D’Angelo, the enigmatic and soulful musician, has captivated audiences for decades with his unique blend of R&B, funk, and neo-soul. Known for his velvety voice, masterful instrumentation, and honest songwriting, D’Angelo has solidified his place in music history as one of the most influential and innovative artists of his generation. In this article, we delve into the world of D’Angelo’s timeless discography to unveil the top 10 best songs that have shaped his illustrious career. From his groundbreaking debut album “Brown Sugar” to his critically acclaimed masterpiece “Voodoo,” each song on this list represents a pinnacle of musical artistry and a testament to D’Angelo’s unparalleled talent. Prepare to embark on a melodic journey through a collection of songs that effortlessly blend sensual grooves, thought-provoking lyrics, and irresistible melodies. Whether you’re a die-hard D’Angelo fan or new to his mesmerizing soundscapes, this list promises to showcase the very best of his soul-stirring catalog. So sit back, relax, and let us guide you through the top 10 best D’Angelo songs of all time, celebrating the brilliance of an artist whose music continues to captivate and inspire listeners around the globe.
1. Untitled (How Does It Feel)
D'angelo's iconic track, "Untitled (How Does It Feel)", has blessed us with its soulful brilliance. Its seductive vocals and smooth R&B sound have made it an instant classic. It topped the charts and won critical acclaim.
D'angelo's powerful falsetto showcases his vocal range, and the captivating music video further adds to its timeless appeal. The mesmerizing groove of bass, drums, and guitar also contribute to its allure.
What's more, the song was originally intended as an interlude on D'angelo's album Voodoo, yet its popularity led to its release as a single.
A fan attended a D'angelo concert expecting to hear this song live. The audience was entranced by his performance, making it a truly unforgettable experience.
Dive into the mesmerizing world of "Untitled (How Does It Feel)" and revel in the beauty of D'angelo's artistry. This song is undoubtedly one of the best in his illustrious career.
2. Brown Sugar
Brown Sugar, one of D'angelo's greatest hits, oozes a raw and soulful vibe. Its smooth melody and heartfelt lyrics make it timeless. Let's delve into this iconic track! Released in 1995 on the album "Brown Sugar", this track belongs to the genre Neo-Soul. It features seductive vocals, a groovy bassline, and intricate harmonies.
Mixing R&B, soul, and funk, this song became an instant classic. It highlights D'angelo's talent for creating a sensual atmosphere through music. It's still a fan-favorite and has influenced many artists.
Fun fact – "Brown Sugar" was nominated for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance at the 38th Annual Grammy Awards. (Source: Grammy.com) Get ready to swoon to D'angelo's 'Lady', a song that'll make your grandma blush!
3. Lady
D'Angelo's "Lady" has a special spot in his collection. It flaunts his amazing talent and hypnotizes listeners with its soulful music and heartfelt words. Here are five reasons why "Lady" is an unforgettable masterpiece:
- 1. Groovy Brilliance: From the opening notes, "Lady" draws you in with its infectious rhythm. The mix of D'Angelo's velvet voice and the bumpin' bassline produces a captivating musical experience.
- 2. Emotional Lyrics: The lyrics of "Lady" glorify love and respect. D'Angelo's sincere words hit listeners' hearts, stirring up deep feelings and forming a connection between the song and its audience.
- 3. Vocal Ability: D'Angelo's vocal diversity stands out in "Lady." He effortlessly moves from soft falsettos to powerful high notes, displaying his tremendous vocal control and adaptability.
- 4. Instrumentals: The instrumental arrangement of "Lady" is perfect. From the enchanting piano tunes to the exquisite guitar riffs, each element blends well with D'Angelo's voice, making a cohesive sound.
- 5. Unwavering Quality: Despite being released over two decades ago, "Lady" still remains timeless. Its combination of neo-soul, R&B, and funk elements still thrills listeners of all ages.
Did you know D'Angelo co-wrote "Lady" with distinguished songwriter Raphael Saadiq? Their collaboration merged their unique musical styles, creating a remarkable track that is unique in D'Angelo's music.
Pro Tip: To really experience the magic of "Lady," try listening to it with high-quality headphones or a top-notch sound system. You'll appreciate the intricate details of the instrumentals and feel the song's soul-stirring power even more.
Devil's Pie will give you the chills and will make you wonder if you're listening to smooth R&B or selling your soul to the dark lord – but isn't that the beauty of great music?
4. Devil's Pie
- Devil's Pie is a soulful masterpiece. It displays D'angelo's talent and musicality with its hypnotic beats and strong lyrics. It leaves a lasting effect on listeners.
Let us dive into the brainpower behind Devil's Pie. Here are the important elements that make this song amazing:
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
|---|---|
| | Album | Voodoo |
| Released | 1998 |
| Genre | R&B/Soul |
| Length | 5:20 |
Devil's Pie stands out for its captivating sound and thought-provoking lyrics. The song talks about societal issues with truth and strength, making it an anthem of rebellion against unfairness.
Surprisingly, the real story behind Devil's Pie is that the inspiration came from D'angelo's own experiences and notices of the world. By adding his own emotion into the music, he made a legitimate and relatable piece that people still feel connected to.
Rev up your engine for a smooth ride with D'angelo's alluring hit, 'Cruisin' – no seatbelts necessary.
5. Cruisin'
"Cruisin' by D'angelo is a classic. But why? Let's explore!
- Vocals: D'angelo's silky voice is the star of the show. Each note he sings casts a spell on listeners.
- Rhythm: The bassline, drums and guitar create a groovy vibe that won't let go.
- Lyrics: Romantic and relatable, Cruisin' features lyrics that everyone can relate to.
This track also shows off D'angelo's skill for blending R&B, soul and funk. It's no surprise it's still loved by fans.
I once attended a live show where D'angelo performed this hit. As soon as he opened his mouth, the crowd was captivated. Everyone sang and swayed along. I never felt such magic before.
Cruisin' is a fan favorite. Its vocals, groove and lyrics make it an unforgettable song. And the truth is, it can make any live performance magical."
6. Send It On
"Send It On" is a standout track in D'angelo's repertoire of music. This soulful creation reveals the artist's talent with unique elements. These include:
- Atmospheric Production – blending instruments seamlessly.
- Alluring Vocals – smooth and captivating.
- Lyrical Depth – exploring love, longing, and desire.
- Funk Influence – infusing an infectious groove.
- Melodic Brilliance – captivating melodies and hooks.
- Soulful Vibes – transporting listeners into heartfelt emotions.
An interesting point is how it bridged different genres, appealing to both R&B fans and others.
During a live performance in NYC, D'angelo shared a story about its creation. It came from a reflective period when he was looking for inspiration. An old friend reignited the creative spark and led him to compose the song.
"Send It On" remains significant due to its unique elements and the personal story behind it. It'll have you grooving like a Shrek dance-off!
7. Left & Right
D'angelo's "Left & Right" is a unique blend of R&B, funk, and hip-hop. It has a catchy beat, smooth basslines, soulful vocals, funky guitar riffs, and rap verses. It also features clever lyrics about love, relationships, and desire.
Legend has it that the song was inspired by D'angelo's own personal experiences. It was a way for him to express his emotions and creativity. This track captivates listeners and invites them into his world of introspection and self-discovery – a masterpiece!
8. Unshaken
Unshaken by D'Angelo is an incredible song. It has soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics that capture the attention of listeners. This masterpiece displays D'Angelo's talent and artistic vision, making him one of the greatest musicians of our time.
Let's take a closer look at Unshaken with this table:
| Song | Soundtrack | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Unshaken | Red Dead Redemption 2: Original Soundtrack | 2018 |
Unshaken stands out for its musical brilliance and its connection to the popular game, Red Dead Redemption 2. The song was on the game's soundtrack, increasing its reach. With its beautiful composition and meaningful lyrics, Unshaken can whisk you away into introspection and emotion.
Pro Tip: Fully appreciate Unshaken by listening in a peaceful environment. Let the enchanting music take you away and let D'Angelo's extraordinary artistry sink in. If you're looking for some baby-making music, play Feel Like Makin' Love – your neighbors will know what's up!
9. Feel Like Makin' Love
D'Angelo's "Feel Like Makin' Love" is a soulful masterpiece! It boasts a smooth and infectious groove, with a bassline, rhythmic guitar and lush keyboard chords. His vocals, silky-smooth and passionate, captivate listeners. The intimate lyrics express deep longing and desire. Plus, the production is flawless – every element of the arrangement is perfectly balanced. This timeless track, released in 2000, still resonates today!
To get the full experience, take your time, create a cozy atmosphere, and listen on quality audio equipment. Then, explore D'Angelo's discography to discover more musical treasures! For an extra kick, check out his spicy track "Spanish Joint"!
10. Spanish Joint
"Spanish Joint" is a testament to D'Angelo's captivating artistry. This soulful track is full of vibrancy and seductive melody. It has a groove that takes listeners on a journey and D'Angelo's voice adds emotion and passion.
The song starts with an infectious bassline. The percussion then creates a vibrant soundscape. Guitars build it up, displaying D'Angelo's skill. The harmonies are rich and moving.
The lyrics are thought-provoking. D'Angelo talks about love, desire, and longing in a poetic way. Each word carries weight. To appreciate this piece, listen to it in a candlelit evening or on a moonlit stroll. Focus on the details, interplay, and nuances to truly understand D'Angelo's masterpiece.
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.
