D’Angelo, whose full name is Michael Eugene Archer, is an American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer. He was born on February 11, 1974, in Richmond, Virginia. D’Angelo is known for his soulful voice, innovative musical style, and contributions to the neo-soul movement.
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 and achieved commercial success, blending elements of classic soul, funk, and R&B with a modern sensibility. Songs like “Brown Sugar” and “Lady” became hits and established D’Angelo as a rising star in the music industry.
In 2000, D’Angelo released his highly anticipated sophomore album, “Voodoo.” The album showcased his musical versatility and experimentation, incorporating elements of jazz, blues, and rock into his soulful sound. “Voodoo” received widespread acclaim and won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Album. The single “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” became a massive hit and is often cited as one of D’Angelo’s signature songs.
Following the success of “Voodoo,” D’Angelo took an extended hiatus from the music industry, facing personal and legal challenges. He returned to the spotlight in 2014 with the release of his third album, “Black Messiah.” The album received critical acclaim and won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Album, marking D’Angelo’s triumphant comeback.
Throughout his career, D’Angelo has been praised for his soulful vocals, innovative production techniques, and musical authenticity. He is regarded as one of the most influential artists in contemporary R&B and has inspired a new generation of musicians with his groundbreaking sound. Despite his relatively small discography, D’Angelo’s impact on the music industry has been significant, cementing his legacy as a true icon of soul and R&B music.
1. Untitled (How Does It Feel)
“Untitled (How Does It Feel)” is a song by D’Angelo from his second studio album, “Voodoo,” released in 2000. The song was written and produced by D’Angelo and Raphael Saadiq.
“Untitled (How Does It Feel)” is a sensual and soulful ballad characterized by its sparse instrumentation, smooth vocals, and intimate lyrics. The song’s lyrics describe a moment of intense desire and longing, as D’Angelo sings about the physical and emotional connection between two people.
The song gained widespread attention and acclaim for its seductive sound and provocative music video. Directed by Paul Hunter, the video features a shirtless D’Angelo singing directly to the camera, showcasing his muscular physique and emotive performance. The video received heavy rotation on music channels like MTV and BET, catapulting D’Angelo to mainstream success and earning him comparisons to iconic soul singers like Marvin Gaye and Prince.
“Untitled (How Does It Feel)” became one of D’Angelo’s most popular and enduring songs, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and winning a Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance. It remains a fan favorite and a staple of D’Angelo’s live performances, cementing its status as a classic of contemporary R&B music.
2. Brown Sugar
“Brown Sugar” is a song by American singer-songwriter D’Angelo, released in 1995 as the lead single from his debut studio album, “Brown Sugar.”
The song “Brown Sugar” is characterized by its smooth neo-soul sound, incorporating elements of funk, R&B, and jazz. Lyrically, the song is a tribute to African-American women, with D’Angelo singing about his admiration and attraction to a woman he refers to as “brown sugar.” The lyrics are sensual and suggestive, celebrating the beauty and allure of black women.
“Brown Sugar” was a commercial success, reaching the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and receiving critical acclaim for its production and D’Angelo’s soulful vocals. The song helped establish D’Angelo as a prominent figure in the neo-soul movement of the 1990s and remains one of his most iconic tracks.
The music video for “Brown Sugar” features D’Angelo performing the song in various settings, surrounded by images of African-American culture and beauty. The video received praise for its visual aesthetics and representation of black identity.
Overall, “Brown Sugar” has become a classic in the neo-soul genre and continues to be celebrated for its smooth groove and timeless appeal.
3. Lady
“Lady” is a song by American musician D’Angelo, released in 1996 as the second single from his debut studio album, “Brown Sugar.”
“Lady” is characterized by its smooth neo-soul sound, featuring D’Angelo’s soulful vocals and a laid-back groove. Lyrically, the song is a tribute to a woman who captivates D’Angelo with her beauty and grace. The lyrics express admiration for the woman’s confidence and sensuality, with D’Angelo expressing his desire to be with her.
The song received positive reviews from music critics, who praised its production and D’Angelo’s vocal performance. “Lady” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
The music video for “Lady” features D’Angelo performing the song in a dimly lit room, surrounded by images of women projected onto the walls. The video received acclaim for its visual aesthetics and sensual atmosphere.
“Lady” remains one of D’Angelo’s most beloved tracks and is considered a classic in the neo-soul genre. It continues to be celebrated for its smooth groove and romantic lyrics.
4. Devil’s Pie
“Devil’s Pie” is a song by D’Angelo from his second studio album, “Voodoo,” released in 2000. The song was written by D’Angelo and DJ Premier, who also produced the track.
“Devil’s Pie” is a gritty and soulful track with a hip-hop influenced beat and socially conscious lyrics. The song’s title refers to the idea of seeking material wealth and indulgence at the expense of one’s spiritual and moral values, likened to a metaphorical “devil’s pie.” In the lyrics, D’Angelo critiques the negative effects of greed, corruption, and materialism in society, urging listeners to resist the temptations of fame and fortune.
The song’s production features a distinctive sample from “It’s Funky Enough” by The D.O.C., layered with soulful instrumentation and D’Angelo’s impassioned vocals. The result is a powerful and thought-provoking track that showcases D’Angelo’s musical versatility and social consciousness.
“Devil’s Pie” received critical acclaim upon its release and is often cited as one of the standout tracks from “Voodoo.” The song’s message and infectious groove have made it a fan favorite and a staple of D’Angelo’s live performances. It remains a classic of contemporary R&B and hip-hop music, praised for its innovative production and thought-provoking lyrics.
5. Cruisin’
“Cruisin'” is a song originally performed by American soul singer Smokey Robinson. It was released in 1979 as part of his album “Where There’s Smoke…” The song was written by Robinson and Marv Tarplin.
“Cruisin'” is characterized by its smooth and romantic vibe, with Robinson’s distinctive falsetto vocals. Lyrically, the song expresses the joy and contentment of driving around with a loved one, enjoying each other’s company and the simple pleasures of life.
The song was a commercial success, reaching number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming one of Robinson’s signature songs. It also received critical acclaim for its soulful melody and Robinson’s emotive delivery.
Over the years, “Cruisin'” has been covered by various artists from different genres, including D’Angelo, who recorded a popular rendition of the song for his debut album “Brown Sugar” in 1995. D’Angelo’s version also became a hit and introduced the song to a new generation of listeners.
“Cruisin'” remains a timeless classic in the realm of soul and R&B music, cherished for its smooth groove and romantic lyrics. It continues to be celebrated and enjoyed by music lovers around the world.
6. Send It On
“Send It On” is a song by American recording artists Disney’s Friends for Change, which features Demi Lovato, Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus, and Selena Gomez. It was released as a charity single on August 11, 2009.
“Send It On” carries a message of unity and environmental consciousness, encouraging listeners to make a positive impact on the world. The song’s lyrics emphasize the importance of friendship and working together to create change for a better future.
The collaboration was part of Disney’s Friends for Change initiative, which aimed to inspire kids and families to make a difference in their communities and in the world. Proceeds from the single were donated to environmental charities supported by the initiative.
“Send It On” received positive feedback for its uplifting message and the camaraderie displayed by the artists involved. It peaked at number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and was well-received by fans of the Disney Channel stars.
The song’s music video features footage of the artists recording the song in the studio, interspersed with scenes of environmental activism and messages promoting sustainability.
Overall, “Send It On” served as a reminder of the importance of collective action in addressing environmental issues and making a positive impact on the world.
7. Left & Right
“Left & Right” is a song by D’Angelo featuring Method Man and Redman. It appears on D’Angelo’s second studio album, “Voodoo,” released in 2000. The song was written by D’Angelo, Method Man, and Redman, with production by D’Angelo and Questlove.
“Left & Right” is a funk and hip-hop-infused track with a groovy beat and catchy hook. The song features energetic verses from Method Man and Redman, known for their dynamic flow and witty wordplay. D’Angelo’s soulful vocals complement the rap verses, adding depth and texture to the track.
Lyrically, “Left & Right” celebrates living life to the fullest and embracing spontaneity and freedom. The song’s infectious energy and playful lyrics make it a standout track on “Voodoo,” showcasing D’Angelo’s ability to blend various musical styles and influences seamlessly.
“Left & Right” received positive reviews from critics and became a fan favorite from “Voodoo.” It showcases D’Angelo’s versatility as an artist and his willingness to experiment with different genres and collaborators. The song’s upbeat vibe and memorable hook have made it a popular choice for parties and playlists, further solidifying its status as a classic of contemporary R&B and hip-hop music.
8. Unshaken
“Unshaken” is a song by American musician D’Angelo, featured on the soundtrack for the video game “Red Dead Redemption 2.” The song was released in 2018.
“Unshaken” is characterized by its soulful sound and D’Angelo’s emotive vocals. Lyrically, the song reflects themes of resilience, perseverance, and finding inner peace in the face of adversity. The title “Unshaken” suggests a sense of steadfastness and strength, even in challenging circumstances.
The song received acclaim for its atmospheric production and D’Angelo’s soulful delivery. It was well-received by fans of the video game and music critics alike, with many praising its emotional depth and evocative lyrics.
“Unshaken” has since become a fan favorite and a standout track on the “Red Dead Redemption 2” soundtrack. It showcases D’Angelo’s versatility as an artist and his ability to create music that resonates with listeners on a profound level.
9. Feel Like Makin’ Love
“Feel Like Makin’ Love” is a song by D’Angelo, originally performed by Roberta Flack. It was featured on D’Angelo’s second studio album, “Voodoo,” released in 2000. The song was written by Eugene McDaniels.
D’Angelo’s version of “Feel Like Makin’ Love” is a slow-burning and sensual R&B track, showcasing his smooth vocals and soulful delivery. The song features lush instrumentation, including groovy basslines, sultry guitar riffs, and mellow keyboards, creating a rich and intimate atmosphere.
D’Angelo’s interpretation of the song adds a contemporary twist to the classic soul ballad, infusing it with his signature style and musical sensibility. His heartfelt performance captures the passion and longing expressed in the lyrics, making it a standout track on “Voodoo.”
“Feel Like Makin’ Love” received critical acclaim upon its release and became a fan favorite from D’Angelo’s discography. It showcases his ability to reinterpret classic songs with a modern flair while paying homage to the original artist and their musical legacy.
10. Spanish Joint
“Spanish Joint” is a song by D’Angelo from his second studio album, “Voodoo,” released in 2000. The song was written by D’Angelo and Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, who also produced the track.
“Spanish Joint” is a jazz-infused R&B track with a funky groove and infectious rhythm. The song features lively percussion, jazzy chord progressions, and D’Angelo’s smooth vocals gliding effortlessly over the instrumentation. Lyrically, the song describes a romantic encounter with a lover, evoking feelings of passion and desire.
“Spanish Joint” is known for its intricate musical arrangement and improvisational feel, with D’Angelo and his band members showcasing their virtuosity and musical chemistry. The song’s dynamic instrumentation and infectious energy make it a standout track on “Voodoo,” highlighting D’Angelo’s innovative approach to blending different musical genres and influences.
“Spanish Joint” received critical acclaim upon its release and remains a fan favorite from D’Angelo’s discography. It showcases his musical versatility and ability to create soulful and innovative music that transcends genre boundaries.