Top 10 Bootsy Collins Songs

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Our Top 10 Bootsy Collins Songs list will look at a legendary singer and musician. He rose to fame by working with James Brown and Parliament-Funkadelic. He became crucial in funk music. He formed the Bootsy Rubber Band. Chances are you may have heard his songs since he has worked with a lot of people in the music industry. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997. The legendary funk star has been picked as one of the greatest bassists of all time. Bootsy Collins was inducted into the National Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame in 2016. He has appeared on television shows and commercials.

William Earl “Bootsy” Collins was born on October 26, 1951. He was named “Bootsy” by his mother. He was inspired by Jimi Hendrix and his brother Phelps “Catfish” Collins. Phelps “Catfish” Collins was a musician. Bootsy Collins appeared in his brother’s band the Pacemakers when a member didn’t show up. Bootsy Collins became a member of the band. They were established as a sessions and live band for a variety of artists. James Brown was interested in the band and wanted to use them as emergency replacements for his other band.

The band became known as The J.B.’s. Bootsy Collins became a vital part of James Brown’s hits “Get Up (I Feel Like Being A) Sex Machine,” “Super Bad,” “Soul Power” and “Talkin’ Loud and Sayin’ Nothing.” The brothers left the band to form their band. They went on to become members of George Clinton’s band Funkadelic. Bootsy Collins did double duty when he was also a member of George Clinton’s other band Parliament. Bootsy Collins helped write some of P-Funk’s classic hits including “Flashlight.”

Bootsy Collins was a busy man. While he was with P-Funk, he formed Bootsy’s Rubber Band. They have recorded albums together. They earned gold records. Nine of the band’s singles were on the r&b charts. The band changed their name to The Sweat Band. They continued to record music as The Sweat Band and Bootsy’s Rubber Band. In the 80s and 90s, Bootsy Collins and his band were working with different artists. Bootsy Collins also released solo projects. Ultra Wave was released in November 1980. The album features the singles “F-Encounter,” “Mug Push,” “Is That My Song?” and “Fat Cat.” The One Giveth, The Count Taketh Away was released in April 1982. The album features the singles “Play On Playboy,” “Music to Smile By,” “So Nice You Name Him Twice” and “The Funky Funktioneer.”

What’s Bootsy Doin’ was released in September 1988. The album features the singles “Party on Plastic (What’s Bootsy Doin’),” “Leakin’” and “Love Song.” Fresh Outta ‘P’ University was released in 1987. The album features the singles “Off Da Hook,” “I’m Leavin’ U,” “Pearl Drops” and “Wind Me Up,” Play with Bootsy was released in 2002. The album features the singles “Dance to the Music,” “Soul Sista,” “Play with Bootsy” and “Funky and You Know It.” The Funk Capital of the World was released in April 2011. The album features the single “Don’t Take My Funk.” World Wide Funk was released in October 2017. The album features the single “Worth My While,” “Ladies Nite,” “Hot Saucer” and “World Wide Funk.” He would go on to release several more studio albums and compilations throughout his career.

Bootsy Collins is a respected man in music. He is a genius when it comes to playing the bass. He is a hard-working man who is responsible for creating some of the best funk and r&b songs in music history. It is hard to believe that he wasn’t given more awards for what he has done for music. Our Top 10 Bootsy Collins Songs list will honor the legendary funkmaster.

# 10 – The Power of the One

The 10th song on our Top 10 Bootsy Collins Songs list is “The Power of the One” from the album of the same name. “The Power of the One” was released in 2020. The social song is about breaking down barriers. He wants to bring everyone together. He didn’t want to single anyone out who could be keeping the world divided. He wanted to sing a positive message about unity. He reminds us that we are all living in this world together and need to work and live together to survive. We are bonding together through tragedy. We also bond together when something good happens. It is a one-for-all all-for-one type of song. It is a song about unity and not division. If one goes down, we all go down. If one thrives, we all thrive.

This is the type of song that the world needs more than ever. We may not have known we needed it, but we do. The song teaches you to work together so we can unite as one. This is a timely message because of what is going on in the world today. It is a deep message about solidarity. The lyrics will reach your soul. They may inspire you to want to help others. Bootsy Collins delivered a powerful message while keeping it funky. The musicians do an incredible job with the music. The groove is infectious. It is impossible to sit still while listening to it. Here is a fun fact. Singer and musician George Benson plays the guitar in this song. The music may make it hard to pay attention to the deep message of the song. Bootsy Collins proved that funk music is alive and well.

# 9 – Party on Plastic (What’s Bootsy Doin’?)

The ninth song on our Top 10 Bootsy Collins Songs list is “Party on Plastic (What’s Bootsy Doin’?)” from the What’s Bootsy Doin’? album. “Party on Plastic” was released in 1988. This is a party anthem. He is telling everyone he wants them to party. It doesn’t matter what type of person you are. He wants you to get up and party. The narrator doesn’t want you to hide. He wants you to be on the dance floor. He approaches people and wants to party with them. He wants everyone to turn their radios up and get the party started. Whenever you are feeling the music, he wants you to get up and move.

This is the type of song that wants you to have fun and party. It doesn’t matter what type of person you are. He wants you to have fun. You can have fun in the club, or you can have fun at home. This track allows you to let your hair down and have fun. The lyrics are what you would expect in a party jam. They aren’t meant to be taken seriously. Most artists record songs about partying so it could get repetitive. Bootsy Collins manages to make his party song stand out.

The legend wants any type of person to get on the floor and dance. Once the music starts, you will have no choice but to do what the artist says and party. Bootsy Collins is having fun on the track and it is contagious. If you are listening to this track, you will want to turn your radio up the way he says in the song. Bootsy Collins sounds good instructing the listeners to turn the music up. The female vocalist also sounds good in the background.

# 8 – Hollywood Squares

The eighth song on our Top 10 Bootsy Collins Songs list is ”Hollywood Squares” from the Back in the Day: The Best of Bootsy Collins album. “Hollywood Squares” was released in 1994. The melodic song talks about his love for Hollywood. He goes into detail about what he loves about Hollywood. He talks about the glamorous life of Hollywood. In addition to talking about his love of Hollywood, he talks about wanting to be with a woman. He wants to be intimate with the woman. Bootsy Collins uses Hollywood imagery to talk about wanting to be with the woman he loves. He wants to have fun with the woman he loves.

Bootsy Collins paints a unique picture of love. He compares the glamorous life of Hollywood to finding a relationship. He considers her a leading lady as if she were an actress in Hollywood. He found a different way to talk about a familiar subject. He is a party man and doesn’t stray from wanting to party. He talks about having fun in the song. Bootsy Collins slows things down with this track.

You can still move around to the music, but it’s not as energetic as his upbeat songs. Since the music isn’t as fast paced, it gives you a chance to listen to his vocals. He does his famous ad libs, but he does get a chance to sing in parts of the song. He has a good singing voice. He has a smooth baritone voice which gets overlooked by his spoken word. The background vocalists will have you singing along with them.

# 7 – Dance to the Music ft. One

The seventh song on our list is “Dance to the Music” from the Play with Bootsy album. “Dance to the Music” was released in 2003. The energetic song is about dancing. The narrators inform the fans that they can turn it out if they want to party. He wants the sexy ladies to get on the dance floor. He wants to see you on the floor having fun. He wants you to let your body be free. The narrator wants you to dance even if you are tired. He lets the listeners know that funk won’t die. He wants the world to dance. Just when you are ready to sit down you must get up and dance again. If you try to stop the music, you are a fool. The message of the song is to keep on dancing.

This is a dance anthem. You won’t learn anything lyrically, but you will get a chance to have fun. This song is about escapism and letting loose. This song is designed to let you dance your troubles away. It has a cool beat and is designed for you to have fun. The music is a great blend of r&b and funk. Bootsy Collins doesn’t appear in this song lyrically the way he does in his other songs. He does provide the ad libs in the song. He allows One to be the star of the song. One sounds like Prince. He has Prince’s vocal ticks. If you didn’t know any better, you would swear that he is Prince. He does an amazing job with his vocals. He hits every high note with ease. The background singers do an amazing job. They add to the enjoyment of the chorus.

# 6 – The Pinnochio Theory

“The Pinnochio Theory” is from the Ahh… The Name is Bootsy Baby! album. “The Pinnochio Theory” was released in February 1977. The groovy song is about being real when it concerns funk music. If you are going to be fake with funk music, your nose will grow like Pinnochio. He explains what the Pinnochio Theory is. You can’t lie your way through funk. He talks about someone trying to take his place in funk music. He uses funk as a play on words. He mentions someone trying to mess around with his funk as if he were talking about someone trying to take his woman. The narrator talks about someone taking over funk music and ruining it. This is most likely a jab at his competitors.

Bootsy Collins was letting the fans know that he is the funkmaster and no one will take his place. He found a creative way to boast about himself without sounding cocky. You don’t have to be a funkmaster to understand the lyrics. This could have easily been about something you are the best at. You can interpret the song either way. Bootsy Collins was right when he said this song was funky. The music is excellent. It is funk music at its finest. The string section will blow your mind. The pulsating beat will have you moving around in your seat. This song is what you would expect in a funk song, but it is worth checking out. The music will grab your attention from beginning to end. This is a popular song that went on to become one of Bootsy Collins’ signature songs.

# 5 – Worth My While ft. Kali Uchis

The next song on our Top 10 Bootsy Collins’ Songs list is “Worth My While” from the World Wide Funk album. “Worth My While” was released in 2017. This is a love story about a man and woman who want to be back together. The female protagonist talks about how she always thinks about him when she’s with someone else. She wants to take a chance with him, but she is afraid. She wants to know if he would be worth her time. She wants him to prove himself to her because she doesn’t want to get hurt. She indicates that she has been with him before because she talks about reminiscing about being with him.

The male protagonist tries to convince her that he is the man for her. He assures her that he is stuck to her like glue. He lets her know that he loves her and needs her love. He is lonely and sad without her. He wants to hold her in his arms forever.

This song tells a story about a former couple. They want to be in love again, but they are scared to take a chance. She wants him to prove to her that he can make the reunion worth her while. He tries to convince her that he is lonely without her. Bootsy Collins and Kali Uchis sing the song as if they are having a conversation with each other. If you are in a complicated relationship like the couple in this song, you will know what they are talking about. You will feel the lyrics. The song is smooth and has enough funk for you to know that it is a Bootsy Collins jam. It was nice to hear Bootsy Collins singing a love song and not one about partying and dancing. It’s good to know he has a tender side. Bootsy Collins and Kali Uchis sound good together. They both get the chance to shine in the song. This song is real and has real emotion.

# 4 – I’m Leavin’ (Gotta Go Gotta Go) ft. MC Lyte

“I’m Leavin’ (Gotta Go Gotta Go)” is from the Fresh Outta ‘P’ University album. “I’m Leavin’ (Gotta Go Gotta Go)” was released in 1997. This is a heartbreaking song about breaking up with someone. This is a story about a woman who wants to leave her man. She doesn’t blame her man for why she wants to go. She feels the time is right to leave. She is tired of feeling pain so she wants to make the pain go away. The only way she can do that is to walk away.

To save her sanity, she must make a change. He expresses how he feels about the relationship ending. He loves her and doesn’t want to let her go. He feels like he is going to follow her if she walks out the door. He believes they have a love that will last a lifetime. He believes he is part of her. She continues to tell him that she is ready to leave, but he refuses to let her go. As the song progresses, the couple break up. He reminisces about being with her. He misses her. He misses kissing her.

It feels as if we are being taken on a journey with a couple who have a tumultuous relationship. They want different things and we get to hear them play out in the song. She talks about why she wants to leave and he talks about why he wants her to stay. Some of us know what it feels like to be in one-sided relationships. It can be painful for both people in the relationship and the artists convey that message in the song. This is another song where Bootsy Collins gets to show his tender side. He doesn’t sing about partying or dancing. He sings about love and heartbreak. It is also good to hear MC Lyte on a track with Bootsy Collins. Their musical styles are different, but they make it work. This is an underrated song that deserves some attention.

# 3 – Take a Lickin’ and Keep on Kickin’

Coming in at number three on our list is “Take a Lickin’ and Keep on Kickin’” from The One Giveth, The Count Taketh Away album. “Take a Lickin’ and Keep on Kickin’” was released in 1982. The motivational song motivates you to keep going no matter what. Your life is precious and you should treat it that way. He talks about music being the key to life. People may call you crazy for what you like, but it is your life to live. He is living his life by his own rules. He wants the listeners to do the same thing. He wants you to turn on your music and let it take your mind away from what is going on in your life. You may have to make sacrifices in your life, but you still must live life. Don’t let anyone or anything keep you from living your life.

This is an inspirational song that will make you feel better about life. We all need a song like this to put us in the mood to celebrate life. The song teaches you to live life the way you want to live it. The lyrics are deep and meaningful. The music has a classic 80s funk beat that never gets old. The melody is like Prince’s “Controversy.” It sounds like something Prince or Rick James would have done. The guitar riffs are awesome. The musical arrangement is excellent. Once you hear the music, it will make you want to dance. This is the type of song that makes you want to go out and live your life. We have all heard songs about living our lives to the fullest before, but Bootsy Collins makes us want to hear it again.

# 2 – I’d Rather Be with You

“I’d Rather Be with You” is from the Stretchin’ Out in Bootsy’s Rubber Band album. “I’d Rather Be with You” was released in April 1977. The romantic song is about a man who wants to be with the woman he loves for life. He loves to see her smile. He wants to hold her hand. He would do anything to be her man. It is a cold world, but he loves her. He wants to spend all his time with her. He wants to be her love slave. He has his hands tied and he is offering himself to her. There is nothing else he would rather do than be with her. It may sound strange, but she is all he wants. He thinks life isn’t fun if he is not with her.

If you love someone and want to make them your life, this song will resonate with you. The song is a ballad, but it still has a funky groove. The music is soft. You can hear this song on funk and quiet storm radio. “I’d Rather Be with You” is the type of song you can hear with the lights out and a drink in your hand. The song has been sampled a lot. It is understandable because it has a fantastic beat. Bootsy Collins is a talented songwriter that makes you feel his lyrics. You can sing these lyrics to someone you love. You may be able to convince the person to be with you.

# 1 – Bootzilla

The number one song on our Top 10 Bootsy Collins Songs list is “Bootzilla” from the Bootsy’s Rubber Band album. “Bootzilla” was released in January 1978. Bootsy Collins created an alter ego for this song. He created Bootzilla. It is a rhinestone rock-star doll. The doll represents a man who wants to be available for the woman he wants. He lets her know that she can control him any way she wants. He is programmed to make her happy. He will entertain her if she gives him the chance. He lets her know that all she must do is wind him up if she wants to see him. He wants to be her superhero. He doesn’t want her to rely on anyone else.

The song tells a story about a man who wants to please a woman. He discusses what he would do through his alter ego. This is an interesting way to tell a story about wanting to be with the woman. His cool and laid-back style works on this song. The title may make you think it is a novelty song but it does make sense if you pay attention to the lyrics. The music has a classic 70s beat that will never get old. It will also put you in the mood to dance. If you are a fan of Bootsy Collins’, you will recognize this song as soon as the beat drops. This song can give you lessons on how to create funk music. If you weren’t a fan of funk music, this song might change your opinion of it. Bootsy Collins sounds as if he is having fun in the song. He makes you want to have fun with him. Everyone should let Bootsy Collins be his or her superhero.