D’Angelo, born Michael Eugene Archer on February 11, 1974, is an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer. He is known for his soulful 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 received critical acclaim for its blend of classic soul, funk, and hip-hop influences, and established D’Angelo as a leading figure in the neo-soul movement.
In 2000, D’Angelo released his highly anticipated sophomore album, “Voodoo,” which further solidified his reputation as a groundbreaking artist. The album featured a more experimental and organic sound, with live instrumentation and intricate arrangements. “Voodoo” received widespread acclaim and earned D’Angelo two Grammy Awards, including Best R&B Album.
Following the success of “Voodoo,” D’Angelo took a lengthy hiatus from the music industry, during which he faced personal and legal challenges. He returned to the spotlight in 2014 with the surprise release of his third album, “Black Messiah.” The album received critical acclaim and won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Album, marking a triumphant comeback for D’Angelo.
Throughout his career, D’Angelo has been praised for his exceptional vocal talent, genre-defying music, and innovative approach to songwriting and production. He has influenced numerous artists across various genres and is regarded as one of the most influential figures in contemporary R&B and soul music.
Despite his relatively small discography, D’Angelo’s impact on the music industry has been significant, and his work continues to be celebrated by fans and critics alike. He remains an enigmatic and highly respected figure in the world of music, with a legacy that extends far beyond his commercial success.
1. Untitled (How Does It Feel)
“Untitled (How Does It Feel)” is a song by D’Angelo, released in 2000 as part of his second studio album, “Voodoo.” The song was written by D’Angelo and Raphael Saadiq, and it became one of D’Angelo’s most well-known and critically acclaimed tracks.
“Untitled (How Does It Feel)” is a soulful and sensual ballad characterized by its smooth vocals, minimalist instrumentation, and intimate lyrics. The song’s lyrics explore themes of desire, longing, and intimacy, with D’Angelo’s seductive delivery adding to its emotional resonance.
The song gained widespread attention for its accompanying music video, directed by Paul Hunter, which featured a close-up shot of D’Angelo’s naked torso as he performed the song. The video received critical acclaim for its artistic direction and became iconic, helping to further popularize the song.
“Untitled (How Does It Feel)” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the charts in multiple countries and earning D’Angelo a Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance in 2001. The song has since been regarded as one of the greatest R&B tracks of all time, praised for its raw emotion, vocal performance, and sensual atmosphere.
2. Brown Sugar
“Brown Sugar” is a neo-soul and R&B song by D’Angelo, released in 1995 as the lead single from his debut studio album of the same name, “Brown Sugar.” The song features a smooth and funky groove, with D’Angelo’s soulful vocals and infectious melodies.
Lyrically, “Brown Sugar” is an ode to African-American women, celebrating their beauty, strength, and allure. The song’s lyrics evoke images of sweetness and sensuality, with D’Angelo singing about his infatuation with a woman whose “brown sugar” captivates him.
The song’s laid-back vibe, catchy hooks, and soulful instrumentation helped it become a commercial success, topping charts and earning critical acclaim. “Brown Sugar” is considered one of D’Angelo’s signature songs and a classic in the neo-soul genre, showcasing his talent as a singer, songwriter, and producer. Its timeless appeal and smooth grooves have made it a favorite among R&B and soul music fans.
3. Lady
“Lady” is a soulful R&B song by D’Angelo, released in 1996 as the third single from his debut album, “Brown Sugar.” The song features smooth vocals, funky grooves, and a laid-back vibe characteristic of D’Angelo’s signature style.
Lyrically, “Lady” is a tribute to a special woman who captures the singer’s heart and imagination. D’Angelo’s lyrics express admiration and affection for this lady, celebrating her beauty, strength, and grace.
The song’s infectious melody, sultry vocals, and mellow instrumentation helped it become a commercial success, earning acclaim from both critics and fans. “Lady” is regarded as one of D’Angelo’s standout tracks and a classic in the realm of R&B and neo-soul music. Its timeless appeal and smooth grooves continue to captivate listeners to this day.
4. Devil’s Pie
“Devil’s Pie” is a song by D’Angelo, released in 1998 as part of his acclaimed debut album, “Voodoo.” The song was written by D’Angelo and DJ Premier, and it showcases D’Angelo’s unique blend of soul, funk, and hip-hop influences.
“Devil’s Pie” is characterized by its gritty groove, funky bassline, and socially conscious lyrics. The song’s title refers to the idea of the “devil’s pie,” which symbolizes the corrupting influence of materialism and excess in society. D’Angelo critiques the pursuit of wealth and fame, questioning the value of success at the expense of one’s soul.
The song’s production features a sample of “Equipoise” by Eric Dolphy, layered with hip-hop-inspired beats and D’Angelo’s soulful vocals. “Devil’s Pie” received widespread critical acclaim for its innovative sound and thought-provoking lyrics, establishing D’Angelo as a visionary artist in the neo-soul genre.
“Devil’s Pie” remains a fan favorite and a standout track in D’Angelo’s discography, celebrated for its social commentary and infectious groove. The song’s message about the dangers of materialism and greed continues to resonate with audiences, making it a timeless classic in the realm of soul and R&B music.
5. Cruisin’
“Cruisin'” is a smooth R&B and soul song originally performed by Smokey Robinson, released in 1979 as a single from his album “Where There’s Smoke…”. The song features a laid-back groove, romantic lyrics, and Robinson’s trademark falsetto vocals.
Lyrically, “Cruisin'” is a love song that evokes feelings of relaxation and contentment. The lyrics describe the simple pleasure of driving together with a loved one, enjoying each other’s company and the freedom of the open road.
With its mellow vibe and infectious melody, “Cruisin'” became a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts and earning critical acclaim. The song has since become a classic in the R&B and soul genres, beloved by fans for its smooth grooves and romantic sentiment. It has been covered by various artists over the years, further solidifying its status as an enduring love ballad.
6. Send It On
“Send It On” is a song by D’Angelo, released in 2000 as part of his second studio album, “Voodoo.” The song was written by D’Angelo and Angie Stone and features vocals from Stone as well.
“Send It On” is a soulful and sensual track characterized by its smooth melodies, laid-back groove, and heartfelt lyrics. The song’s lyrics express a desire for love and connection, with D’Angelo and Stone trading verses and harmonizing on the chorus.
With its mellow vibe and infectious rhythm, “Send It On” showcases D’Angelo’s signature blend of classic soul, funk, and R&B influences. The song received positive reviews from critics, who praised its soulful vocals and intimate atmosphere.
“Send It On” is a standout track on “Voodoo” and remains a fan favorite among D’Angelo’s repertoire. Its timeless appeal and heartfelt message continue to resonate with listeners, making it a beloved classic in the realm of contemporary R&B and soul music.
7. Left & Right
“Left & Right” is a hip-hop and R&B song by D’Angelo, featuring guest vocals from Method Man and Redman. It was released in 1999 as a single from D’Angelo’s second studio album, “Voodoo.”
The song features a funky and infectious beat, with D’Angelo’s smooth vocals complemented by Method Man and Redman’s energetic rap verses. Lyrically, “Left & Right” is a playful and flirtatious track, with the artists boasting about their skills and charisma, and celebrating their success with the opposite sex.
“Left & Right” showcases D’Angelo’s versatility as an artist, blending elements of R&B, soul, and hip-hop to create a unique and dynamic sound. The song was well-received by fans and critics alike, and its catchy hooks and memorable verses have made it a fan favorite and a standout track on the “Voodoo” album.
8. Unshaken
“Unshaken” is a song performed by D’Angelo, featured in the video game “Red Dead Redemption 2” and released as part of the game’s soundtrack in 2018. The song was written by D’Angelo and was composed specifically for the game.
“Unshaken” is a soulful and introspective track characterized by its haunting melody, emotive vocals, and atmospheric production. The song’s lyrics reflect themes of resilience, redemption, and perseverance in the face of adversity, mirroring the themes explored in the game’s narrative.
D’Angelo’s soulful delivery and heartfelt performance contribute to the song’s emotional impact, making it a standout track on the “Red Dead Redemption 2” soundtrack. “Unshaken” received praise from both fans and critics for its evocative sound and its ability to capture the mood and atmosphere of the game.
The song has since become a fan favorite and has been celebrated for its contribution to the overall experience of “Red Dead Redemption 2.” Its inclusion in the game’s soundtrack further solidified D’Angelo’s reputation as a versatile and talented artist with the ability to create music that resonates across different mediums and genres.
9. Feel Like Makin’ Love
“Feel Like Makin’ Love” is a soulful and bluesy rock song originally performed by Bad Company, released in 1975 as a single from their second studio album of the same name. The song features a laid-back groove, smooth guitar riffs, and Paul Rodgers’ powerful vocals.
Lyrically, “Feel Like Makin’ Love” explores themes of desire, passion, and intimacy. The lyrics describe the intense feelings of attraction and longing between two lovers, expressing a desire to connect on a deeper level and share a moment of intimacy.
With its infectious melody and heartfelt lyrics, “Feel Like Makin’ Love” became one of Bad Company’s signature songs and a classic in the rock genre. The song’s sensual vibes and timeless appeal have made it a favorite among fans and a staple of classic rock radio. It has also been covered by various artists over the years, further solidifying its status as an iconic love ballad.
10. Spanish Joint
“Spanish Joint” is a funky and soulful track by D’Angelo, featured on his critically acclaimed album “Voodoo,” released in 2000. The song infuses elements of neo-soul, R&B, and jazz, showcasing D’Angelo’s musical versatility and innovative production style.
“Spanish Joint” is characterized by its infectious groove, intricate instrumentation, and smooth vocals. Lyrically, the song explores themes of passion, desire, and romance, with D’Angelo’s lyrics painting a vivid picture of a seductive encounter.
The song’s title, “Spanish Joint,” refers to the spicy and rhythmic nature of the music, evoking images of a lively and vibrant dance scene. With its rich layers of instrumentation, soulful melodies, and dynamic rhythm, “Spanish Joint” stands out as one of the standout tracks on the “Voodoo” album, showcasing D’Angelo’s creativity and musical prowess.
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.
