D’Angelo, born Michael Eugene Archer on February 11, 1974, is an American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist known for his innovative approach to contemporary R&B and neo-soul music. He emerged in the mid-1990s as a prominent figure in the genre.
D’Angelo’s debut album, “Brown Sugar” (1995), was a critical and commercial success, blending elements of soul, funk, and jazz with his smooth, seductive vocals. The album featured hits like the title track “Brown Sugar” and “Cruisin’.” His follow-up album, “Voodoo” (2000), is considered a seminal work in modern R&B. It showcased his musical versatility and received widespread acclaim.
Known for his enigmatic persona and dedication to his craft, D’Angelo is celebrated for his live performances, where he often incorporates elements of jazz and improvisation. He is also highly regarded for his skills as a multi-instrumentalist, playing guitar, keyboards, and drums.
D’Angelo’s influence on contemporary R&B and soul music is profound. He is credited with revitalizing the genre and inspiring a new wave of artists. Despite sporadic releases, his impact on the music industry remains significant, and he is considered a pioneer of the neo-soul movement.
D’Angelo’s dedication to musical excellence and his ability to create timeless, genre-defying music have earned him a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim. He stands as a true innovator in the world of R&B and soul.
1. Unshaken
"Unshaken" is a soulful gem that displays D'Angelo's amazing vocals and meaningful lyrics. It masterfully combines R&B and gospel, making a divine musical experience.
Here's a summary of the key elements of "Unshaken":
- Song: "Unshaken"
- Artist: D'Angelo
- Genre: R&B, Gospel
- Released: 2018
- Album: Red Dead Redemption 2 Soundtrack
Apart from its captivating tune, "Unshaken" stands out for its thoughtful words. The song speaks of resilience and discovering inner peace in hard times, touching people profoundly.
To savor the beauty of "Unshaken," do this:
- Tune in: Notice the details in D'Angelo's singing and the instrumentals. Allow yourself to be fully captivated by the music.
- Read the lyrics: Take your time to read the lyrics as you listen. This will help you understand the message better and strengthen your bond with the song.
- Check out other works: Find other songs by D'Angelo that share similar themes or styles. This will broaden your understanding of his artistry.
By taking these steps, you can appreciate the greatness of "Unshaken." Let yourself be carried away by D'Angelo's soul-stirring singing and let this captivating song touch your heart and motivate your soul.
2. Betray My Heart
"Betray My Heart" is a beloved song by fans and critics. Its soulful melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and smooth vocals make it special. Here's more about this masterpiece.
| Release date: | December 14, 2014 |
| Album: | "Black Messiah" |
| Genre: | R&B/Soul |
| Length: | 5:55 |
This song blends R&B, funk, and soul elements to create a unique sound. Plus, it has a fascinating history. It was part of D'Angelo's album "Black Messiah," which marked his return after a long absence. The album received acclaim and affirmed D'Angelo's status as a visionary artist.
"Betray My Heart" shows D'Angelo's ability to evoke emotion through music. Its timeless appeal resonates with fans worldwide, making it one of the best in his career. Listen to it to experience D'Angelo's talent.
3. The Root
The Root is a song from D'Angelo's album 'Voodoo' (2000). It's a mix of soul, funk and R&B, and it's known for its power and impact.
The Root's sound is unmistakable and it touches on themes of self-discovery and personal growth. Its rhythm and vocals make it an instant classic.
Rolling Stone magazine named it one of the "500 Greatest Songs of All Time"!
The enigmatic 'Untitled How Does It Feel' by D'Angelo is an uplifting and soulful masterpiece.
4. Untitled How Does It Feel
"Untitled How Does It Feel" is the fourth entry on our list and one of D'Angelo's most iconic songs. Its heartfelt lyrics and mesmerizing melodies have captivated audiences. Let's explore this timeless masterpiece!
The 1999 album "Voodoo" saw the release of this sensual and soulful track. It displays D'Angelo's exceptional vocal range and emotive delivery, leaving listeners in awe.
The music video, directed by Paul Hunter, gained widespread attention for its artistic portrayal of D'Angelo's bare upper body. It perfectly captures the raw vulnerability and emotion of the song.
An amazing fact- this song won a Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance in 2001!
D'Angelo's "Untitled How Does It Feel" leaves a lasting impression on fans, reminding us of his extraordinary talent and ability to create soul-stirring music.
5. Brown Sugar
Brown Sugar, a timeless classic by D'Angelo, is one of his greatest hits to date. Its soulful, funky sound and D'Angelo's smooth vocals make it an absolute must-listen for R&B fans.
Here are the song details:
| Song | Artist | Album | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brown Sugar | D'Angelo | Brown Sugar | 1995 |
Not only is it catchy and groovy, but its lyrics about love and desire add to its sensuality. D'Angelo's vocal range and ability to infuse emotion into every note really come through in this song.
To get the most out of Brown Sugar, follow these tips:
- Use good quality headphones or speakers for the best sound.
- Read the lyrics—they're so poetic!
- Check out the rest of the album.
Doing these things will help you understand why Brown Sugar is such a hit. No wonder it has the ladies swooning!
6. Lady
Devil's Pie is the ultimate track to jam with when indulging in a slice of pizza with added wickedness. D'Angelo's sixth song, "Lady," is an alluring masterpiece that features his sultry vocals and remarkable musicianship. Its words and tune appeal to listeners, making it one of his most treasured songs.
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| Song Name | Genre | Release Year |
|---|---|---|
| Lady | Soul/R&B | 1995 |
This track offers an exclusive mix of soul and R&B elements, enchanting audiences with its fluid grooves and honest lyrics. The combination of D'Angelo's mesmerizing vocal performance and the song's exemplary instrumentation creates a remarkable listening experience.
The history behind "Lady" is just as remarkable. It was released in 1995 as part of D'Angelo's debut album "Brown Sugar." The song became popular swiftly and became a hit, confirming D'Angelo's status as a leading figure in neo-soul music.
In conclusion, "Lady" is still an iconic piece in D'Angelo's discography, displaying his immense talent and leaving a long-lasting impression on fans around the world.
7. Devil's Pie
Feel the electrifying masterpiece that is Devil's Pie by D'Angelo! This hit song has a unique mixture of R&B, funk, and gospel. Get ready to groove to the smooth instrumentation and infectious grooves. D'Angelo's velvety vocals glide over the intoxicating mix of guitar riffs, percussion, and basslines.
The lyrics in Devil's Pie are thought-provoking! Temptation, materialism, and the corrupting nature of power are some of the topics explored. A journey of poetic storytelling awaits!
A cool story is connected to Devil's Pie. It is said that D'Angelo wrote the track during a period of reflection and transformation. It's both a warning and a confession. Get ready to experience this legendary song!
8. Cruisin'
D'Angelo's "Cruisin'" is an iconic track with soulful vocals and infectious R&B melodies. It evokes love and nostalgia. Scores in vocal delivery, melody, production quality, and overall impact are 9/10, 8/10, 7/10, and 9/10 respectively. This combines to make "Cruisin'" a standout track.
The mesmerizing instrumentation and heartfelt lyrics create a captivating listening experience. The song's smooth groove sets the romantic tone. Fun Fact: It was originally written and recorded by Smokey Robinson in 1979. D'Angelo's rendition introduced it to a new generation of fans.
So, if you're feeling adventurous, try "Send It On" for a love-filled journey!
9. Send It On
D'Angelo's 9th composition, "Send It On", is a soulful masterpiece. Let us paint a picture of its beauty. Its tempo sways our bodies and emotions. The lyrics intertwine with flawless vocal control. It also has an intricate melodic structure and allows space for individual interpretation. This song has an electric connection with people. Don't miss out on this musical odyssey. Embrace it and it will guide you through your soul.
"Left & Right" is the perfect song for rush hour traffic and D'Angelo's R&B vibes.
10. Left & Right
Let's explore the greatness of D'Angelo's discography! Coming in at number 10 is the groovy 'Left & Right'. Here are the details:
| Song | Album | Year Released |
| 'Left & Right' | Voodoo | 2000 |
Released as part of 'Voodoo' in 2000, this track shines with its rhythm and soulful vocals. It also shows off D'Angelo's talent at combining various musical elements.
This song is special among D'Angelo fans. Its timeless charm and composition make it a must-hear for those who love neo-soul and R&B.
Experience the magic of 'Left & Right' today! Let the music take you to a place beyond boundaries.
Edward Tomlin 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.
