James Brown recorded "Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine" as a reflection of his desire to express vitality, confidence, and control traits that defined both his life and career. Brown was deeply passionate about his image as a powerful performer and bandleader. By 1970, he had already cemented himself as one of the hardest-working men in show business, and the energy and drive behind the song directly mirrored his relentless work ethic and stage persona. Why James Brown Recorded It The song was not just about the groove or the beat; it was about Brown's need to command the stage and demonstrate his physical and musical prowess. His live performances were renowned for their energy and showmanship, and "Sex Machine" was a natural extension of this. The title and lyrics evoke a sense of being in control and being a "machine," a metaphor for how Brown viewed himself-as someone who never stopped moving, always working, always delivering. His dancing moves, like the famous splits, spins, and his rapid footwork, were integral to his performances, and "Sex Machine" gave him the perfect backdrop to showcase this kinetic energy. Personal Motivation Brown was always pushing boundaries, not only musically but personally. He had faced a lot of challenges in his life-growing up in poverty, dealing with legal troubles, and struggling with the demands of fame. The relentless rhythm of "Sex Machine" mirrored his constant drive to stay on top, keep innovating, and prove that no one could outwork him. The song became an anthem of empowerment for Brown, not just for its sexual connotations but for its deeper message of resilience and confidence. It was a self-affirmation of his standing as a leader in both music and life, highlighting his ability to control the stage, his band, and ultimately, his destiny. Influence on His Career By 1970, James Brown was transitioning into the funk era, and "Sex Machine" played a crucial role in that shift. His music had always been rhythm-focused, but this song solidified his emphasis on the groove and the downbeat. For Brown, recording "Sex Machine" wasn’t just about making another hit-it was about redefining himself musically and personally. He wanted to prove that, despite all the changes in music and culture at the time, he was still the most dynamic force in the industry. Conclusion James Brown recorded "Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine" as an embodiment of his unyielding energy, self-confidence, and belief in his ability to constantly innovate and dominate the music world. The song was a testament to his work ethic, stage presence, and ability to stay at the forefront of musical trends, all while maintaining his personal identity as a relentless and unstoppable force in entertainment. Source: Rolling Stone - James Brown Biography
"Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine" is one of James Brown's most iconic and influential songs. Released in 1970, it is widely regarded as a defining track in the development of funk music. The song showcases Brown's unique style, with a strong emphasis on rhythm, particularly his signature focus on the downbeat or "the one," which became a hallmark of funk. Song Composition The song was co-written by James Brown along with Bobby Byrd and Ron Lenhoff. It features the tight, groove-driven backing of Brown's band, The J.B.'s, with prominent contributions from Bootsy Collins on bass and Catfish Collins on guitar. The simple but hypnotic bassline and repetitive drum pattern create a rhythmic foundation over which Brown delivers his signature call-and-response vocals. The song is structured in two main parts, with the first focusing on Brown’s vocals and the second dominated by instrumental solos. Lyrical Content Lyrically, "Sex Machine" is a playful celebration of energy, confidence, and vitality. The recurring phrase "Get up, get on up" commands listeners to take action, both physically and metaphorically, driving the song's energetic feel. While the lyrics reference "sex machine," they are not explicit but instead emphasize a sense of movement, rhythm, and action, reflective of Brown's dynamic stage presence. Influence and Legacy "Sex Machine" is considered a landmark in funk music due to its minimalistic, rhythm-heavy approach. It marked a shift from the more melody-focused style of soul music to the repetitive, groove-based structure that defined funk. The song’s impact can be felt in genres such as hip-hop, where it has been widely sampled by artists like Public Enemy and Tupac Shakur. Brown's tight control over the rhythm section, particularly emphasizing the downbeat, laid the groundwork for the evolution of modern dance music and hip-hop production. "Sex Machine" also became a staple of Brown's live performances, often extended with lengthy improvisational sections that showcased both his vocal prowess and his band's musical abilities. It remains one of his most celebrated songs and is frequently cited as one of the greatest funk tracks of all time. Commercial Success The song achieved significant commercial success, reaching number 2 on the R&B charts and number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was also a major hit in the UK, solidifying Brown’s international appeal. Over the years, it has been included in various compilations and live recordings, further cementing its status as a defining song of Brown's career. Conclusion "Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine" is a timeless classic that showcases James Brown’s genius as both a performer and a pioneer of funk music. Its infectious groove, tight rhythm section, and Brown's unmistakable energy have made it one of the most enduring and influential tracks in popular music history. Source: AllMusic - James Brown Biography and Works
James Brown recorded "Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine" as a reflection of his desire to express vitality, confidence, and control traits that defined both his life and career. Brown was deeply passionate about his image as a powerful performer and bandleader. By 1970, he had already cemented himself as one of the hardest-working men in show business, and the energy and drive behind the song directly mirrored his relentless work ethic and stage persona.
Why James Brown Recorded It
The song was not just about the groove or the beat; it was about Brown's need to command the stage and demonstrate his physical and musical prowess. His live performances were renowned for their energy and showmanship, and "Sex Machine" was a natural extension of this. The title and lyrics evoke a sense of being in control and being a "machine," a metaphor for how Brown viewed himself-as someone who never stopped moving, always working, always delivering. His dancing moves, like the famous splits, spins, and his rapid footwork, were integral to his performances, and "Sex Machine" gave him the perfect backdrop to showcase this kinetic energy.
Personal Motivation
Brown was always pushing boundaries, not only musically but personally. He had faced a lot of challenges in his life-growing up in poverty, dealing with legal troubles, and struggling with the demands of fame. The relentless rhythm of "Sex Machine" mirrored his constant drive to stay on top, keep innovating, and prove that no one could outwork him. The song became an anthem of empowerment for Brown, not just for its sexual connotations but for its deeper message of resilience and confidence. It was a self-affirmation of his standing as a leader in both music and life, highlighting his ability to control the stage, his band, and ultimately, his destiny.
Influence on His Career
By 1970, James Brown was transitioning into the funk era, and "Sex Machine" played a crucial role in that shift. His music had always been rhythm-focused, but this song solidified his emphasis on the groove and the downbeat. For Brown, recording "Sex Machine" wasn’t just about making another hit-it was about redefining himself musically and personally. He wanted to prove that, despite all the changes in music and culture at the time, he was still the most dynamic force in the industry.
Conclusion
James Brown recorded "Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine" as an embodiment of his unyielding energy, self-confidence, and belief in his ability to constantly innovate and dominate the music world. The song was a testament to his work ethic, stage presence, and ability to stay at the forefront of musical trends, all while maintaining his personal identity as a relentless and unstoppable force in entertainment.
Source:
Rolling Stone - James Brown Biography
"Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine" is one of James Brown's most iconic and influential songs. Released in 1970, it is widely regarded as a defining track in the development of funk music. The song showcases Brown's unique style, with a strong emphasis on rhythm, particularly his signature focus on the downbeat or "the one," which became a hallmark of funk.
Song Composition
The song was co-written by James Brown along with Bobby Byrd and Ron Lenhoff. It features the tight, groove-driven backing of Brown's band, The J.B.'s, with prominent contributions from Bootsy Collins on bass and Catfish Collins on guitar. The simple but hypnotic bassline and repetitive drum pattern create a rhythmic foundation over which Brown delivers his signature call-and-response vocals. The song is structured in two main parts, with the first focusing on Brown’s vocals and the second dominated by instrumental solos.
Lyrical Content
Lyrically, "Sex Machine" is a playful celebration of energy, confidence, and vitality. The recurring phrase "Get up, get on up" commands listeners to take action, both physically and metaphorically, driving the song's energetic feel. While the lyrics reference "sex machine," they are not explicit but instead emphasize a sense of movement, rhythm, and action, reflective of Brown's dynamic stage presence.
Influence and Legacy
"Sex Machine" is considered a landmark in funk music due to its minimalistic, rhythm-heavy approach. It marked a shift from the more melody-focused style of soul music to the repetitive, groove-based structure that defined funk. The song’s impact can be felt in genres such as hip-hop, where it has been widely sampled by artists like Public Enemy and Tupac Shakur. Brown's tight control over the rhythm section, particularly emphasizing the downbeat, laid the groundwork for the evolution of modern dance music and hip-hop production.
"Sex Machine" also became a staple of Brown's live performances, often extended with lengthy improvisational sections that showcased both his vocal prowess and his band's musical abilities. It remains one of his most celebrated songs and is frequently cited as one of the greatest funk tracks of all time.
Commercial Success
The song achieved significant commercial success, reaching number 2 on the R&B charts and number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was also a major hit in the UK, solidifying Brown’s international appeal. Over the years, it has been included in various compilations and live recordings, further cementing its status as a defining song of Brown's career.
Conclusion
"Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine" is a timeless classic that showcases James Brown’s genius as both a performer and a pioneer of funk music. Its infectious groove, tight rhythm section, and Brown's unmistakable energy have made it one of the most enduring and influential tracks in popular music history.
Source:
AllMusic - James Brown Biography and Works