(October 29, 2023) Amazing that it’s been over 45 years since Con Funk Shun blazed onto the R&B/soul scene with their first #1 hit, “Ffun”. Through the remainder of the 1970’s and into the 1980’s, the group scored many Top 10 soul hits from “Got To Be Enough” to “Too Tight”. Along the way came probably their most classic jam, “Love’s Train.” Although Con Funk Shun disbanded by the mid-1980’s, fans still cherished their classics and would pass their music on to future generations of R&B lovers.
Con Funk Shun co-founders Michael Cooper, Felton Pilate and Karl Fuller record and perform today with excellent results. On the heels of the Silk Sonic (Anderson Paak/Bruno Mars) remake of the group’s classic, “Love’s Train” Con Funk Shun enjoyed a hit in early 2023 with the single, “Text Me Tomorrow.” Now the trio gives us a new release, “Smooth” (written by Felton Pilate, who co-produced the tune with Michael Cooper) which, along with the aforementioned smash, will be included in their forthcoming 2024 album, Smooth Jukebox.
Let’s talk about “Smooth”: This mid-uptempo toe-tappin’ groove is a winner, a dancer for the grown folks crowd. The drumbeat kicks it off with the keyboards, vocals and horns coming in quite quickly yet nicely. The story is all about dancing and grooving with one’s “guilty pleasure,” who is the sole object of vocalist Felton Pilate’s true desire. Then, there’s the clever nod to our dear Mr. Gaye’s “After The Dance” towards the end of this gem. A sweet combination of the old and the new.
“Smooth” is slated for a November 2023 release to digital and radio. With the holidays quickly approaching, one may think the timing wouldn’t be the greatest – especially with radio going hard and heavy with the Christmas tunes. But this is EXACTLY the song we need to help ring out 2023. With folks looking for that holiday party or get together, Con Funk Shun’s “Smooth” is the perfect tune to get folks stepping out on the dance floor. Check out our SoulTracks Premiere below. To the masters of “Ffun,” well done.
By Kevin Goins
World Premiere!
Con Funk Shun - "Smooth"