D’Angelo, born Michael Eugene Archer on February 11, 1974, is an influential American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer known for his distinctive blend of soul, funk, R&B, and jazz influences. He emerged in the mid-1990s as a prominent figure in the neo-soul movement, characterized by his soulful vocals, virtuosic musicianship, and innovative approach to production.
D’Angelo gained widespread acclaim with his debut album *Brown Sugar* in 1995, which featured hit singles like the title track “Brown Sugar” and “Lady.” The album showcased his smooth vocals, intimate lyrics, and incorporation of live instrumentation, setting him apart from contemporary R&B artists of the time.
In 2000, D’Angelo released his critically acclaimed sophomore album *Voodoo*, which further solidified his reputation as a visionary artist. *Voodoo* explored complex themes of spirituality, love, and social commentary, blending elements of funk, jazz, and rock with D’Angelo’s soulful voice and intricate musical arrangements. The album’s lead single “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” became a cultural phenomenon, known for its sensual lyrics and the iconic music video featuring D’Angelo’s bare torso.
Following *Voodoo*, D’Angelo took a lengthy hiatus from the music industry, returning with sporadic performances and collaborations over the years. He released his third studio album, *Black Messiah*, in 2014, to critical acclaim. The album continued D’Angelo’s tradition of blending soul, funk, and social commentary, addressing themes of race, politics, and personal introspection.
Throughout his career, D’Angelo has been celebrated for his artistic vision, musicality, and contributions to the evolution of contemporary R&B and soul music. His influence extends beyond his own discography, inspiring a new generation of artists with his innovative approach to songwriting, production, and performance.
1. Untitled (How Does It Feel)
“Untitled (How Does It Feel)” is a soulful ballad by D’Angelo, released in 2000 as the second single from his critically acclaimed album *Voodoo*. The song is known for its sensual lyrics and smooth, emotive vocal delivery, making it one of D’Angelo’s most iconic tracks.
Lyrically, “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” explores themes of desire and intimacy, with D’Angelo expressing his longing for a romantic partner. The lyrics and vocal performance convey a sense of vulnerability and passion, capturing the intensity of emotional and physical attraction.
Musically, the song is characterized by its minimalist production, featuring a seductive groove, subtle instrumentation, and D’Angelo’s falsetto vocals. The track’s stripped-down arrangement emphasizes the raw emotion and sensuality of the lyrics, creating an intimate and immersive listening experience.
The music video for “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” further contributed to its impact and popularity. Directed by Paul Hunter, the video features D’Angelo performing the song shirtless against a black backdrop, highlighting his physical presence and emphasizing the song’s themes of desire and allure.
Upon its release, “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” received critical acclaim and became a commercial success, reaching high positions on the charts. The song’s sensual appeal and D’Angelo’s soulful performance cemented its status as a classic in contemporary R&B and soul music, influencing subsequent generations of artists and earning D’Angelo widespread acclaim as a visionary in the genre.
2. Brown Sugar
“Brown Sugar” is a classic R&B and soul song by D’Angelo, released in 1995 as the lead single from his debut album of the same name. The song is renowned for its smooth vocals, infectious groove, and its revival of the neo-soul sound in the mid-1990s.
Lyrically, “Brown Sugar” is a love song that metaphorically compares a woman to the sweet taste of brown sugar. The lyrics express admiration and desire for her, celebrating her allure and captivating presence. The song’s catchy chorus and D’Angelo’s soulful delivery contributed to its widespread appeal and popularity.
Musically, “Brown Sugar” blends elements of traditional soul with hip hop and jazz influences. The track features a laid-back groove, funky bassline, and D’Angelo’s soulful vocals, showcasing his versatility as a singer and musician. The production incorporates live instrumentation, adding warmth and depth to the song’s sound.
Upon its release, “Brown Sugar” received positive reviews from critics and became a commercial success, reaching high positions on the R&B and pop charts. The song’s success established D’Angelo as a rising star in the R&B and neo-soul music scenes, setting the stage for his subsequent critically acclaimed albums.
Overall, “Brown Sugar” remains a beloved track in D’Angelo’s discography, celebrated for its timeless appeal, musical craftsmanship, and its role in shaping the neo-soul genre. It continues to be a staple in contemporary R&B playlists and a testament to D’Angelo’s enduring influence as a soulful and innovative artist.
3. Lady
“Lady” is a soul and R&B song by D’Angelo, released in 1995 as a single from his debut album “Brown Sugar.” The song was written by D’Angelo and Raphael Saadiq of Tony! Toni! Toné!, who also produced the track.
“Lady” is known for its smooth and seductive groove, with D’Angelo’s soulful vocals complemented by a funky bassline and lush instrumentation. The lyrics express admiration and desire for a woman who captivates him with her beauty and presence. D’Angelo’s vocal performance exudes sensuality and passion, showcasing his vocal range and emotive delivery.
The song received critical acclaim for its throwback sound, blending elements of classic soul and R&B with contemporary production. “Lady” became a hit on the R&B charts and remains a standout track in D’Angelo’s discography, celebrated for its timeless appeal and musical craftsmanship.
4. Devil’s Pie
“Devil’s Pie” is a song by D’Angelo, released in 1998 as part of his critically acclaimed album *Voodoo*. Known for its gritty and introspective lyrics, the song explores themes of materialism, corruption, and the pursuit of success.
Lyrically, “Devil’s Pie” critiques societal values and the allure of wealth and fame. The lyrics suggest that chasing materialistic desires (“Everybody wants a slice of the devils pie”) can lead to moral decay and spiritual emptiness. D’Angelo’s poignant lyrics and soulful delivery convey a message of caution and introspection.
Musically, “Devil’s Pie” blends funk, soul, and hip hop influences, featuring a driving beat, bluesy guitar riffs, and D’Angelo’s raspy vocals. The song’s production is characterized by its raw and gritty sound, emphasizing the song’s rebellious and confrontational tone.
Upon its release, “Devil’s Pie” received acclaim for its innovative blend of genres and its socially conscious lyrics. The song’s thematic depth and D’Angelo’s artistic vision contributed to its status as a standout track on the *Voodoo* album, showcasing his evolution as an artist and his willingness to explore complex themes through music.
“Devil’s Pie” remains a fan favorite and a critical success in D’Angelo’s catalog, admired for its musical creativity, lyrical depth, and its commentary on societal values and personal integrity.
5. Cruisin’
“Cruisin'” is a soul and R&B song originally performed by Smokey Robinson, released in 1979 on his album “Where There’s Smoke…” The song was written by Robinson and Marv Tarplin, and it became one of Robinson’s signature hits as a solo artist.
“Cruisin'” is known for its smooth and romantic vibe, featuring Robinson’s silky-smooth vocals and a laid-back groove. The lyrics express the joy and relaxation of cruising with a loved one, enjoying each other’s company without a care in the world. The song’s mellow instrumentation, including guitar and keyboards, enhances its intimate and nostalgic atmosphere.
“Cruisin'” was a commercial success, reaching the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming a classic in the soul and R&B genres. It has been covered by various artists over the years, further solidifying its status as a beloved and enduring love song.
6. Send It On
“Send It On” is a song by D’Angelo, featured on his album *Voodoo* released in 2000. It’s notable for its smooth, soulful vibe and introspective lyrics that reflect on love, relationships, and personal growth.
Lyrically, “Send It On” explores themes of connection and communication in relationships. The lyrics suggest a desire for clarity and understanding, urging the listener to send a message or communicate their feelings openly and honestly. D’Angelo’s soulful vocals and the song’s laid-back groove create a reflective and intimate atmosphere.
Musically, “Send It On” is characterized by its minimalist production, featuring subtle instrumentation and a mellow rhythm. The song showcases D’Angelo’s vocal range and emotive delivery, highlighting his ability to convey emotion and sincerity through his music.
“Send It On” is celebrated for its musical sophistication and lyrical depth, exemplifying D’Angelo’s distinctive blend of soul, funk, and jazz influences. It’s regarded as a standout track on the *Voodoo* album, contributing to its critical acclaim and reinforcing D’Angelo’s reputation as a visionary in contemporary R&B and soul music.
7. Left & Right
“Left & Right” is a hip-hop and R&B song by D’Angelo featuring Method Man and Redman, released in 1999 on D’Angelo’s album “Voodoo.” The song was written by D’Angelo, Method Man, and Redman, with D’Angelo also handling the production.
“Left & Right” is characterized by its funky and upbeat groove, with D’Angelo’s soulful vocals blending seamlessly with Method Man and Redman’s rap verses. The song’s lyrics explore themes of celebration, confidence, and enjoying life to the fullest. It features a catchy hook and infectious rhythm that make it a standout track on the “Voodoo” album.
The collaboration between D’Angelo, Method Man, and Redman brought together their distinct styles, blending R&B and hip-hop elements into a cohesive and energetic track. “Left & Right” received positive reviews for its production, vocal performances, and dynamic chemistry between the artists. It remains a fan favorite and showcases D’Angelo’s versatility as an artist.
8. Unshaken
“Unshaken” is a song by D’Angelo, featured on the soundtrack for the video game *Red Dead Redemption 2*, released in 2018. The song showcases D’Angelo’s soulful vocals and introspective lyrics, fitting the game’s atmospheric and emotional landscape.
Lyrically, “Unshaken” explores themes of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. The lyrics suggest a steadfastness and inner strength (“May I stand unshaken, amidst, amidst a crashing world”) amidst challenges and turbulent times. D’Angelo’s emotive delivery and the song’s haunting melody evoke a sense of contemplation and emotional depth.
Musically, “Unshaken” features a stripped-down arrangement, with acoustic guitar, subtle percussion, and atmospheric production that complements the song’s introspective mood. D’Angelo’s soulful vocals soar over the gentle instrumentation, creating a poignant and immersive listening experience.
Released as part of the *Red Dead Redemption 2* soundtrack, “Unshaken” received praise for its evocative lyrics and D’Angelo’s powerful performance. The song resonated with both fans of the game and music enthusiasts, showcasing D’Angelo’s ability to craft soulful and thought-provoking music that transcends genres and contexts.
9. Feel Like Makin’ Love
“Feel Like Makin’ Love” is a soul and R&B song originally recorded by Roberta Flack in 1974, written by Eugene McDaniels. The song became a major hit for Flack, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and receiving critical acclaim for its sensual lyrics and Flack’s emotive vocal performance.
The lyrics of “Feel Like Makin’ Love” express the intense emotions and desires of being in love and wanting to express that love physically. Flack’s smooth and soulful delivery, combined with the song’s mellow and romantic instrumentation, created an intimate and atmospheric vibe that resonated with listeners.
“Feel Like Makin’ Love” has since become a classic in the soul and R&B genres, covered by various artists over the years. It remains a timeless love song celebrated for its evocative lyrics, soulful melody, and Roberta Flack’s powerful vocal interpretation.
10. Spanish Joint
“Spanish Joint” is a neo-soul song by D’Angelo, featured on his critically acclaimed album “Voodoo,” released in 2000. Known for its experimental and genre-blending style, “Spanish Joint” incorporates elements of funk, soul, and jazz, characteristic of D’Angelo’s musical approach.
The song features a rhythmic and infectious groove, driven by funky bass lines, syncopated percussion, and D’Angelo’s soulful vocals. Lyrically, “Spanish Joint” explores themes of passion, desire, and the allure of a romantic relationship. The title “Spanish Joint” refers to a lively gathering place or venue where people come together to enjoy music, dance, and socialize.
“Spanish Joint” is celebrated for its dynamic instrumentation, layered production, and D’Angelo’s vocal prowess. It showcases his ability to blend traditional R&B elements with innovative and experimental sounds, creating a distinctive and immersive musical experience. The song remains a fan favorite and a standout track on the “Voodoo” album, known for its infectious energy and sophisticated musical arrangements.