D’Angelo, the enigmatic and soulful powerhouse, has carved his name into the annals of music history as one of the most influential artists of neo-soul. Bursting onto the scene in the 1990s with his velvety voice, intoxicating melodies, and unparalleled charisma, D’Angelo redefined what it means to blend the raw emotions of R&B with the groove of funk and the depth of gospel. His music doesn’t just entertain—it transcends, healing hearts and igniting passions with every note.
From sultry ballads to groove-heavy anthems, D’Angelo’s artistry is a testament to his boundless creativity and unparalleled ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level. Whether you’re swaying to the hypnotic rhythms of “Brown Sugar,” losing yourself in the intimacy of “Untitled (How Does It Feel),” or marveling at the revolutionary brilliance of Black Messiah, his songs have become timeless treasures in the world of music.
In this article, we dive deep into the top 10 most popular D’Angelo songs of all time—a journey through tracks that have defined his career and captured the hearts of millions. Get ready to rediscover the magic of an artist who continues to inspire generations with his soulful genius!
1. Brown Sugar (1995)
D’Angelo’s debut single, “Brown Sugar,” released in 1995, is an intoxicating blend of funk, R&B, and jazz that set the stage for his meteoric rise in the music world. From the very first note, the song envelops listeners in a sensual atmosphere, with D’Angelo’s smooth, velvety voice paired perfectly with a deep, rhythmic bassline that grooves effortlessly beneath the surface. The song’s lyrics are a tantalizing ode to love, using metaphors that evoke a sense of longing, desire, and adoration. The track’s slow-burning tempo invites the listener to surrender to its infectious melody and smooth, laid-back vibe.
“Brown Sugar” stands as one of the cornerstone tracks of the neo-soul movement, a genre that D’Angelo would soon help define. His ability to effortlessly blend soulful melodies with sophisticated, jazz-infused instrumentation instantly marked him as a groundbreaking artist in the 90s. The song is a reflection of his musical influences—from funk to soul to jazz—and the way he weaves them together creates a sound that feels both classic and entirely fresh.
The infectious groove and clever lyricism make “Brown Sugar” more than just a love song—it’s a celebration of musicality and self-expression. D’Angelo’s ability to maintain a relaxed, yet captivating performance throughout the song makes it a timeless classic. It not only introduced the world to his unique style but also captured the spirit of the times, cementing his place as one of the most influential artists of his generation.
2. Lady (1996)
Released in 1996, “Lady” is a smooth, soulful serenade that became one of D’Angelo’s biggest commercial hits. The track, with its effortless groove and tender lyrics, celebrates love, admiration, and devotion to a significant other. There’s an undeniable chemistry in the way D’Angelo’s honeyed voice intertwines with the rich, polished production, which was heavily influenced by Raphael Saadiq’s contributions. The result is a track that is both catchy and deeply emotional—a perfect combination for a classic love song.
The lyrics of “Lady” express a devotion that is both intimate and universal. D’Angelo sings about the profound effect a romantic partner has on his life, blending sensuality with genuine affection. The smooth rhythm and laid-back tempo make it easy to get lost in the feelings of love and admiration that the song evokes. His vocal delivery, at once soft and commanding, draws listeners into a world of emotion that is both personal and relatable.
Commercially, “Lady” was a massive success, reaching the top of the charts and becoming a fan favorite. The track stands as one of D’Angelo’s most enduring hits and remains a standout in his discography. It’s a testament to his ability to craft songs that not only sound great but also speak to the heart of the listener. The timelessness of the track’s message and melody solidified D’Angelo as one of the foremost figures in contemporary R&B.
3. Untitled (How Does It Feel) (2000)
“Untitled (How Does It Feel)” is perhaps D’Angelo’s most iconic track, a slow-burning masterpiece from his critically acclaimed album Voodoo. Released in 2000, the song is an intimate exploration of raw sensuality, vulnerability, and emotional depth. From the very beginning, the hauntingly sparse instrumentation sets the mood—just a soft, atmospheric backdrop to D’Angelo’s emotive and soaring falsetto. His voice, drenched in desire, carries the weight of the song’s unspoken emotions, making it an unforgettable listening experience.
The minimalist production on “Untitled” is a testament to D’Angelo’s confidence as an artist. With just a few key elements—lush strings, a pulsating bassline, and delicate percussion—the song builds in intensity, creating a deeply personal and powerful atmosphere. The lyrics, which revolve around a passionate, intimate connection, are both subtle and explicit, leaving room for the listener to interpret the raw emotion behind them.
The music video for “Untitled” became just as iconic as the song itself, with its infamous shot of D’Angelo performing shirtless in a dark, moody setting. This visual only served to enhance the sensuality of the track, creating a connection between the artist and his audience that felt both immediate and deeply personal. “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” is a moment in music history—one that captured the essence of D’Angelo’s artistry and solidified his place as one of the greatest soul singers of his time.
4. Cruisin’ (1995)
In 1995, D’Angelo released his reimagining of Smokey Robinson’s classic “Cruisin’,” a tender and soulful tribute that breathes new life into the original. From the first notes, D’Angelo’s voice effortlessly glides over a lush, dreamy instrumentation, adding a modern touch to this timeless love song. The track’s smooth, mellow groove pairs beautifully with the warm, loving lyrics, creating a sense of nostalgia while still feeling fresh and unique.
D’Angelo’s interpretation of “Cruisin’” is full of reverence for the original, but his soulful delivery gives it a depth and complexity that feels entirely his own. The track captures the essence of the romantic longing and peaceful satisfaction that the original version conveyed, but with a more contemporary feel. His velvety vocals convey a sense of intimacy and longing, making it a perfect addition to his debut album Brown Sugar.
The song’s instrumentation is subtle yet dynamic, with dreamy keyboard riffs, smooth basslines, and delicate percussion that highlight D’Angelo’s vocal performance. It’s a track that begs to be played on a quiet evening or during a leisurely drive, with the listener effortlessly swaying to its slow, seductive rhythm. “Cruisin’” exemplifies D’Angelo’s ability to take a classic and make it his own, bringing a sense of modern soul to a song that will forever remain a staple of romantic R&B.
5. Devil’s Pie (1998)
Released in 1998 as part of the Belly soundtrack, “Devil’s Pie” is one of D’Angelo’s most gritty and thought-provoking tracks. The song’s raw intensity and bold lyricism reflect D’Angelo’s growing interest in addressing societal issues and confronting the darker side of human nature. Produced by DJ Premier, the track’s stripped-down beat and haunting instrumental arrangements set the stage for D’Angelo’s impassioned delivery, which is full of emotional weight and urgency.
Lyrically, “Devil’s Pie” is a commentary on materialism, greed, and the corrupting influences of fame and success. D’Angelo’s delivery is impassioned, giving life to the song’s themes of struggle and disillusionment. His vocals convey a sense of inner conflict, with each line building on the next to create a feeling of tension and frustration. The track’s stripped-down production adds to its power, allowing the focus to remain firmly on the message being delivered.
“Devil’s Pie” is a departure from the sultry, sensual tracks D’Angelo is best known for, showcasing his ability to tackle deeper, more complex subject matter. The song’s haunting production and bold lyrics create a mood that lingers long after the music stops. It’s one of his most daring and emotionally charged songs, adding a layer of depth to his discography while challenging the listener to confront uncomfortable truths.
6. Feel Like Makin’ Love (2000)
D’Angelo’s version of Roberta Flack’s classic “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” released in 2000, is a lush, sensual reimagining that captures the essence of romance with a soulful, modern twist. D’Angelo’s rich, velvety voice brings a level of intimacy to the track that makes it feel deeply personal. The song’s slow, sultry groove sets the tone for a love affair that is tender, passionate, and filled with longing. His delicate vocal phrasing, paired with smooth instrumentation, creates an atmosphere that feels both luxurious and warm.
The production on this track is minimalistic yet effective, allowing D’Angelo’s voice to shine at the forefront. The gentle basslines, soft piano, and silky strings form a perfect backdrop, highlighting the emotion in his delivery. Every note he sings seems to carry weight, as though it’s meant for someone special, making the song an anthem of romantic desire. It’s a reworking that’s respectful of the original’s beauty while introducing a modern soulfulness that D’Angelo has made his own.
“Feel Like Makin’ Love” is one of those songs that transcends generations, combining timeless lyrics with a contemporary flair. D’Angelo’s ability to capture the emotion and depth of romance makes this cover a standout in his career. It’s a song that invites you to experience love in its most tender and intimate form, and with every listen, you uncover new layers of vulnerability and affection. D’Angelo’s version of this classic is a definitive piece of soul music that resonates with listeners who crave authenticity and passion in their romantic ballads.
7. Left & Right (1999)
“Left & Right,” released in 1999, is a funky collaboration between D’Angelo, Method Man, and Redman, blending hip-hop and neo-soul in a way that showcases D’Angelo’s versatility as an artist. The track is full of energy, with a playful groove that’s impossible not to move to. The collaboration between the three artists brings an infectious chemistry to the song, adding a vibrant dynamic to the music. D’Angelo’s smooth vocals are complemented by the rap verses from Method Man and Redman, creating a unique contrast that makes the song stand out in both genres.
The track is driven by its funky beat, which mixes hip-hop percussion with smooth neo-soul grooves, giving it an irresistible rhythm. D’Angelo’s silky falsetto provides a melodic contrast to the more rugged rap verses, but both elements work together seamlessly. The synergy between D’Angelo and his collaborators creates an energy that’s fun, carefree, and full of swagger. It’s the kind of song that makes you want to dance while also paying attention to the smooth vocal nuances D’Angelo delivers effortlessly.
“Left & Right” isn’t just a catchy song—it’s a fusion of two worlds, showcasing the evolution of D’Angelo as an artist who isn’t afraid to experiment and push boundaries. The track remains a fan favorite, often praised for its energetic vibe and the playful interactions between D’Angelo and his guest artists. It’s a standout cut from Voodoo, showing off D’Angelo’s ability to seamlessly blend genres and create music that feels fresh, exciting, and undeniably fun.
8. Sugah Daddy (2014)
Released in 2014 as part of his album Black Messiah, “Sugah Daddy” is a lively, playful track that blends funk, soul, and modern sensibilities with ease. The song is an irresistible fusion of upbeat rhythms, jazzy piano riffs, and falsetto-driven vocals, all topped off with D’Angelo’s signature smooth delivery. The track is playful and seductive, offering a sense of swagger and confidence that D’Angelo embodies effortlessly. It’s the kind of track that feels both classic and contemporary, a nod to the past while embracing the present.
The song’s infectious rhythm and upbeat tempo make it impossible not to move to. The horn sections, jazzy piano, and funky bassline all contribute to a groove that feels both timeless and innovative. D’Angelo’s voice, filled with its usual warmth and smoothness, glides over the music with ease, delivering the lyrics with a sense of cheeky playfulness. His falsetto is as commanding as ever, and his vocal performance gives the track an added layer of sensuality and charm.
“Sugah Daddy” is one of the more experimental tracks on Black Messiah, showcasing D’Angelo’s ability to evolve while staying true to his roots. The song captures a sense of joy and confidence, making it a standout track in his discography. Its energy, fun vibe, and catchy hook reaffirm D’Angelo’s ability to fuse different genres and influences into something uniquely his own, continuing to define him as one of the most innovative artists in modern soul music.
9. Really Love (2014)
“Really Love” from D’Angelo’s 2014 album Black Messiah is an exquisite, heartfelt ballad that epitomizes the artist’s ability to craft timeless love songs. The track opens with a delicate Spanish guitar arrangement, instantly setting a romantic and intimate mood. As the song progresses, it transitions into a lush, soulful groove, with D’Angelo’s smooth vocals taking center stage. The lyrics are tender and vulnerable, expressing a deep, all-encompassing love that is both personal and universal. The way D’Angelo sings about love feels both fresh and classic, capturing emotions that are as old as time yet feel incredibly relevant today.
The arrangement is a testament to D’Angelo’s musicality, blending elements of soul, jazz, and rock into a sound that is simultaneously vintage and modern. The soft strumming of the guitar is met with smooth basslines and delicate percussion, creating a rich and layered sonic experience. D’Angelo’s voice, in perfect harmony with the instrumentation, feels both passionate and introspective. His delivery is understated yet powerful, drawing the listener in with every word.
“Really Love” is a beautiful, timeless ballad that highlights D’Angelo’s depth as a singer, songwriter, and musician. The track is an ode to love in all its complexities—beautiful, fleeting, and all-encompassing. The song’s richness in both sound and sentiment makes it one of the standout tracks of Black Messiah, showcasing D’Angelo’s ability to capture the nuances of love and translate them into a musical experience that feels both intimate and universally relatable.
10. The Charade (2014)
“The Charade,” from D’Angelo’s 2014 album Black Messiah, is a politically charged anthem that blends powerful lyrics with hypnotic instrumentation. The track tackles themes of injustice, inequality, and the struggle for racial and social justice, making it one of D’Angelo’s most socially aware songs. The song’s haunting arrangement, with its slow, deliberate beat and mesmerizing bassline, sets a somber yet defiant tone. The music gradually builds in intensity, mirroring the song’s emotional and political urgency.
Lyrically, “The Charade” addresses the complexities of societal oppression, using sharp imagery and poignant lines that call for change. D’Angelo’s delivery is impassioned and emotive, conveying a sense of frustration and resolve that resonates deeply with listeners. The song’s combination of soulful instrumentation and socially conscious lyrics makes it a standout in Black Messiah, reinforcing D’Angelo’s role as an artist who isn’t afraid to tackle the most pressing issues of his time.
“The Charade” is a track that demands attention, not only for its political message but also for its musical innovation. The song’s hypnotic rhythms, soulful instrumentation, and haunting delivery create an atmosphere that is both captivating and thought-provoking. It’s a bold statement from D’Angelo, who uses his platform to speak out against the injustices that plague society. With its emotionally charged lyrics and powerful production, “The Charade” remains one of D’Angelo’s most important and impactful songs.
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.
