D’Angelo, born Michael Eugene Archer in 1974, is an influential American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist known for his contributions to the neo-soul genre. His music combines elements of soul, R&B, funk, and jazz, creating a distinctive and soulful sound.
D’Angelo first gained prominence with his 1995 debut album, *Brown Sugar*, which featured hits like “Lady” and “Brown Sugar.” The album established him as a key figure in the neo-soul movement. His 2000 follow-up, *Voodoo*, is widely acclaimed for its innovative production and complex musical arrangements, with tracks like “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” and “Devil’s Pie” receiving significant praise.
After a long hiatus, D’Angelo returned with the 2014 album *Black Messiah*, which continued to showcase his unique style and social consciousness. The album received widespread acclaim and won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Album. D’Angelo’s music is celebrated for its emotional depth, rich instrumentation, and influential role in modern soul and R&B music.
1. Untitled (How Does It Feel)
“Untitled (How Does It Feel)” is a standout track from D’Angelo’s 2000 album *Voodoo*. Known for its sultry and intimate vibe, the song features D’Angelo’s smooth, emotive vocals and a lush, minimalistic production. Its sensual, groove-driven arrangement and heartfelt lyrics explore themes of love and desire. The song’s music video, notable for its unorthodox and prolonged close-up of D’Angelo, further enhanced its impact and mystique. “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” received widespread acclaim for its innovative sound and has since become one of D’Angelo’s signature songs, celebrated for its influence on the neo-soul genre.
2. Brown Sugar
“Brown Sugar” is a track by D’Angelo from his 1995 debut album of the same name. Written by D’Angelo, along with Raphael Saadiq and others, the song features a smooth blend of neo-soul, funk, and R&B. The lyrics, though often interpreted as a celebration of love and desire, are noted for their suggestive and sensual tone. The track showcases D’Angelo’s distinctive falsetto and soulful delivery, supported by a groove-heavy rhythm and rich, organic instrumentation. “Brown Sugar” became a defining song of the neo-soul movement, highlighting D’Angelo’s innovative approach to contemporary R&B and cementing his place in the genre.
3. Lady
“Lady” is a track by D’Angelo from his debut album *Brown Sugar*, released in 1995. Written by D’Angelo, along with Raphael Saadiq and other collaborators, the song features a smooth, soulful melody and a laid-back, neo-soul vibe. The lyrics express admiration and romantic affection, with D’Angelo’s velvety voice delivering heartfelt lines about love and respect. The song’s production includes a mix of warm, organic instrumentation and a groove that complements its intimate, personal feel. “Lady” is celebrated for its lush, soulful sound and has become a fan favorite, showcasing D’Angelo’s talent for blending classic R&B influences with contemporary soul.
4. Devil’s Pie
“Devil’s Pie” is a track from D’Angelo’s 2000 album *Voodoo*. Known for its gritty, soulful sound, the song features a funky groove with a blend of raw, emotive vocals and dynamic instrumentation. The lyrics of “Devil’s Pie” address themes of temptation and struggle, reflecting on the allure of materialism and its potential to lead one astray. The track’s production, characterized by its deep bass lines and complex rhythms, exemplifies D’Angelo’s ability to fuse classic soul influences with modern sensibilities. “Devil’s Pie” is often praised for its powerful performance and is considered a standout track on the *Voodoo* album.
5. Cruisin’
“Cruisin’” is a track by D’Angelo from his 1995 debut album *Brown Sugar*. Originally written and performed by Smokey Robinson in 1979, D’Angelo’s version offers a modern, soulful take on the classic. The song features a smooth, laid-back vibe with a focus on D’Angelo’s rich, emotive vocals and a mellow, groove-oriented arrangement. The lyrics evoke a sense of romantic nostalgia, with themes of love and affection set against a relaxed, easygoing backdrop. D’Angelo’s rendition is noted for its sultry and refined production, which pays homage to the original while showcasing his unique neo-soul style.
6. Send It On
“Send It On” is a 2009 single by Disney’s “Friends for Change,” featuring a collaboration of artists including Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, and the Jonas Brothers. The song is an uplifting anthem promoting environmental awareness and the importance of taking action to protect the planet. With its positive message and catchy melody, “Send It On” encourages listeners to make a difference in their communities and to spread kindness and change. The track was released as part of Disney’s initiative to support environmental causes and was accompanied by a music video that further highlighted its themes of environmental stewardship and global unity.
7. Left & Right
“Left & Right” is a track by D’Angelo from his 2000 album *Voodoo*. Written by D’Angelo, along with Raphael Saadiq and other collaborators, the song features a laid-back, groove-heavy rhythm with a mix of funk and soul influences. The lyrics reflect themes of relationship dynamics and personal introspection, delivered with D’Angelo’s signature smooth and emotive vocal style. The track is known for its intricate instrumentation, which includes a rich blend of bass lines, drum patterns, and soulful melodies. “Left & Right” showcases D’Angelo’s ability to blend classic R&B elements with contemporary sounds, solidifying his place in the neo-soul genre.
8. Unshaken
“Unshaken” is a song by D’Angelo from the soundtrack of the 2018 video game *Red Dead Redemption 2*. The track stands out with its soulful, reflective tone and minimalist arrangement, featuring D’Angelo’s signature smooth vocals over a sparse, haunting instrumental backdrop. The song’s lyrics convey themes of resilience and inner strength, aligning with the game’s narrative of struggle and perseverance. “Unshaken” received praise for its emotional depth and D’Angelo’s powerful performance, contributing to the game’s critically acclaimed soundtrack and showcasing his ability to craft poignant and evocative music.
9. Feel Like Makin’ Love
“Feel Like Makin’ Love” is a classic soul and R&B song originally performed by Roberta Flack and released in 1974. Written by Eugene McDaniels, the track features a smooth, sensual melody and Flack’s emotive vocal delivery. The lyrics express deep romantic longing and intimacy, with an emphasis on the emotional connection between partners. The song’s production is characterized by its lush orchestration, including soft strings and a soulful groove, which complement Flack’s rich voice. “Feel Like Makin’ Love” became one of Roberta Flack’s signature hits and is celebrated for its timeless appeal and emotional depth.
10. Spanish Joint
“Spanish Joint” is a track from D’Angelo’s 2000 album *Voodoo*. The song features a blend of Latin rhythms and jazz influences, showcasing D’Angelo’s versatility as an artist. With its intricate, soulful instrumentation and smooth vocals, “Spanish Joint” highlights D’Angelo’s ability to merge different musical styles into a cohesive and engaging piece. The track’s laid-back groove and rich musical texture reflect the album’s overall experimental and genre-blending approach, contributing to the critical acclaim of *Voodoo* and solidifying D’Angelo’s reputation in the neo-soul genre.