D’Angelo, the soulful crooner and musical genius, has captivated audiences for decades with his rich, velvety voice and unparalleled artistry. With a career spanning over 25 years, D’Angelo has consistently pushed the boundaries of R&B and soul, earning him a well-deserved spot among the genre’s greats. As we embark on a musical journey through his illustrious discography, we delve into the realm of timeless classics and unforgettable melodies to curate the definitive list of the top 10 best D’Angelo songs of all time.
Each song on this list showcases D’Angelo’s unmatched ability to infuse his music with raw emotion and sensuality. From his breakout hit “Brown Sugar” to his soul-stirring anthem “Untitled (How Does It Feel),” every track resonates with an authenticity and depth that sets him apart from his contemporaries. D’Angelo’s masterful blend of traditional soul, funk, jazz, and gospel influences creates a unique sound that has garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.
This article not only pays tribute to D’Angelo’s incredible talent but also serves as a reminder of the enduring impact his music has had on the industry. So sit back, relax, and prepare to immerse yourself in the sultry melodies and captivating lyrics of the top 10 best D’Angelo songs of all time, each one a testament to the genius of a true musical legend.
1. Really Love
With its sultry sound and smooth vocals, 'Really Love' is a masterpiece from D'angelo's catalog. The intimate lyrics give listeners a glimpse into the artist's romantic side while the mesmerizing melody displays his exceptional musical talent. It's a song that captures both beauty and passion, making it a must-listen for any R&B fan.
Additionally, the record displays incredible musicianship with its use of live instrumentation, highlighting D'angelo's ability to create richly textured sounds within his music. The unique mix of soul, jazz and funk elements found on this track are evidence of the artist's versatility in blending different genres, which is evident throughout his discography.
The song became an instant classic upon release in 2014 due to its timeless appeal and emotional depth. 'Really Love' showcases D'Angelo at the height of his powers, proving he was more than just a gifted singer but also an iconic songwriter.
Moreover, it is interesting to note that 'Really Love' was partially inspired by Renaissance art when D'angelo visited Italy with Questlove in 2001. The track embodies elements of Italian music with its long-sustained notes reminiscent of operatic styles.
In one interview, Questlove explained how he witnessed D'angelo listening to church choirs while they were travelling together, influencing his approach to music composition and arrangement. This anecdote provides insight into the creative process behind some of D'angelo's best work.
Overall, 'Really Love' is not just a standout hit for D'angelo but also counts as one of the greatest R&B songs ever made. Its sensuous rhythms paired with poetic lyrics provide listeners with an unforgettable experience every time they listen to it.
If D'Angelo's voice was a blanket, 'Me and Those Dreamin' Eyes of Mine' is the warm embrace we all need right now.
2. Me and Those Dreamin’ Eyes of Mine
This masterpiece by D'Angelo titled as "Mesmerizing Gaze" takes us to a dreamy state with its soulful vocals and mesmerizing melody. The song was part of D'Angelo's debut album, "Brown Sugar," which received critical acclaim for its effortless blend of hip-hop, R&B, and jazz. "Mesmerizing Gaze" showcases D'Angelo's unique vocal skills that become the centerpiece of this musical composition.
The song begins with a mellow guitar strumming accompanied by soft percussion beats, leading us to the soulful vocals of D'Angelo. The smooth flow of his voice resonates with the rich texture of music, creating an enchanting ambiance that instantly captures your heart. The lyrics are simple yet profound in their expression, reflecting the simplicity and depth of true love.
One striking aspect of this song is the superb instrumentation that elevates the richness of music to another level. The subtle use of keyboards, bassline, violin strings blended seamlessly with the background chorus forms an exotic fusion that remains unparalleled till today.
D'Angelo's "Mesmerizing Gaze" continues to inspire artists across multiple genres and remains a timeless classic that will continue to capture hearts for generations to come.
U Will Know, but the real question is, will you know why it's one of D'Angelo's best songs?
3. U Will Know
This song showcases D'Angelo's soulful voice over a smooth R&B melody. "U Will Know" is an uplifting message of unity and hope, featuring vocals from a supergroup of 1990s R&B artists including Boys II Men, TLC, and Al B. Sure!. The song was released as part of the soundtrack to the film "Jason's Lyric" in 1994. Its combination of powerful vocal performances and positive message make it a standout track in D'Angelo's discography.
Fun fact: "U Will Know" was written by a group called K-Ci Hailey and JoJo Hailey, who also contributed to the vocals on the track.
Be present, or D'angelo might just leave you behind in the groove of his soulful melodies.
4. Be Here
This entry on the list pays tribute to D'angelo's 'Be Here' track, an inspiring piece that calls for reassessing priorities and cherishing present moments. The song captures the essence of a beautifully written love letter as it celebrates love, commitment, and companionship. With powerful lyrics and smooth instrumentals that blend funk, R&B, and jazz styles flawlessly to create a wave of emotion that captivates listeners instantly. It's without a doubt an excellent addition to any sentimental playlist.
The soulful vocals in 'Be Here' are soothing enough to make anyone feel relaxed. D’Angelo’s sincerity shines through as he sings every word with passion; this results in a beautiful masterpiece that can take listeners through an emotional journey of self-rediscovery and reflection. Some of the vocals glide over some great organ riffs, spiced up with gritty electric guitar licks adding more flavor to an already delicious meal.
The percussion is well-balanced and adds depth to the track, keeping everything together whilst retaining its sophisticated sound across each note played out on silvery keys; there is a sense of precision guiding D'Angelo through this melodic journey.
One unique aspect of 'Be Here' is its ability to evoke deep emotions within the listener due to the dedication behind its creation—a true embodiment of art created for personal expression rather than fame or money.
The inspiration behind the track was derived from D’Angelo’s real-life experience as he expresses his desire for someone special to be present physically before him despite understanding how far away they were from each other at the time – reminding you of those missed loved ones who live too far away.
Listening to 'Left & Right' is like watching a tennis match, except with smooth R&B vocals instead of sweaty athletes.
5. Left & Right
This particular D'angelo song has been considered one of the best in his repertoire. It features a distinctive sound and unique arrangement that makes it stand out from his other tracks. The song is highly regarded among fans and critics alike for its intricate composition, clever lyrics, and soulful delivery.
In order to further appreciate the technicalities of this song, let's take a look at some additional details that make it worthy of recognition. The track features impressive instrumentation with a creative use of horns, guitar, and percussion that blends together seamlessly. Additionally, the vocals are delivered with an emotional intensity that captures the listener's attention from start to finish.
Interestingly enough, Left & Right was originally intended to be a collaboration between D'Angelo and Q-Tip but eventually ended up being solely produced by D'Angelo himself. This decision proved to be the right one as the track has become a staple in his discography and continues to be celebrated by music enthusiasts around the world.
When it comes down to it, Left & Right ranks near the top when it comes to D'Angelo's greatest hits. With its dynamic composition, poignant lyrics, and powerful execution, there's no question as to why this track deserves a spot on any must-listen playlist.
If love is blind, then D'angelo's 'Nothing Even Matters' is a sight for sore ears.
6. Nothing Even Matters
This entry in the list showcases D'angelo's soulful collaboration with Lauryn Hill in a song that speaks to the power of love and connection, titled 'Nothing Even Matters'. The duo combines forces to create a beautiful melody that delivers a message of hope and positivity. The lyrics speak about being lost without someone, but finding solace in the bond between two people. The song uplifts the listener with its powerful vocals and soothing rhythm. Its creative composition earns it a rightful place among D'angelo's best songs.
Moving beyond the obvious appeal of its upbeat tune, 'Nothing Even Matters' serves as an excellent representation of D'Angelo's style – which has always been known for its originality and palpable emotion. Additionally, this track highlights the exceptional talent of both artists involved in creating this masterpiece. The organic collaboration between D'angelo and Lauryn Hill helped produce one of his most impactful tracks to date.
Fans of R&B and Soul music will find this entry on our list to be one of the most memorable contributions by D'angelo to the genre. If you haven't already, we highly recommend giving it a listen – your playlist would be all the richer for it.
Get ready to put on your velvet tracksuit and sip some fine wine because D'angelo's 'Cruisin'' is about to take you on a smooth ride to baby-making town.
7. Cruisin’
Smooth and soulful, this song is one of D'Angelo's most romantic pieces. The seventh entry on our list, it's a fan favorite for good reason. With its hypnotic melody and sensuous lyrics, Cruisin' is the ultimate slow jam.
The song features intricate guitar riffs and a pulsating bassline that give it a distinct groove. D'Angelo's signature falsetto vocals convey deep emotion and longing, making Cruisin' a classic romantic ballad.
Listeners can't help but be drawn into the lush world of the song, where the night is endless and anything is possible. It's easy to see why this tune has stood the test of time and remains an enduring favorite among fans of R&B music.
According to Rolling Stone, Cruisin' was originally written by Smokey Robinson in 1979 for his album Where There's Smoke…, but it was D'Angelo's version that truly captured the sensual essence of the track.
Get ready to feel some type of way with D'angelo's seductive anthem – just don't watch the music video with your grandma.
8. Untitled (How Does It Feel)
This iconic song, often referred to as "that D'Angelo video", showcases the artist's impressive vocals and sensual lyrics. It was released in 2000 as a single from the album "Voodoo". The accompanying music video features D'Angelo shirtless, showcasing his chiseled physique in a one-shot take. The song starts slow, building up to a powerful climax that reflects the passionate emotions conveyed throughout. Its popularity has not waned over time and it remains one of D'Angelo's most memorable hits.
For fans of R&B, neo-soul or just good music in general, "Untitled (How Does It Feel)" is a must-listen. Its seductive melody and raw energy make it both thrilling and emotionally resonant. Beyond its musical qualities, this song has a cultural significance as a cornerstone for male sexuality in black music history.
Listeners should also explore other works within "Voodoo" to fully appreciate D'Angelo's virtuosic talents. The entire album is an undeniable masterpiece with highlights like "Devil's Pie" and "Send It On".
Move over, Beyoncé – D'Angelo proves that ladies can also run the world with this sultry and soulful tribute to femininity.
9. Lady
This soulful track, a part of D'Angelo's debut album Brown Sugar, is the epitome of sensuality and smoothness. The seductive lyrics are complemented by a tantalising beat that will leave you grooving all night long. "9. Lady" showcases D'Angelo's remarkable talent as both a singer and an instrumentalist, with exceptional keyboard and bass skills that add depth to the melody. Its minimalist arrangement masterfully builds anticipation and draws listeners in. "Lady" received critical acclaim and cemented D'Angelo as a key figure in the neo-soul movement of the '90s.
As one of his most popular songs, "Lady" has become synonymous with D'Angelo's artistry and style. Its success led to an iconic remix featuring rapper AZ that reached new heights on the charts. This timeless classic continues to resonate with fans around the world, thanks to its ability to transport listeners to a place where music and love intertwine.
Furthermore, "Lady" was covered by different artists across genres, showcasing its versatility and lasting impact on music culture. The song stands out for its emotional intensity, raw vulnerability, and memorable instrumentation that have made it a classic hit.
If you haven't heard "Lady" yet, you're missing out on one of D'Angelo's most celebrated works of art! Don't let the title fool you, this song is smoother than a jar of Nutella on a hot summer day.
10. Brown Sugar
Exploring the Sweet Melodies of D'Angelo: A Look at his Best Work
D'Angelo's Brown Sugar, a hit from his debut album, showcases his musical genius and remains a fan favorite. Here are five points that make this song stand out:
- Smooth beats – Brown Sugar's rhythm blends Neo-soul, mid-tempo funk, and R&B to create an irresistible sound.
- Sensual lyrics – D'Angelo's sultry vocals ooze with sensuality as he tells a story of a beautiful woman who is as sweet as brown sugar itself.
- Infectious chorus – The song's infectious hook sings praises to her sweetness, and it will have anyone singing along.
- Funky guitar riff – The song opens with an unforgettable guitar riff that sets the stage for D'Angelo's soulful performance.
- Careful composition- Brown Sugar is not just about being smooth; every element in the song fits together perfectly to create a masterpiece.
D'Angelo puts his heart and soul into each of his tracks, and Brown Sugar is no exception. His music has been captivating audiences for years through its unique blend of genres.
For those who have never heard D'angelo before or want to revisit some of his greatest hits, finding time to listen to this iconic track is worth it. Don't miss out on experiencing the magic that is Brown Sugar by D'angelo.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
