← Back

Maggot Brain

by Funkadelic

Released: July 12, 1971

Psychedelic funk, funk rock, R&B, acid rock, progressive soul

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Experimental Album.

The Album

It marked the final LP recorded by Funkadelic's original lineup, as founding members Tawl Ross (guitar), Billy Nelson (bass), and Tiki Fulwood (drums) departed from the band after its release. "Maggot Brain" is the third studio album by the American funk rock band Funkadelic, released in July 1971 on Westbound Records. Its standout track is the ten-minute title piece, featuring an iconic improvised guitar solo by Eddie Hazel.

Inside the Recording

Produced by George Clinton, the album was recorded at United Sound Systems in Detroit between late 1970 and early 1971.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

The album remains a cornerstone of psychedelic funk…

The album remains a cornerstone of psychedelic funk and rock music, celebrated for its innovative sound and Hazel's virtuosic performance.

"Maggot Brain" has gained significant acclaim over the…

"Maggot Brain" has gained significant acclaim over the years; in 2009, Pitchfork named it the 17th best album of the 1970s, and in 2020, Rolling Stone ranked it as the 136th greatest album of all time in its updated list.

Start listening here

Essential Tracks

Maggot Brain

"Maggot Brain" is the third studio album by the American funk rock band Funkadelic, released in July 1971 on Westbound Records.

Watch and listen

Explore the Album

Funkadelic - Maggot Brain

Open in Albums Gallery

Then

Reception

The album achieved success, charting in the R&B Top 20.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"Maggot Brain" is the third studio album by the American funk rock band Funkadelic, released in July 1971 on Westbound Records. Produced by George Clinton, the album was recorded at United Sound Systems in Detroit between late 1970 and early 1971. It marked the final LP recorded by Funkadelic's original lineup, as founding members Tawl Ross (guitar), Billy Nelson (bass), and Tiki Fulwood (drums) departed from the band after its release.

The album achieved success, charting in the R&B Top 20. Its standout track is the ten-minute title piece, featuring an iconic improvised guitar solo by Eddie Hazel. "Maggot Brain" has gained significant acclaim over the years; in 2009, Pitchfork named it the 17th best album of the 1970s, and in 2020, Rolling Stone ranked it as the 136th greatest album of all time in its updated list. The album remains a cornerstone of psychedelic funk and rock music, celebrated for its innovative sound and Hazel's virtuosic performance.