In the realm of contemporary R&B and soul, few artists possess the transcendent talent and soul-stirring artistry of D’Angelo. With a career spanning over three decades, D’Angelo has carved a permanent niche for himself as a revered singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. His velvety-smooth vocals, impeccable musicianship, and profound lyrical depth have captivated listeners around the globe. From his groundbreaking debut album “Brown Sugar” to his critically acclaimed masterpiece “Voodoo,” D’Angelo has consistently pushed the boundaries of soul music, fusing elements of funk, jazz, and gospel into his distinctive sound. With such an illustrious discography, selecting the top 10 best D’Angelo songs of all time is no easy feat. However, this article aims to celebrate the soulful journey of this musical genius by delving into the tracks that have defined his career and left an indelible mark on the landscape of contemporary R&B. Join us as we embark on a melodic odyssey through D’Angelo’s discography, uncovering the exquisite compositions and heartfelt performances that make up our list of the top 10 best D’Angelo songs of all time.
1. Me and Those Dreamin’ Eyes of Mine
This track is a soulful, R&B classic from D'Angelo's debut album, Brown Sugar. The smooth guitar riffs and dreamy vocals make 'Me and Those Dreamin’ Eyes of Mine' a standout on the album. It's a perfect showcase for the singer's vocal range and artistry, as he seamlessly blends classic soul sounds with contemporary beats. It's no wonder it has become one of his most popular tracks to date.
The song was released in 1995 and quickly became a fan favorite. It manages to be both romantic and melancholy at once, with lyrics that paint a vivid picture of lost love. And yet, there's an undeniably hopeful quality to the melody that makes it impossible not to feel uplifted while listening. Whether you're just discovering D'Angelo or you've been a fan for years, 'Me and Those Dreamin’ Eyes of Mine' is an essential listen that simply can't be missed.
Interestingly enough, D'Angelo almost didn't record this track – it was initially written for another artist but ended up being passed along to him instead. The rest is history!
Listening to 'Really Love' is like snuggling up with a warm blanket on a cold night – except the blanket is made of smooth R&B vibes and D'Angelo's silky vocals.
2. Really Love
This track delves into the depths of D'Angelo's heart and soul, as he expresses his undying love for someone special. Bearing resemblance to classic Motown sounds, Really Love is a masterful blend of both classic and modern R&B elements. Its lush instrumentation and soaring vocals showcase D'Angelo's passion and artistry at its best. With lyrics that hit close to home, this track is sure to connect with anyone who has ever felt deeply in love.
Continuing the theme of love, Really Love touches on the pain and sacrifice that comes with true devotion. From its ethereal opening chords to its soaring falsetto finale, this song doesn't hold back on raw emotion or unbridled passion. Its grooves are infectious while its message speaks volumes about the human condition of wanting something so badly it hurts.
One unique feature of Really Love is how its production blends acoustic instrumentation with electronic beats seamlessly. D'Angelo creates a harmonic atmosphere by layering his voice over different musical textures such as strings, horns, piano turns creating an uplifting vibe throughout.
Pro Tip: When listening to Really Love pay attention to the percussion; it’s an intricate weave that feels like live musicians playing together!
Left & Right ft. Method Man and Redman – the perfect song to bop your head to while pretending to know the lyrics and impress your friends.
3. Left & Right ft. Method Man and Redman
This hit song 'Left & Right' features the talented duo of Method Man and Redman, collaborating with D'Angelo to produce a soulful and funky sound that showcases the artists' incredible abilities. The smooth instrumentation and catchy lyrics make it a timeless classic that continues to resonate today. The dynamic trio's harmonious vocals blend perfectly with each other, creating a musical masterpiece.
The song's theme centers around relationships and the ups and downs of love. It speaks about how one partner can give their all, but the other won't reciprocate, causing an imbalance in the relationship. This adds depth to the already engaging melody, making it relatable for anyone who has gone through similar experiences in their lives.
Notably, 'Left & Right' was included on D'Angelo's album 'Voodoo', which went on to win two Grammy awards for "Best R&B Album" and "Best Male R&B Vocal Performance". Its success solidified D'Angelo's importance as a leading figure in neo-soul music.
Do not miss out on this iconic collaboration that graced our ears over two decades ago. Listen to 'Left & Right ft. Method Man and Redman' today and experience firsthand why it is considered one of D'Angelo's greatest hits of all time.
Listening to this collaboration feels like being serenaded by two romantic unicorns while sipping on a magical love potion.
4. Be Here – Raphael Saadiq ft. D’Angelo
D’Angelo collaborated with Raphael Saadiq for the song “Be Here,” which showcases their soulful vocal abilities and smooth instrumentation. The track features D’Angelo’s signature falsetto layered on top of a groovy bassline and mellow guitar riffs, creating a mesmerizing effect.
The lyrics are about being present in the moment with your significant other and cherishing the time spent together. Their harmonies complement each other perfectly, making the song an irresistible listen.
What sets this song apart is how effortlessly D’Angelo blends into Saadiq’s production, highlighting his versatility as an artist. It’s a masterful collaboration between two legendary musicians that effortlessly blends R&B, soul and funk.
Don’t miss out on this classic track that proves D’Angelo’s timeless musical prowess. Listen to “Be Here” and appreciate the artistry behind it.
“U Will Know” is the perfect song for when you're feeling like a lonely and misunderstood 90s teen, or just when you need a good cry alone in your room.
5. U Will Know
The soulful ballad, infused with jazz and gospel elements, 'U Will Know' is a standout track in D'angelo's extensive repertoire. This song features the collective voices of an all-star R&B group, spreading an important message through their harmonious delivery. With its uplifting lyrics and powerful instrumentation, this tune has rightfully earned a place as one of D'angelo's best works.
Continuing on from the previous paragraph, 'U Will Know' showcases D'angelo's ability to seamlessly blend genres into his music. The ballad makes use of rich harmonies and classic chord progressions that are characteristic of traditional gospel music. With its inspirational lyrics urging self-discovery and inner strength, 'U Will Know' transcends its genre boundaries to become a universally relatable song.
It is worth noting that D'angelo was not only the performer but also the composer for this hit single. He wrote it specifically for the R&B supergroup Black Men United who recorded it for a cancer benefit album. However, the song went on to become somewhat synonymous with D'angelo himself after he performed it on various occasions, including at The Soul Train Music Awards in 1994.
Get ready to cruise through the smooth beats of Mr. D'angelo, because this song will have you feeling like you're riding in a Cadillac with the top down.
6. Cruisin’
With its smooth and sensual rhythm, D'angelo's "Cruisin'" takes the sixth spot in our countdown of his best songs. This slow jam embodies the essence of love and passion, showcasing D'angelo's soulful vocals and impeccable musicality.
The song's lyrics express a longing for intimate moments with one's significant other, complemented by the velvety melody and harmonizing background vocals. Its rejuvenating effect on the listener has made it a popular choice for seductive soundtracks in films.
What adds to the charm of "Cruisin'" is its crossover appeal, as it caters to both R&B lovers and mainstream audiences. The song's timeless quality has influenced several contemporary artists, such as John Legend and Frank Ocean.
Interestingly, despite its critical acclaim and commercial success, "Cruisin'" hasn't received an official music video yet. Nonetheless, its impact on D'angelo’s legacy remains undeniable.
According to Rolling Stone magazine, "Cruisin'" was co-written by William “Smokey” Robinson Jr., who released his own version of the song in 1979.
Nothing Even Matters…except for the fact that this Lauryn Hill and D'Angelo collab is pure musical bliss.
7. Nothing Even Matters – Lauryn Hill ft. D’Angelo
This soulful and romantic ballad featuring D’Angelo and Lauryn Hill is one of their most memorable collaborations. The duo's harmonious voices deliver an impactful message about the importance of love and connection, backed by a jazzy beat and intricate instrumentals.
As the two vocal powerhouses exchange verses, their chemistry shines through highlighting the depth of emotion in each lyric. The song's nostalgic tone, heartfelt lyrics, and beautifully crafted instrumentation make it a standout track on Lauryn Hill's Grammy-winning album 'The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.'
'Nothing Even Matters' is a classic R&B love ballad that explores the beautiful feeling of intimacy between two people. Its timeless nature can be attributed to its emotive delivery by both artists showcasing their unmatched creative abilities.
It's interesting to note that D’Angelo co-wrote this song with Lauryn Hill during his hiatus from music after his breakthrough album 'Voodoo.' This collaboration helped in reintroducing him back into the music scene and ended up being one of his most fruitful musical endeavors to date.
You'll want to shake and stir after listening to D'angelo's 'Brown Sugar', just like the sugary substance itself.
8. Brown Sugar
Exploring one of the top 10 tracks by D'angelo, this masterpiece brings a sweet old-school flavor that is hard to resist. Brown Sugar is known for its captivating melody and soulful lyrics and has been a favorite among R&B enthusiasts. Let's delve into some fascinating details about this hit song.
- One of the most popular tracks by D'angelo in the late '90s
- The rhythm of Brown Sugar closely resembles vintage funk music, with smooth grooves and an impeccable bassline.
- Released as the lead single from his debut album in 1995, the song became an instant hit, peaking at number six on the US Billboard chart.
- The lyrics allude to a drug metaphor throughout the track with references to brown sugar being akin to love or sex.
It is worth noting that although Brown Sugar was written over two decades ago, it still remains just as timeless today. It serves as a reminder of how brilliant D'Angelo truly was as an artist.
There's an interesting anecdote behind this particular song – In an interview, D'Angelo admitted that he wrote the track in honor of female African-American musicians and entertainers who are often overlooked in their respective industries. The inspiration behind Brown Sugar came from his admiration for black women who have contributed immensely to music and culture but don't receive enough recognition for their efforts.
Sorry, ladies, but 'Lady' isn't actually about you – it's D'angelo singing to his amp.
9. Lady
This song by D'Angelo, ranked ninth on our list, is titled with a name that evokes elegance and femininity. 'Lady' is an ode to the beauty and power of women in all their glory. With smooth, sultry vocals accompanied by a soulful instrumentation, D'Angelo's undeniable talent shines through in this classic hit. The lyrics speak to the strength and grace of the female form, making this song a timeless anthem for women everywhere.
As we continue down the list of D'Angelo's best songs, 'Lady' holds a special place as one of his most iconic tracks. It showcases his ability to seamlessly blend R&B and soul music into a cohesive sound that resonates with listeners on a deep level. The catchy melodies and infectious rhythms are the perfect backdrop for D'Angelo's smooth vocals, creating a sonic experience that leaves a lasting impression.
One interesting thing to note about 'Lady' is its impact on other musicians within the industry. This song has been sampled and remixed countless times by artists across genres, further solidifying its place in musical history. Its influence can even be felt in more recent hits such as Drake's 'Passionfruit,' which samples elements from 'Lady.'
In summary, 'Lady' is an essential track in D'Angelo's discography and remains beloved by fans over two decades after its release. Its timeless message celebrating women serves as an inspiration for generations to come.
Get ready to feel some type of way with D'Angelo's sensual and iconic 'Untitled (How Does It Feel)', unless of course, you're listening with your parents, in which case, good luck with that.
10. Untitled (How Does It Feel)
This track, often referred to as "Untitled," is one of D'Angelo's most notable pieces. It boasts smooth vocal harmonies with a sensual provocative message. The sultry guitar riff and mellow keyboard chords symbolize the pinnacle of D'Angelo's musical genius. Its mesmerizing catchiness and intricate songwriting have earned it widespread acclaim and made it an instant classic in soul music.
As we listen closely, we can hear the heart-wrenching struggle behind this song. D'Angelo lays bare his emotions while exploring themes of desire, vulnerability, and sensuality — all mixed into one voyeuristic feast for the senses.
One of the most exceptional events surrounding this song was its accompanying music video, which was produced by famed director Paul Hunter. Shot in a single long take, it features D'Angelo's naked body moving seductively on camera. It became a viral sensation upon release and solidified "Untitled" as perhaps one of the sexiest R&B tracks ever created.
It is fascinating to note that "Untitled" marked a significant departure from D'Angelo's previous works both musically and lyrically. It elevated him to new heights of fame and success while still retaining his distinctive musical identity and artistic integrity.
(source: Rolling Stone)
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.
