D’Angelo, born Michael Eugene Archer, is an American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer. He is known for his unique blend of soul, R&B, funk, and jazz influences, as well as his smooth vocals and sensual lyrics. D’Angelo rose to fame in the mid-1990s with his debut album, “Brown Sugar” (1995), which featured the hit title track and established him as a rising star in the neo-soul movement. His follow-up album, “Voodoo” (2000), was highly acclaimed and is often regarded as a masterpiece of contemporary R&B. D’Angelo’s music is characterized by its live instrumentation, organic production, and introspective lyrics, which often explore themes of love, spirituality, and social issues. Despite a relatively small discography, D’Angelo is considered one of the most influential artists in modern R&B and soul music.
1. Untitled (How Does It Feel)
“Untitled (How Does It Feel)” is a song by D’Angelo, released in 2000 as the second single from his album *Voodoo*. The song is known for its sensual lyrics and smooth, neo-soul sound. “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” features a minimalist production, with a focus on D’Angelo’s vocals and the rhythm section. The song became a major hit for D’Angelo, earning him critical acclaim and commercial success. The music video for “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” also gained attention, featuring a single shot of D’Angelo singing shirtless, which became iconic in its own right.
2. Brown Sugar
“Brown Sugar” is a song by D’Angelo, released in 1995 as the lead single from his debut album of the same name. The song is a mix of funk, soul, and R&B, with a catchy groove and infectious melody. “Brown Sugar” features D’Angelo’s smooth vocals and laid-back delivery, along with lyrics that celebrate the beauty of African-American women. The song was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the R&B charts and helping to establish D’Angelo as a rising star in the neo-soul movement.
3. Lady
“Lady” is a song by D’Angelo, released in 1996 as the third single from his debut album, *Brown Sugar*. The song is a soulful ballad with a smooth groove and romantic lyrics. “Lady” showcases D’Angelo’s vocal range and musicality, with a memorable chorus and melodic instrumentation. The song was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the R&B charts and earning D’Angelo critical acclaim for his songwriting and performance. “Lady” remains one of D’Angelo’s most popular and beloved songs.
4. Devil’s Pie
“Devil’s Pie” is a song by D’Angelo, released in 1998 as the lead single from the *Belly* soundtrack and later included on his album *Voodoo*. The song is a funky track with a strong hip-hop influence, featuring a driving beat and gritty lyrics. “Devil’s Pie” addresses themes of materialism, greed, and corruption in society, with D’Angelo criticizing the pursuit of wealth and its negative impact on individuals and communities. The song’s production and D’Angelo’s vocal performance received praise from critics, and it has become a fan favorite in his discography.
5. Cruisin’
“Cruisin'” is a song originally written and recorded by Smokey Robinson in 1979. D’Angelo covered the song for the soundtrack of the 1995 film *Jason’s Lyric*. D’Angelo’s version of “Cruisin'” became a major hit, reaching the top 10 on the R&B charts and helping to introduce a new generation to the classic song. D’Angelo’s rendition of “Cruisin'” is known for its smooth, soulful vibe and his soulful vocals, which pay homage to the original while adding a modern R&B flair.
6. Send It On
“Send It On” is a song by D’Angelo, released in 2000 as the third single from his album *Voodoo*. The song features vocals from D’Angelo along with R&B singers Raphael Saadiq, Angie Stone, and Spanish artist Spanish singer and actress Mercedes Martínez. “Send It On” is a soulful track with a laid-back groove and uplifting lyrics. The song showcases the vocal talents of all four artists and highlights their harmonies. “Send It On” was well-received by critics and fans alike, and it remains a favorite among D’Angelo’s discography.
7. Left & Right
“Left & Right” is a song by D’Angelo featuring Method Man and Redman, released in 1999 as the second single from his album *Voodoo*. The song is a funky track with a hip-hop edge, featuring verses from Method Man and Redman alongside D’Angelo’s smooth vocals. “Left & Right” showcases D’Angelo’s versatility as an artist, blending elements of R&B, funk, and hip-hop into a cohesive and energetic track. The song was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the R&B charts and earning praise for its production and guest performances.
8. Unshaken
“Unshaken” is a song by D’Angelo, featured on the soundtrack for the video game *Red Dead Redemption 2*. The song was released in 2018 and is notable for its hauntingly beautiful melody and introspective lyrics. “Unshaken” showcases D’Angelo’s soulful vocals and the song’s atmospheric production, which includes acoustic guitar and strings. The lyrics of “Unshaken” reflect themes of resilience and perseverance in the face of hardship, fitting the tone of the game’s narrative. The song was well-received by both fans of D’Angelo and players of *Red Dead Redemption 2*, earning praise for its emotional depth and evocative sound.
9. Feel Like Makin’ Love
“Feel Like Makin’ Love” is a song originally written by Eugene McDaniels and recorded by Roberta Flack in 1974. D’Angelo covered the song for his album *Voodoo*, released in 2000. D’Angelo’s version of “Feel Like Makin’ Love” is a soulful and sensual interpretation of the classic song, showcasing his smooth vocals and musicality. The song features a laid-back groove and jazzy instrumentation, adding a modern R&B twist to the original. D’Angelo’s rendition of “Feel Like Makin’ Love” received critical acclaim and has become one of the standout tracks from the *Voodoo* album.
10. Spanish Joint
“Spanish Joint” is a song by D’Angelo, featured on his album *Voodoo*, released in 2000. The song is known for its infectious groove and Latin-inspired rhythms. “Spanish Joint” features D’Angelo’s soulful vocals layered over a funky bassline, with horns and percussion adding to the song’s rich texture. The lyrics of “Spanish Joint” are a mix of English and Spanish and add to the song’s exotic and vibrant feel. “Spanish Joint” is often praised for its innovative production and has become a fan favorite from the *Voodoo* album.
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.
