D’Angelo, born Michael Eugene Archer on February 11, 1974, is an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer. He is renowned for his distinctive voice, innovative musical style, and contributions to the neo-soul genre.
D’Angelo rose to prominence in the mid-1990s with the release of his debut album, “Brown Sugar,” in 1995. The album, characterized by its blend of soul, funk, and hip-hop influences, received widespread critical acclaim and established D’Angelo as a pioneering figure in contemporary R&B music. Tracks like “Brown Sugar” and “Lady” became instant classics and showcased D’Angelo’s smooth vocals and masterful songwriting.
Following the success of “Brown Sugar,” D’Angelo released his highly anticipated sophomore album, “Voodoo,” in 2000. The album, produced in collaboration with Questlove of The Roots and featuring contributions from prominent musicians such as J Dilla and Raphael Saadiq, further solidified D’Angelo’s reputation as an innovative artist. “Voodoo” received universal acclaim for its experimental sound, intricate instrumentation, and soulful vocals, with tracks like “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” and “Send It On” becoming instant favorites among fans and critics alike.
Despite his relatively small discography, D’Angelo’s impact on contemporary R&B and soul music is undeniable. His music continues to inspire and influence a new generation of artists, and he remains revered as one of the most talented and innovative musicians of his generation.
1. “Brown Sugar”
“Brown Sugar” is the debut studio album by D’Angelo, released in July 1995. It marks the arrival of a major talent in the R&B world, showcasing D’Angelo’s unique blend of soul, funk, and hip-hop influences.
The album’s title track, “Brown Sugar,” became an instant classic, with its infectious groove and smooth vocals. The song is characterized by its laid-back rhythm, funky bassline, and D’Angelo’s soulful delivery. Lyrically, “Brown Sugar” is an ode to African-American women, with D’Angelo using the metaphor of “brown sugar” to describe their beauty and allure.
Beyond the title track, the album features a range of memorable songs, including “Cruisin’,” a cover of the Smokey Robinson classic, and “Lady,” which became one of D’Angelo’s signature songs. Throughout the album, D’Angelo showcases his impressive vocal range and songwriting skills, drawing on influences from classic soul and R&B while adding his own modern twist.
“Brown Sugar” received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with critics praising D’Angelo’s musicality, vocal prowess, and innovative production techniques. The album’s success established D’Angelo as a major force in contemporary R&B and paved the way for his subsequent work, including his acclaimed follow-up album, “Voodoo.”
In addition to its critical acclaim, “Brown Sugar” also achieved commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard 200 chart and earning platinum certification. It remains a beloved classic in the R&B genre, beloved by fans for its timeless grooves and soulful vibes.
2. “Untitled (How Does It Feel)”
“Untitled (How Does It Feel)” is a song by American singer D’Angelo, released in 2000 as the second single from his second studio album, “Voodoo.” The song gained widespread acclaim for its sensual and soulful sound, as well as its provocative music video.
“Untitled (How Does It Feel)” is known for its smooth R&B groove, falsetto vocals, and intimate lyrics. The song’s lyrics express desire and passion, with D’Angelo crooning about the physical and emotional connection between two people.
The song gained additional attention for its accompanying music video, which features D’Angelo performing shirtless in front of a black backdrop. The video received widespread acclaim for its minimalist aesthetic and sensual imagery, and it helped propel “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” to commercial success.
“Untitled (How Does It Feel)” is considered one of D’Angelo’s signature songs and a classic in the neo-soul genre. It received Grammy Awards for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B Song in 2001. The song’s smooth groove and seductive lyrics have made it a favorite among fans of R&B and soul music.
3. “Cruisin’”
“Cruisin'” is a soul/R&B song originally written, produced, and performed by Smokey Robinson. It was released in 1979 as a single from his album “Where There’s Smoke…” The song became one of Robinson’s signature songs and a classic in the genre.
“Cruisin'” is characterized by its smooth and romantic vibe, featuring Robinson’s silky vocals and a laid-back groove. The lyrics convey a sense of relaxation and intimacy as Robinson sings about cruising around with his love interest, enjoying each other’s company.
The song’s infectious melody and catchy chorus have made it a timeless favorite among fans of soul and R&B music. “Cruisin'” has been covered by various artists over the years and has been featured in numerous movies, TV shows, and commercials, further solidifying its status as a classic in popular music.
4. “Lady”
“Lady” is one of the standout tracks from D’Angelo’s debut studio album, “Brown Sugar,” released in 1995. The song is celebrated for its smooth vocals, sultry groove, and timeless appeal.
“Lady” showcases D’Angelo’s ability to blend classic soul and R&B influences with contemporary production techniques, resulting in a sound that feels both nostalgic and innovative. The song features a laid-back rhythm, funky bassline, and lush instrumentation, creating a mesmerizing backdrop for D’Angelo’s soulful vocals.
Lyrically, “Lady” is an ode to a special woman in D’Angelo’s life, with the singer expressing admiration and affection for her. The lyrics are filled with imagery and metaphors, painting a vivid picture of the depth of his feelings.
“Lady” quickly became one of D’Angelo’s signature songs, earning widespread acclaim from critics and fans alike. Its smooth grooves and romantic lyrics struck a chord with listeners, making it a popular choice for weddings, romantic playlists, and late-night listening sessions.
Over the years, “Lady” has remained a beloved classic in the R&B genre, revered for its timeless sound and D’Angelo’s masterful performance. Its enduring popularity is a testament to D’Angelo’s talent as a singer, songwriter, and musician, and it continues to captivate audiences with its soulful vibes and irresistible charm.
5. “Devil’s Pie”
“Devil’s Pie” is a song by American R&B artist D’Angelo, released in 1998 as part of his acclaimed album “Voodoo.” The track was written by D’Angelo and DJ Premier, who also produced the song.
“Devil’s Pie” is known for its gritty and raw sound, blending elements of funk, hip-hop, and soul. The lyrics of the song explore themes of materialism, corruption, and the pursuit of success, with D’Angelo criticizing the negative impact of greed and excess in society.
The song’s production features a funky bassline, hard-hitting drums, and distorted guitar riffs, creating a dark and intense atmosphere. D’Angelo’s soulful vocals add depth and emotion to the track, as he delivers the powerful lyrics with conviction.
“Devil’s Pie” received critical acclaim for its innovative sound and socially conscious lyrics. The song remains a fan favorite and is often cited as one of the standout tracks from D’Angelo’s “Voodoo” album, showcasing his talent as a musician, songwriter, and vocalist.
6. “Send It On”
“Send It On” is a track from D’Angelo’s second studio album, “Voodoo,” released in 2000. The song is celebrated for its intricate instrumentation, hypnotic groove, and soulful vocals.
“Send It On” features a laid-back rhythm, funky bassline, and atmospheric production, creating a mesmerizing sonic landscape that draws listeners in. The song’s instrumentation, including jazzy guitar riffs and intricate percussion, adds depth and texture to the track, showcasing D’Angelo’s musical versatility and creativity.
Lyrically, “Send It On” is a plea for unity and solidarity in the face of adversity. D’Angelo sings about the importance of coming together and supporting each other, even in difficult times. The lyrics are filled with imagery and metaphors, conveying a message of hope and resilience.
“Send It On” received widespread acclaim from critics upon its release, with many praising its innovative sound and D’Angelo’s soulful vocals. The song’s hypnotic groove and infectious melody made it a standout track on the “Voodoo” album, earning it a special place in D’Angelo’s discography.
Over the years, “Send It On” has remained a fan favorite and a beloved classic in the R&B genre. Its timeless appeal and powerful message continue to resonate with listeners, making it a cherished gem in D’Angelo’s impressive body of work.
7. “Really Love”
“Really Love” is a song by American R&B and soul artist D’Angelo, released in 2014 as part of his album “Black Messiah.” The song was written and produced by D’Angelo, alongside musician Kendra Foster.
“Really Love” is known for its smooth and soulful sound, blending elements of R&B, funk, and jazz. The lyrics of the song express feelings of deep affection and admiration for a romantic partner, with D’Angelo singing about the joys of being in love and the beauty of his significant other.
The song’s production features lush instrumentation, including acoustic guitar, horns, and strings, creating a rich and melodic backdrop for D’Angelo’s vocals. The arrangement evokes a warm and nostalgic vibe, reminiscent of classic soul music.
“Really Love” received widespread critical acclaim for its musicality, lyricism, and emotional depth. The song won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Song in 2016, further cementing its status as one of D’Angelo’s standout tracks. It remains a fan favorite and is often cited as one of the highlights of his “Black Messiah” album.
8. “Chicken Grease”
“Chicken Grease” is a funky and infectious track by D’Angelo, featured on his critically acclaimed album “Voodoo,” released in 2000. The song is celebrated for its groovy rhythm, energetic instrumentation, and D’Angelo’s soulful vocals.
“Chicken Grease” is characterized by its upbeat tempo, funky bassline, and dynamic horn section, creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere that invites listeners to groove along. The song’s instrumentation, including funky guitar riffs and syncopated rhythms, channels the spirit of classic funk and soul music, while also incorporating elements of hip-hop and jazz.
Lyrically, “Chicken Grease” is a playful and lighthearted track that celebrates life’s simple pleasures. The lyrics are filled with humorous wordplay and catchy phrases, reflecting D’Angelo’s laid-back and charismatic personality.
“Chicken Grease” received widespread acclaim from critics and fans alike, with many praising its infectious energy and musicality. The song’s catchy melody and irresistible groove made it a standout track on the “Voodoo” album, showcasing D’Angelo’s versatility as a songwriter and musician.
Over the years, “Chicken Grease” has remained a fan favorite and a beloved classic in D’Angelo’s catalog. Its timeless appeal and infectious vibe continue to captivate listeners, making it a cherished gem in the realm of contemporary R&B and soul music.
9. “Me and Those Dreamin’ Eyes of Mine”
“Me and Those Dreamin’ Eyes of Mine” is a song by American R&B and soul artist D’Angelo, released in 1995 as part of his debut album, “Brown Sugar.” The song was written and produced by D’Angelo himself.
“Me and Those Dreamin’ Eyes of Mine” is known for its smooth and sensual sound, blending elements of R&B, funk, and jazz. The lyrics of the song express infatuation and desire, with D’Angelo singing about being captivated by the dreamy eyes of his love interest.
The song’s production features a laid-back groove, with funky basslines, lush keyboards, and D’Angelo’s soulful vocals creating an intoxicating atmosphere. The arrangement evokes a romantic and nostalgic vibe, reminiscent of classic soul music from the 1970s.
“Me and Those Dreamin’ Eyes of Mine” received positive reviews from music critics for its musicality and D’Angelo’s vocal performance. The song remains a fan favorite and is often cited as one of the standout tracks from his debut album, showcasing his talent as a songwriter, producer, and vocalist.
10. “The Charade”
“The Charade” is a captivating track by D’Angelo, featured on his third studio album “Black Messiah,” released in 2014. The song is celebrated for its poignant lyrics, haunting melody, and soulful vocals.
“The Charade” is characterized by its soulful instrumentation, featuring lush strings, melodic guitar riffs, and a hypnotic rhythm section. The song’s arrangement creates a rich and immersive sonic landscape that complements D’Angelo’s emotive vocal performance.
Lyrically, “The Charade” addresses themes of social injustice, inequality, and the struggle for racial equality. D’Angelo’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of the challenges faced by marginalized communities, while also expressing hope for a better future.
“The Charade” received widespread acclaim from critics upon its release, with many praising its thought-provoking lyrics and powerful message. The song’s haunting melody and soulful delivery struck a chord with listeners, earning it a special place in D’Angelo’s discography.
Over the years, “The Charade” has remained a poignant and relevant song, resonating with audiences around the world. Its powerful lyrics and soulful sound continue to inspire and provoke thought, making it a timeless classic in the realm of contemporary R&B and soul music.
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.
