand New Bag, Pt. 1
Papa's Got a Brand New Bag, Pt. 1 - licensed recording metadata
Licensed track metadata identifies the selected original part 1 single master and artist credit. Only the supported original year 1965 is used; January 1 or other catalog default days are not asserted as worldwide release days. | Reviewed 2026-10-18
James Brown - official recording chronology
Official chronological account by Harry Weinger and Cliff White. Supports the separate 1965 hit recording of I Got You after its 1964 prototype, the edited/sped-up Papa release, Licking Stick in the 1968 sequence, and distinct later remakes. No disputed motive is attributed to Brown. | Reviewed 2026-10-18
04list
orderJames Brown
First released: 1966 (year verified)
Original single: It's a Man's, Man's, Man's World
Original 1966 mono single
MusicAtlas editorial note: The sustained accompaniment gives the lead vocal room to move from restraint into a much larger sound.
Beyond the yearly listsRelease evidence and recording details
First released: 1966 (year verified)
The selected 1966 mono single master is separate from the earlier prototype described in the official recording history.
Recording: Original 1966 mono single
Credit: James Brown
Role in this collection: Lead recording artist
Original single: It's a Man's, Man's, Man's World
It's a Man's, Man's, Man's World - licensed recording metadata
Licensed track metadata identifies the selected original 1966 mono single and artist credit. Only the supported original year 1966 is used; January 1 or other catalog default days are not asserted as worldwide release days. | Reviewed 2026-10-18
05list
orderJames Brown & The Famous Flames
First released: 1967 (year verified)
Original single: Cold Sweat, Pt. 1
Original 1967 Part 1 single
MusicAtlas editorial note: The repeating groove leaves small rhythmic shifts clearly exposed; listen to the space between the horn attacks.
Annual version match under reviewThe selected recording has release evidence, but its version has not been matched to the retained annual entry. It is omitted from Beyond the yearly lists until this match is resolved.
Release evidence and recording details
First released: 1967 (year verified)
The selected original recording was released in 1967. Later anthologies and their release dates do not reset its first-release year.
Recording: Original 1967 Part 1 single
Credit: James Brown & The Famous Flames
Role in this collection: Lead recording artist; historical group billing retained where credited
Original single: Cold Sweat, Pt. 1
Cold Sweat, Pt. 1 - licensed recording metadata
Licensed track metadata identifies the selected original 1967 part 1 single and artist credit. Only the supported original year 1967 is used; January 1 or other catalog default days are not asserted as worldwide release days. | Reviewed 2026-10-18
06list
orderJames Brown & The Famous Flames
First released: 1956 (year verified)
Original single: Please, Please, Please
Original 1956 Federal single recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: The repeated plea builds intensity through changes in delivery rather than a long sequence of new words.
Beyond the yearly listsRelease evidence and recording details
First released: 1956 (year verified)
The selected original recording was released in 1956. Later anthologies and their release dates do not reset its first-release year.
Recording: Original 1956 Federal single recording
Credit: James Brown & The Famous Flames
Role in this collection: Lead recording artist; historical group billing retained where credited
Original single: Please, Please, Please
Please, Please, Please - licensed recording metadata
Licensed track metadata identifies the selected original 1956 federal single recording and artist credit. Only the supported original year 1956 is used; January 1 or other catalog default days are not asserted as worldwide release days. | Reviewed 2026-10-18
07list
orderJames Brown
First released: 1958 (year verified)
Original single: Try Me
Original 1958 mono single recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: The unhurried pulse makes the overlapping lead and backing voices especially easy to follow.
Beyond the yearly listsRelease evidence and recording details
First released: 1958 (year verified)
The selected original recording was released in 1958. Later anthologies and their release dates do not reset its first-release year.
Recording: Original 1958 mono single recording
Credit: James Brown
Role in this collection: Lead recording artist
Original single: Try Me
Try Me - licensed recording metadata
Licensed track metadata identifies the selected original 1958 mono single recording and artist credit. Only the supported original year 1958 is used; January 1 or other catalog default days are not asserted as worldwide release days. | Reviewed 2026-10-18
08list
orderJames Brown
First released: 1962 (year verified)
Original single: Night Train
Original 1962 single recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: The compact instrumental responses give the recurring rhythmic pattern an immediately recognizable outline.
Beyond the yearly listsRelease evidence and recording details
First released: 1962 (year verified)
The selected single was released in 1962. An earlier recording-session year is not substituted for its release year.
Recording: Original 1962 single recording
Credit: James Brown
Role in this collection: Lead recording artist
Original single: Night Train
Night Train - licensed recording metadata
Licensed track metadata identifies the selected original 1962 single recording and artist credit. Only the supported original year 1962 is used; January 1 or other catalog default days are not asserted as worldwide release days. | Reviewed 2026-10-18
09list
orderJames Brown
First released: 1964 (year verified)
Original single: Out of Sight
Original 1964 single recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: The short repeating phrases invite attention to the way the instruments fit around the beat.
Beyond the yearly listsRelease evidence and recording details
First released: 1964 (year verified)
The selected original recording was released in 1964. Later anthologies and their release dates do not reset its first-release year.
Recording: Original 1964 single recording
Credit: James Brown
Role in this collection: Lead recording artist
Original single: Out of Sight
Out of Sight - licensed recording metadata
Licensed track metadata identifies the selected original 1964 single recording and artist credit. Only the supported original year 1964 is used; January 1 or other catalog default days are not asserted as worldwide release days. | Reviewed 2026-10-18
10list
orderJames Brown
First released: 1968 (year verified)
Original single: I Got the Feelin'
Original 1968 studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: The voice moves through quick bursts while the band maintains a tightly connected rhythmic pattern.
Annual appearances: 1968
Release evidence and recording details
First released: 1968 (year verified)
The selected original recording was released in 1968. Later anthologies and their release dates do not reset its first-release year.
Recording: Original 1968 studio recording
Credit: James Brown
Role in this collection: Lead recording artist
Original single: I Got the Feelin'
I Got the Feelin' - licensed recording metadata
Licensed track metadata identifies the selected original 1968 studio recording and artist credit. Only the supported original year 1968 is used; January 1 or other catalog default days are not asserted as worldwide release days. | Reviewed 2026-10-18
11list
orderJames Brown
First released: 1968 (year verified)
Original single: Say It Loud - I'm Black and I'm Proud, Pt. 1
Original 1968 Part 1 single
MusicAtlas editorial note: The answering chorus gives the repeated refrain the scale of a shared declaration.
Annual version match under reviewThe selected recording has release evidence, but its version has not been matched to the retained annual entry. It is omitted from Beyond the yearly lists until this match is resolved.
Release evidence and recording details
First released: 1968 (year verified)
The selected original recording was released in 1968. Later anthologies and their release dates do not reset its first-release year.
Recording: Original 1968 Part 1 single
Credit: James Brown
Role in this collection: Lead recording artist
Original single: Say It Loud - I'm Black and I'm Proud, Pt. 1
Say It Loud - I'm Black and I'm Proud, Pt. 1 - licensed recording metadata
Licensed track metadata identifies the selected original 1968 part 1 single and artist credit. Only the supported original year 1968 is used; January 1 or other catalog default days are not asserted as worldwide release days. | Reviewed 2026-10-18
12list
orderJames Brown
First released: 1969 (year verified)
Original single: Give It Up or Turnit a Loose
Original 1969 single recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: The arrangement keeps drawing attention back to the relationship between the bass, guitar and lead-vocal cues.
Beyond the yearly listsRelease evidence and recording details
First released: 1969 (year verified)
The original 1969 single is selected, not the later studio remake associated with Sex Machine and the Funk Power archive.
Recording: Original 1969 single recording
Credit: James Brown
Role in this collection: Lead recording artist
Original single: Give It Up or Turnit a Loose
Give It Up or Turnit a Loose - licensed recording metadata
Licensed track metadata identifies the selected original 1969 single recording and artist credit. Only the supported original year 1969 is used; January 1 or other catalog default days are not asserted as worldwide release days. | Reviewed 2026-10-18
13list
orderJames Brown
First released: 1969 (year verified)
Original single: Mother Popcorn, Pt. 1
Original 1969 Part 1 single
MusicAtlas editorial note: The horn figures and urgent vocal entrances make the repeating structure feel continually in motion.
Annual version match under reviewThe selected recording has release evidence, but its version has not been matched to the retained annual entry. It is omitted from Beyond the yearly lists until this match is resolved.
Release evidence and recording details
First released: 1969 (year verified)
The selected original recording was released in 1969. Later anthologies and their release dates do not reset its first-release year.
Recording: Original 1969 Part 1 single
Credit: James Brown
Role in this collection: Lead recording artist
Original single: Mother Popcorn, Pt. 1
Mother Popcorn, Pt. 1 - licensed recording metadata
Licensed track metadata identifies the selected original 1969 part 1 single and artist credit. Only the supported original year 1969 is used; January 1 or other catalog default days are not asserted as worldwide release days. | Reviewed 2026-10-18
14list
orderJames Brown & The J.B.'s
First released: 1970 (year verified)
Original single: Super Bad, Pts. 1 & 2
Original 1970 Parts 1 and 2 single presentation
MusicAtlas editorial note: The tight repeating groove makes the sudden vocal accents and instrumental replies stand out.
Beyond the yearly listsRelease evidence and recording details
First released: 1970 (year verified)
The selected original recording was released in 1970. Later anthologies and their release dates do not reset its first-release year.
Recording: Original 1970 Parts 1 and 2 single presentation
Credit: James Brown & The J.B.'s
Role in this collection: Lead recording artist; historical group billing retained where credited
Original single: Super Bad, Pts. 1 & 2
Super Bad, Pts. 1 & 2 - licensed recording metadata
Licensed track metadata identifies the selected original 1970 parts 1 and 2 single presentation and artist credit. Only the supported original year 1970 is used; January 1 or other catalog default days are not asserted as worldwide release days. | Reviewed 2026-10-18
15list
orderJames Brown
First released: 1971 (year verified)
Original single: Soul Power, Pt. 1
Original 1971 Part 1 single
MusicAtlas editorial note: The compact vocal calls work like another rhythmic instrument within the ensemble.
Beyond the yearly listsRelease evidence and recording details
First released: 1971 (year verified)
The selected original recording was released in 1971. Later anthologies and their release dates do not reset its first-release year.
Recording: Original 1971 Part 1 single
Credit: James Brown
Role in this collection: Lead recording artist
Original single: Soul Power, Pt. 1
Soul Power - licensed original Part 1 metadata
Licensed metadata explicitly identifies Part 1 / Single Version and its 1971 recording release year. The later compilation title is not treated as the first release. | Reviewed 2026-10-18
16list
orderJames Brown & The J.B.'s
First released: 1971 (year verified)
Original single: Hot Pants (She Got to Use What She Got to Get What She Wants), Pt. 1
Original 1971 Part 1 single recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: The steady repeated figures leave room for small changes in emphasis to reshape the groove.
Beyond the yearly listsRelease evidence and recording details
First released: 1971 (year verified)
The original Part 1 single was released in 1971. The subsequently recorded album performance is a separate version.
Recording: Original 1971 Part 1 single recording
Credit: James Brown & The J.B.'s
Role in this collection: Lead recording artist; historical group billing retained where credited
Original single: Hot Pants (She Got to Use What She Got to Get What She Wants), Pt. 1
Hot Pants (She Got to Use What She Got to Get What She Wants), Pt. 1 - licensed recording metadata
Licensed track metadata identifies the selected original 1971 part 1 single recording and artist credit. Only the supported original year 1971 is used; January 1 or other catalog default days are not asserted as worldwide release days. | Reviewed 2026-10-18
17list
orderJames Brown
First released: 1971 (year verified)
Original single: Make It Funky, Pt. 1
Original 1971 Part 1 single
MusicAtlas editorial note: The instrumental parts answer one another in short phrases, keeping the central pulse in focus.
Beyond the yearly listsRelease evidence and recording details
First released: 1971 (year verified)
The selected original recording was released in 1971. Later anthologies and their release dates do not reset its first-release year.
Recording: Original 1971 Part 1 single
Credit: James Brown
Role in this collection: Lead recording artist
Original single: Make It Funky, Pt. 1
Make It Funky, Pt. 1 - licensed recording metadata
Licensed track metadata identifies the selected original 1971 part 1 single and artist credit. Only the supported original year 1971 is used; January 1 or other catalog default days are not asserted as worldwide release days. | Reviewed 2026-10-18
18list
orderJames Brown
First released: 1972 (year verified)
Original single: Get on the Good Foot, Pt. 1
Original 1972 Part 1 single
MusicAtlas editorial note: The quick changes in vocal emphasis give the tightly repeated accompaniment a sense of forward motion.
Annual version match under reviewThe selected recording has release evidence, but its version has not been matched to the retained annual entry. It is omitted from Beyond the yearly lists until this match is resolved.
Release evidence and recording details
First released: 1972 (year verified)
The selected original recording was released in 1972. Later anthologies and their release dates do not reset its first-release year.
Recording: Original 1972 Part 1 single
Credit: James Brown
Role in this collection: Lead recording artist
Original single: Get on the Good Foot, Pt. 1
Get on the Good Foot, Pt. 1 - licensed recording metadata
Licensed track metadata identifies the selected original 1972 part 1 single and artist credit. Only the supported original year 1972 is used; January 1 or other catalog default days are not asserted as worldwide release days. | Reviewed 2026-10-18
19list
orderJames Brown
First released: 1973 (year verified)
Original album: The Payback
Original full 1973 album recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: The long form gives the restrained guitar and bass patterns time to settle before each new vocal entrance.
Beyond the yearly listsRelease evidence and recording details
First released: 1973 (year verified)
The full album master was available on The Payback in 1973, before the later single edit.
Recording: Original full 1973 album recording
Credit: James Brown
Role in this collection: Lead recording artist
Original album: The Payback
The Payback - licensed recording metadata
Licensed track metadata identifies the selected original full 1973 album recording and artist credit. Only the supported original year 1973 is used; January 1 or other catalog default days are not asserted as worldwide release days. | Reviewed 2026-10-18
20list
orderJames Brown
First released: 1976 (year verified)
Original single: Get Up Offa That Thing
Original 1976 single recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: The bright instrumental accents make each return of the central refrain feel like a fresh push.
Beyond the yearly listsRelease evidence and recording details
First released: 1976 (year verified)
The selected original recording was released in 1976. Later anthologies and their release dates do not reset its first-release year.
Recording: Original 1976 single recording
Credit: James Brown
Role in this collection: Lead recording artist
Original single: Get Up Offa That Thing
Get Up Offa That Thing - licensed recording metadata
Licensed track metadata identifies the selected original 1976 single recording and artist credit. Only the supported original year 1976 is used; January 1 or other catalog default days are not asserted as worldwide release days. | Reviewed 2026-10-18
21list
orderJames Brown
First released: 1985 (year verified)
Original soundtrack: Rocky IV (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Original 1985 Rocky IV soundtrack recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: The expansive production places the forceful lead vocal against an especially broad rhythmic backdrop.
Annual version match under reviewThe selected recording has release evidence, but its version has not been matched to the retained annual entry. It is omitted from Beyond the yearly lists until this match is resolved.
Release evidence and recording details
First released: 1985 (year verified)
The original Rocky IV soundtrack recording was released in 1985, before the retained 1986 annual appearance. Shorter single presentations are not silently substituted.
Recording: Original 1985 Rocky IV soundtrack recording
Credit: James Brown
Role in this collection: Lead recording artist
Original soundtrack: Rocky IV (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Living in America - licensed recording metadata
Licensed track metadata identifies the selected original 1985 rocky iv soundtrack recording and artist credit. Only the supported original year 1985 is used; January 1 or other catalog default days are not asserted as worldwide release days. | Reviewed 2026-10-18
22list
orderJames Brown & The Famous Flames
First released: 1963 (year verified)
Original single: Prisoner of Love
Original 1963 single recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: The sustained orchestral setting reveals a different side of the voice from the more tightly rhythmic selections.
Beyond the yearly listsRelease evidence and recording details
First released: 1963 (year verified)
The selected original recording was released in 1963. Later anthologies and their release dates do not reset its first-release year.
Recording: Original 1963 single recording
Credit: James Brown & The Famous Flames
Role in this collection: Lead recording artist; historical group billing retained where credited
Original single: Prisoner of Love
Prisoner of Love - licensed recording metadata
Licensed track metadata identifies the selected original 1963 single recording and artist credit. Only the supported original year 1963 is used; January 1 or other catalog default days are not asserted as worldwide release days. | Reviewed 2026-10-18
23list
orderJames Brown & The Famous Flames
First released: 1960 (year verified)
Original single: Think
Original 1960 single recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: The rhythmic vocal delivery and short instrumental answers keep the performance compact and alert.
Beyond the yearly listsRelease evidence and recording details
First released: 1960 (year verified)
The selected original recording was released in 1960. Later anthologies and their release dates do not reset its first-release year.
Recording: Original 1960 single recording
Credit: James Brown & The Famous Flames
Role in this collection: Lead recording artist; historical group billing retained where credited
Original single: Think
Think - licensed recording metadata
Licensed track metadata identifies the selected original 1960 single recording and artist credit. Only the supported original year 1960 is used; January 1 or other catalog default days are not asserted as worldwide release days. | Reviewed 2026-10-18
24list
orderJames Brown
First released: 1974 (year verified)
Original album: Reality
Original full 1974 album studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: The clipped horn responses and restless bass keep the insistent lead closely connected to the groove.
Beyond the yearly listsRelease evidence and recording details
First released: 1974 (year verified)
The original Reality program and recording-specific distributor field establish 1974 for this full album performance. Only the supported year is assigned; later single edits and anthologies are separate presentations.
Recording: Original full 1974 album studio recording
Credit: James Brown
Role in this collection: Primary artist
Original album: Reality
Reality - original 1974 album program
The original Universal/Polydor program identifies the full approximately 4:28 Funky President (People It's Bad) recording in 1974. Only year precision is used; the January 1 placeholder is not an exact original day. | Reviewed 2026-10-18
25list
orderJames Brown
First released: 1979 (year verified)
Original album: The Original Disco Man
Original full 1979 album recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: The extended instrumental texture gives the recurring vocal line room to sit inside the groove.
Beyond the yearly listsRelease evidence and recording details
First released: 1979 (year verified)
The selected original recording was released in 1979. Later anthologies and their release dates do not reset its first-release year.
Recording: Original full 1979 album recording
Credit: James Brown
Role in this collection: Lead recording artist
Original album: The Original Disco Man
It's Too Funky in Here - licensed recording metadata
Licensed track metadata identifies the selected original full 1979 album recording and artist credit. Only the supported original year 1979 is used; January 1 or other catalog default days are not asserted as worldwide release days. | Reviewed 2026-10-18