D’Angelo, born Michael Eugene Archer on February 11, 1974, in Richmond, Virginia, is an influential American singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is best known for his contributions to the neo-soul genre, which combines elements of soul, R&B, funk, and jazz.
D’Angelo gained prominence with his debut album, *Brown Sugar* (1995). This critically acclaimed release introduced his smooth, emotive vocals and innovative production style, blending classic soul influences with a modern edge. Hits like “Brown Sugar” and “Cruisin'” showcased his talent and established him as a key figure in neo-soul.
His second album, *Voodoo* (2000), is often hailed as a masterpiece of neo-soul. It features a more complex sound and deeper lyrical content, with standout tracks such as “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” and “Devil’s Pie.” The album’s innovative production and D’Angelo’s soulful performance received widespread acclaim.
After a period of relative silence, D’Angelo made a powerful comeback with *Black Messiah* (2014). This album, which features tracks like “Really Love” and “The Charade,” combines social and political commentary with D’Angelo’s signature sound. It was praised for its depth and relevance, earning numerous accolades, including a Grammy Award for Best R&B Album.
D’Angelo’s music is known for its rich, layered production, emotive vocals, and insightful lyrics. His work has had a lasting impact on the evolution of soul and R&B music, solidifying his status as a groundbreaking artist.
1. Untitled (How Does It Feel)
“Untitled (How Does It Feel)” is one of D’Angelo’s most iconic songs, released in 2000 as part of his critically acclaimed album *Voodoo*. Written by D’Angelo, along with his frequent collaborators, the track is known for its sensual, emotive quality and its minimalist yet powerful production.
The song features a slow, sultry groove with a focus on D’Angelo’s smooth, expressive vocals. The lyrics are evocative and intimate, exploring themes of desire and emotional connection. The song’s production, characterized by its sparse instrumentation and warm, organic sound, complements D’Angelo’s vocal performance and contributes to the track’s sensual atmosphere.
The music video, which features D’Angelo performing the song in a strikingly intimate and raw setting, has become iconic in its own right. The video’s focus on D’Angelo’s physical presence and the song’s emotive delivery highlights the track’s sensual and personal nature.
“Untitled (How Does It Feel)” was a commercial success and is widely regarded as one of D’Angelo’s defining songs. It received critical acclaim for its artistry and has become a classic in the neo-soul genre, showcasing D’Angelo’s unique talent and influence.
2. Brown Sugar
“Brown Sugar” is the title track from D’Angelo’s debut album, released in 1995. The song, written by D’Angelo, along with his frequent collaborators, features a blend of neo-soul, R&B, and funk influences.
The track is known for its smooth, groove-heavy rhythm and D’Angelo’s sultry, emotive vocals. The lyrics are a mix of sensual and playful themes, with a focus on romantic and intimate connections. The song’s production, characterized by its laid-back, jazzy feel and tight instrumental arrangement, reflects the early 90s neo-soul sound that D’Angelo helped popularize.
“Brown Sugar” was well-received both commercially and critically, contributing to the album’s success and establishing D’Angelo as a significant new artist in the R&B and soul music scenes. The song’s catchy hook and distinctive style are representative of the album’s overall sound, which combines classic soul influences with contemporary production techniques.
The track remains a classic in D’Angelo’s discography and is celebrated for its role in shaping the neo-soul genre and its contribution to D’Angelo’s early career success.
3. Lady
“Lady” is a song by D’Angelo, released in 1995 as part of his debut album, *Brown Sugar*. Written by D’Angelo, along with Raphael Saadiq and his cousin, Larry Blackmon of Cameo, the track is a smooth blend of soul, R&B, and funk. It features D’Angelo’s signature falsetto and a laid-back groove that highlights his rich, emotive vocal style.
The song’s lyrics express admiration and affection, celebrating a romantic partner with a soulful and heartfelt delivery. “Lady” was well-received by critics and became one of D’Angelo’s most popular songs, reaching number 10 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Its influence is evident in its contribution to the neo-soul movement, characterized by its blend of classic soul elements with contemporary production.
4. Devil’s Pie
“Devil’s Pie” is a song by D’Angelo, released in 2000 as part of his critically acclaimed album *Voodoo*. Written by D’Angelo, along with Raphael Saadiq and several other collaborators, the track features a funky, soulful groove with elements of jazz and R&B. The song’s lyrics address themes of temptation, struggle, and the complexities of fame and success, using metaphorical language to convey its message.
With its deep, infectious rhythm and D’Angelo’s distinctive vocal delivery, “Devil’s Pie” is known for its rich production and intricate arrangement. The song received critical acclaim for its sophisticated sound and has been praised for its contribution to the neo-soul genre. It remains a standout track in D’Angelo’s discography, showcasing his musical depth and artistic vision.
5. Cruisin’
“Cruisin’” is a track from D’Angelo’s debut album, *Brown Sugar*, released in 1995. The song is a modern interpretation of the classic soul ballad, originally popularized by Smokey Robinson in 1979. D’Angelo’s version is known for its smooth, laid-back vibe and his soulful, emotive vocal performance.
The song features a mellow, groove-oriented instrumental arrangement, with a focus on D’Angelo’s voice and the relaxed, sultry mood. The lyrics express a sense of ease and contentment, capturing the feeling of cruising and enjoying life’s simpler pleasures.
D’Angelo’s rendition of “Cruisin’” retains the romantic and nostalgic elements of the original while incorporating his own contemporary neo-soul style. The track received positive reviews for its smooth production and D’Angelo’s vocal delivery, contributing to the overall success of *Brown Sugar*.
“Cruisin’” remains a notable part of D’Angelo’s early work and is celebrated for its blend of classic soul influences with a modern twist, showcasing his ability to pay homage to musical traditions while putting his own unique spin on them.
6. Send It On
“Send It On” is a song by Roberta Flack, released in 1981 on her album *There’s a Riot Goin’ On*. The track features a soulful and introspective arrangement, with Flack’s signature smooth vocals delivering a message of love and connection.
The song’s lyrics emphasize the importance of spreading positivity and kindness, encouraging listeners to share love and compassion with others. “Send It On” reflects Flack’s ability to blend emotional depth with a captivating melody, making it a memorable part of her discography. The track received positive reviews for its uplifting message and Flack’s expressive performance.
7. Left & Right
“Left & Right” is a song by D’Angelo from his 2000 album *Voodoo*. Written by D’Angelo and his frequent collaborators, the track exemplifies his signature blend of neo-soul, funk, and R&B.
The song features a relaxed, groove-oriented beat and smooth instrumentation, with D’Angelo’s distinctive, emotive vocals at the forefront. The lyrics are introspective and explore themes of love and emotional complexity, presented in a nuanced and poetic manner.
“Left & Right” is notable for its rich production and the way it showcases D’Angelo’s ability to blend traditional soul influences with contemporary sounds. The track’s laid-back groove and lyrical depth contribute to the overall mood of the *Voodoo* album, which is celebrated for its innovative approach and profound musicality.
While not as commercially prominent as some of the other singles from *Voodoo*, “Left & Right” is appreciated by fans and critics for its artistry and its place within the context of D’Angelo’s influential work in neo-soul.
8. Unshaken
“Unshaken” is a song by D’Angelo, released in 2018 as part of the soundtrack for the film *Red Dead Redemption 2*. Written by D’Angelo and the song’s producer, Raphael Saadiq, the track blends elements of soul, gospel, and folk, featuring a smooth, contemplative melody and introspective lyrics.
The song’s lyrics convey themes of resilience, inner strength, and perseverance, fitting the game’s setting and narrative. With its rich, emotive vocal performance and soulful arrangement, “Unshaken” has been praised for its depth and atmosphere, adding a poignant touch to the film’s soundtrack. The track showcases D’Angelo’s ability to merge his distinctive sound with new influences, creating a memorable and evocative piece.
9. Feel Like Makin’ Love
“Feel Like Makin’ Love” is a song by Roberta Flack, released in 1974 on her album of the same name. Written by Gene McDaniels, the track is a smooth, soulful ballad that explores themes of romance and intimacy. The song features Flack’s warm, emotive vocals and a rich, lush arrangement that includes piano, strings, and gentle percussion.
The lyrics express a deep sense of connection and desire, capturing the essence of a romantic moment. “Feel Like Makin’ Love” became a major hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart. It remains one of Flack’s most iconic songs, celebrated for its sensual melody and heartfelt delivery.
10. Spanish Joint
“Spanish Joint” is a track from D’Angelo’s 2000 album *Voodoo*. Written by D’Angelo and his collaborators, the song stands out for its distinctive blend of neo-soul, funk, and Latin influences.
The track features a smooth, complex instrumental arrangement with a prominent, rhythmic groove that incorporates elements of Latin music, giving it a unique flavor within the album. D’Angelo’s vocal performance is soulful and emotive, delivering the lyrics with a relaxed and sensual touch.
The song’s structure includes intricate, improvisational elements and showcases D’Angelo’s skillful musicianship and his ability to merge various musical styles. “Spanish Joint” is praised for its rich, layered production and its ability to create a captivating atmosphere.
While not a mainstream hit, “Spanish Joint” is highly regarded by fans and critics for its artistic depth and its contribution to the overall success of the *Voodoo* album. The track exemplifies D’Angelo’s innovative approach to blending different genres and his dedication to crafting intricate, soulful music.