While there is debate about the exact boundaries of the electrofunk/boogie style of music that is clearly demonstrated by mid 80s Midnight Star/Roger-Zapp and the 1999 LP, it is generally agreed that electronic funk/boogie/so called "stripped down" funk was the style that the masters such as Prince, Roger/Zapp, Rick James, the Bar-Kays, the Dazz Band, etc. and the uptempo parts of the Thriller LP used. It is a style that emphasized synthesizers and drum machines and very focused and tight melodies & percussion (compared to the more frequently but not always loose, wandering funk arrangements of that were more prevalent in the 70s such as certain tunes by the Ohio Players, etc.). It is a style that minimized or discarded the use of strings, symbols, horns and electric piano in favor of a more fully electronic sound.

For afficianados/fans/hobbyists of the electrofunk/electronic funk/boogie period, it is relatively
easy to think of the bands, LPs, and tunes that are the best, most popular, or or at least noticeably
popular.

What about the underrated tunes from this period that were the most underrated?
What tunes from this period do you know that (1) received minimal attention/sales back then
even though they deserved more attention back then OR (2) maybe were popular when they
were new but are not frequently getting attention now when there are discussions of best quality funk tunes from this period OR (3) not available for LEGAL purchase in CD or MP3 format but should be ?

My own examples:

1. Any Bobby Nunn tune

2. Roy Ayers - Slip and Slide

3. George Clinton - Quickie

4. Dynasty - Here I Am, Strokin

5. Midnight Star - Playmates (an album cut)

6. Fatback - Double Love Affair, Freak Undercover

7. Skyy - Hey, Girl

8. One Way - Let's Talk

9. Con Funk Shun - Electric Lady

10. Gladys Knight - When You're Far Away (Remix)

11. Shirley Murdock - Truth or Dare, No More

I'd say the WHOLE boogie period is quite underrated. Not only it didn't get played outside of the R&B radio, but it took the European market and the rise of the blogosphere recently to revive its interest.

Despite all of that, the remaster treatment it gets is quite minimal and limited, esp compared to the remasters of the 70s period.

Here's my 10 underrated list....

1. Libra - Ride This Pony

2. Freda Payne - In Motion

3. Ren Woods - Get It Right

4. The Ritchie Family - I'll My Best

5. Taka Boom - Rock Your World

6. Melba Moore - Its Really Love

7. Don Blackman - You Ain't Hip

8. The Manhattans - Crazy

9. Enchantment - Give It Up

10. Barbara Mason - Don't I Ever Cross Your Mind Sometimes

Harlepolis said:

I'd say the WHOLE boogie period is quite underrated. Not only it didn't get played outside of the R&B radio, but it took the European market and the rise of the blogosphere recently to revive its interest.

Despite all of that, the remaster treatment it gets is quite minimal and limited, esp compared to the remasters of the 70s period.

Here's my 10 underrated list....

1. Libra - Ride This Pony

2. Freda Payne - In Motion

3. Ren Woods - Get It Right

4. The Ritchie Family - I'll My Best

5. Taka Boom - Rock Your World

6. Melba Moore - Its Really Love

7. Don Blackman - You Ain't Hip

8. The Manhattans - Crazy

9. Enchantment - Give It Up

10. Barbara Mason - Don't I Ever Cross Your Mind Sometimes

Thank you for the suggestions.

On this list, I have heard and agree about "It's Really Love".

I need to take a listen to the additional tunes on that list.

The lack of interest in this topic is so super surprising.