D’Angelo, born Michael Eugene Archer, is an American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist known for his distinctive blend of soul, R&B, funk, and jazz influences. Born on February 11, 1974, in Richmond, Virginia, D’Angelo rose to prominence in the mid-1990s with his debut album, *Brown Sugar* (1995). The album received critical acclaim and helped revive interest in classic soul music with its smooth vocals and retro-inspired production.
D’Angelo’s second album, *Voodoo* (2000), further solidified his reputation as a groundbreaking artist. Known for its innovative production, live instrumentation, and experimental sound, *Voodoo* garnered widespread praise and earned D’Angelo two Grammy Awards. The album’s lead single, “Untitled (How Does It Feel),” became a signature song for him, known for its sensual lyrics and soulful vocal performance.
Throughout his career, D’Angelo has been celebrated for his musical talent, vocal prowess, and ability to blend various genres into a cohesive and original style. Despite periods of hiatus and personal challenges, D’Angelo’s influence on contemporary R&B and soul music remains profound, with his music continuing to inspire artists and fans alike.
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*. Written and produced by D’Angelo and Raphael Saadiq, the song is a soulful ballad known for its smooth vocals, sensual lyrics, and minimalist instrumentation. “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” became a significant hit, receiving critical acclaim and earning D’Angelo two Grammy Awards. The song’s accompanying music video, featuring D’Angelo shirtless and showcasing his physique, further heightened its popularity and became iconic in its own right. The track solidified D’Angelo’s status as a leading figure in contemporary R&B and soul music.
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. Written and produced by D’Angelo, the song blends elements of funk, soul, and R&B, showcasing his smooth vocals and distinctive musical style. “Brown Sugar” received critical acclaim for its infectious groove, laid-back vibe, and lyrics that celebrate the allure and sweetness of a woman. The song’s success helped propel D’Angelo into the spotlight, establishing him as a rising star in the neo-soul movement of the mid-1990s. The album *Brown Sugar* further solidified his reputation as a talented and innovative artist in contemporary R&B and soul music.
3. Lady
“Lady” is a smooth and soulful song by D’Angelo, featured on his critically acclaimed debut album “Brown Sugar” released in 1995. The track blends elements of classic soul, funk, and R&B, showcasing D’Angelo’s distinctive voice and musical versatility. “Lady” is known for its infectious groove, seductive lyrics, and lush instrumentation, which includes groovy basslines and rich layers of instrumentation. The song’s sensual and laid-back vibe reflects D’Angelo’s ability to capture the essence of classic soul while infusing it with a modern twist. “Lady” 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 on his album *Voodoo*. The song features a gritty and intense groove, with lyrics that criticize materialism, greed, and corruption in society. “Devil’s Pie” reflects D’Angelo’s socially conscious themes and showcases his unique blend of funk, soul, and R&B influences. The track is characterized by its infectious beat, intricate production, and D’Angelo’s soulful vocal delivery. It became a standout track on the *Voodoo* album, contributing to its critical acclaim and solidifying D’Angelo’s reputation as a pioneering figure in contemporary R&B and soul music.
5. Cruisin’
“Cruisin'” is a song originally written and recorded by Smokey Robinson in 1979, which became a classic R&B and soul hit. D’Angelo covered “Cruisin'” on his album *Brown Sugar*, released in 1995. D’Angelo’s rendition of the song blends his soulful vocals with a modern R&B twist, paying homage to the original while adding his own smooth and seductive style. The cover version was well-received and contributed to D’Angelo’s rise in popularity as a talented interpreter of classic soul and R&B songs, showcasing his ability to capture the essence and emotion of the original track while infusing it with his own musical sensibilities.
6. Send It On
“Send It On” is a song performed by Disney’s Friends for Change, featuring Demi Lovato, Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus, and Selena Gomez. Released in 2009, the song promotes environmental awareness and unity, encouraging listeners to come together and make a positive impact on the world. Its upbeat pop sound and optimistic lyrics emphasize the importance of collective action and responsibility toward the environment. “Send It On” was part of Disney’s initiative to inspire young audiences to take part in environmental conservation efforts, reflecting the artists’ commitment to social and environmental causes.
7. Left & Right
“Left & Right” is a track by hip-hop artist D’Angelo, featuring Method Man and Redman. Released in 1995 as part of D’Angelo’s debut album “Brown Sugar,” the song blends soulful R&B with gritty East Coast hip-hop vibes. “Left & Right” showcases D’Angelo’s smooth vocals alongside Method Man and Redman’s dynamic rap verses, creating a blend of musical styles that was innovative for its time. The track’s infectious groove, funky beats, and playful lyrics contribute to its appeal, making it a standout collaboration in D’Angelo’s early career and a favorite among fans of both R&B and hip-hop music.
8. Unshaken
“Unshaken” is a song performed by D’Angelo, featured on the soundtrack for the video game *Red Dead Redemption 2*. Released in 2018, the song is notable for its soulful and haunting melody, accompanied by D’Angelo’s powerful vocals. “Unshaken” reflects themes of resilience, perseverance, and emotional depth, fitting the game’s narrative and atmosphere. The song received praise for its atmospheric production and D’Angelo’s evocative performance, marking a notable addition to his discography outside of his usual album releases.
9. Feel Like Makin’ Love
“Feel Like Makin’ Love” is a song originally performed by Roberta Flack, released in 1974 as part of her album *Feel Like Makin’ Love*. The song was written by Eugene McDaniels and became a soul and jazz standard, known for its smooth melody and romantic lyrics.
D’Angelo covered “Feel Like Makin’ Love” on his album *Voodoo*, released in 2000. His rendition of the song blends his soulful vocals with a modern R&B twist, paying homage to the original while adding his own sensibilities. D’Angelo’s version received positive reviews for its soulful interpretation and his ability to capture the emotional essence of the song. It showcases his talent as both a vocalist and a musician, highlighting his ability to reinterpret classic soul and R&B songs with his distinctive style.
10. Spanish Joint
“Spanish Joint” is a song by D’Angelo, featured on his album *Voodoo*, released in 2000. The song blends elements of funk, jazz, and soul, showcasing D’Angelo’s eclectic musical style and innovative production. “Spanish Joint” is known for its infectious groove, intricate instrumentation, and D’Angelo’s soulful vocals. The song’s lyrics explore themes of love and passion, accompanied by a rhythmic arrangement that incorporates Latin-inspired rhythms and jazz-inflected melodies. “Spanish Joint” is celebrated for its musical complexity and artistic vision, contributing to *Voodoo*’s reputation as a landmark album in contemporary R&B and soul music.