Few artists have managed to leave an indelible mark on the world of music quite like D’Angelo. As a pioneer of the neo-soul movement, his artistry blends raw emotion, undeniable talent, and a deep connection to the roots of R&B, funk, and jazz. Whether it’s his sultry vocals, hypnotic grooves, or heartfelt lyrics, D’Angelo’s music resonates with listeners in a way that feels both deeply personal and universally profound. From the groundbreaking debut of Brown Sugar to the transcendent masterpiece Black Messiah, his catalog is a treasure trove of timeless tracks that continue to inspire fans and fellow musicians alike.
In this article, we’ll dive into the top 10 most popular D’Angelo songs of all time—a collection of hits that showcase his unparalleled ability to fuse vulnerability with swagger. These tracks aren’t just songs; they’re soulful experiences, each telling a story of love, passion, and self-discovery. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just beginning your journey into his music, this list will remind you why D’Angelo is celebrated as one of the most influential artists of his generation. So, turn up the volume and let’s celebrate the genius of D’Angelo!
1. “Brown Sugar” (1995)
“Brown Sugar” isn’t just a song—it’s a statement. Released in 1995 as the title track of D’Angelo’s debut album, this track introduced a sound that would go on to define neo-soul for years to come. With a buttery blend of jazz, funk, and R&B, “Brown Sugar” feels both smooth and rebellious, dripping with sensual energy. The song’s groove is infectious, thanks to its laid-back bassline, tight drum patterns, and warm Rhodes keys that swirl around D’Angelo’s signature falsetto. On the surface, it’s an ode to a woman, but deeper listens reveal the double entendre that playfully nods to another kind of sweetness. Either way, it’s a love letter wrapped in rhythm. What really makes “Brown Sugar” stand out is how effortlessly cool it is—it doesn’t scream for attention, it seduces you slowly. D’Angelo’s vocals are fluid and intimate, almost conversational, like he’s whispering secrets only you get to hear. This track helped pave the way for a more organic, soul-rooted direction in R&B, standing as a timeless example of what happens when you blend authenticity with talent. Nearly three decades later, it still feels as fresh and irresistible as it did the day it dropped.
2. “Lady” (1995)
“Lady” is the kind of love song that manages to be tender, sexy, and endlessly catchy all at once. Released in 1995 from the Brown Sugar album, this track became one of D’Angelo’s biggest commercial hits, and for good reason. From the first notes, “Lady” pulls you in with its slow-burning groove and funky undertones, powered by a laid-back bassline and smooth keys that set the perfect mood. But the real magic lies in how D’Angelo sings to his muse—with reverence, warmth, and undeniable charm. His voice glides effortlessly over the beat, turning simple lyrics into something deeply affectionate and inviting. He’s not just talking about love—he’s embodying it. The chorus is instantly memorable, the kind of hook you find yourself humming days after listening. What’s also worth noting is how “Lady” straddles that perfect line between retro soul and contemporary R&B, giving it a timeless quality. It’s no surprise that the track became a staple on 90s playlists and remains beloved by fans today. In “Lady,” D’Angelo doesn’t just sing about love—he creates a space where it lives, breathes, and grooves right alongside you.
3. “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” (2000)
“Untitled (How Does It Feel)” is more than just a slow jam—it’s a masterclass in intimacy. Released in 2000 as part of his Voodoo album, the song instantly became iconic for both its emotional intensity and the now-legendary music video that showcased D’Angelo’s vulnerability and physicality. Stripped of heavy instrumentation, the song leans into minimalism, allowing D’Angelo’s raw, passionate vocals to take center stage. The groove is slow and deliberate, with Prince-inspired guitar licks, warm electric piano, and sensual drum rhythms that feel like a heartbeat. But it’s the delivery that elevates it—his falsetto floats between yearning and pleasure, asking a simple yet loaded question: “How does it feel?” There’s something incredibly honest about it. It’s not overproduced or flashy—it’s intimate, like he’s singing directly to one person in a moment that’s meant to be shared. The song’s vulnerability helped redefine masculinity in R&B, offering a softer, more emotional portrayal of desire. “Untitled” became a cultural phenomenon because it dared to slow things down and focus on feeling. To this day, it remains one of D’Angelo’s most celebrated and powerful tracks—soulful, sensual, and unforgettable.
4. “Cruisin'” (1995)
D’Angelo’s cover of “Cruisin’,” originally by Smokey Robinson, is pure romantic bliss. Released in 1995 as part of his Brown Sugar album, D’Angelo took a beloved Motown classic and reimagined it with his own neo-soul flavor, breathing new life into the timeless track. His version is lush, dreamy, and deeply sensual—like the musical equivalent of a warm summer night drive with someone special. The instrumentation is smooth and understated, with gentle percussion, mellow keys, and subtle guitar flourishes that create an intimate, almost ethereal vibe. D’Angelo’s vocals are soft and expressive, capturing both the sweetness and the anticipation of cruising with a lover, savoring each moment. What makes his take so memorable is the emotional weight he brings to it—he doesn’t just sing the song, he feels it. His voice wraps around each word like a warm embrace, turning what was already a love song into something even more tender and immersive. “Cruisin’” showcases D’Angelo’s deep respect for musical heritage, while also proving his ability to reinterpret classics in a way that feels completely his own. It’s a standout moment of romantic soul that still sounds heavenly today.
5. “Me and Those Dreamin’ Eyes of Mine” (1995)
“Me and Those Dreamin’ Eyes of Mine” is a smooth, jazz-tinged love story that feels like flipping through pages of an old diary under dim lights. Released in 1995 from D’Angelo’s Brown Sugar album, this song captures the bittersweet ache of longing—the quiet hope and tender frustration of admiring someone from afar. It’s storytelling at its finest, wrapped in a silky groove that immediately sets the tone. The laid-back beat, soulful chords, and faint horns give the track a vintage feel, while D’Angelo’s delivery is all heart. His voice dips and glides with a sense of dreamy vulnerability, perfectly matching the romantic melancholy of the lyrics. The song details the inner monologue of a man captivated by someone he can’t quite reach, painting vivid emotional landscapes with each line. It’s relatable and poetic, capturing a feeling we’ve all had but rarely express so beautifully. What really sets it apart is the subtle complexity in the arrangement—it’s mellow, but never flat, with layers of instrumentation and emotion that unfold the more you listen. “Me and Those Dreamin’ Eyes of Mine” is one of those hidden gems that reminds you just how rich and emotionally intelligent D’Angelo’s songwriting can be.
6. “Left & Right” (1999)
“Left & Right,” released in 1999 as part of D’Angelo’s Voodoo album, is one of his most vibrant, energetic, and genre-blending tracks. With features from hip-hop heavyweights Method Man and Redman, the song leans heavily into funk and rap influences, marking a bold step in D’Angelo’s artistic evolution. The beat is rugged yet groovy, built around an infectious bassline and gritty guitar licks that feel like a jam session spilling onto the street. It’s funky, it’s raw, and it’s full of swagger.
Lyrically, the song is playful and flirtatious, laced with double entendres and a teasing kind of bravado. D’Angelo brings a different vocal tone here—more rhythmic and punchy—almost rapping at times, and it works perfectly in tandem with the bold personalities of Meth and Red. Their verses inject a gritty, East Coast vibe into the track, which contrasts beautifully with D’Angelo’s smoother, soulful delivery. It’s a fun, party-ready moment on an otherwise introspective album, proving that D’Angelo could step outside his usual romantic sphere and still kill it. “Left & Right” is more than just a feature-heavy jam—it’s a fusion of styles, sounds, and eras that still bangs hard today.
7. “Devil’s Pie” (1998)
“Devil’s Pie” is D’Angelo at his most raw and unfiltered. Released in 1998 and produced by the legendary DJ Premier, this track marked a dark and reflective turn for the neo-soul pioneer. Departing from the romantic themes of Brown Sugar, “Devil’s Pie” dives deep into the internal conflicts of fame, desire, and materialism. It’s gritty, both sonically and thematically, with a minimalist beat that allows the message to sit front and center.
The song is like a confession—D’Angelo ruminates on the temptations that come with success and the hypocrisy of chasing spiritual righteousness while still being drawn to the trappings of excess. “All these riches, all these lies,” he croons, sounding weary but self-aware. Premier’s stripped-back production—a sparse drum beat, moody bass, and haunting vocal loops—complements the lyrical weight perfectly. It’s a song that forces you to stop and listen, to sit in the discomfort of self-truth.
“Devil’s Pie” became more than just a track; it was a defining moment in D’Angelo’s career, signaling that he wasn’t afraid to challenge listeners or himself. It’s socially conscious, introspective, and deeply human—one of the most powerful statements in his discography.
8. “Feel Like Makin’ Love” (2000)
D’Angelo’s rendition of “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” released in 2000 on Voodoo, is one of the smoothest, most sensual covers in modern R&B history. Originally made famous by Roberta Flack, this version drips with slow-burning intimacy and showcases D’Angelo’s uncanny ability to reimagine a classic while making it wholly his own. From the moment it begins, you’re wrapped in a warm haze of jazzy chords, mellow percussion, and that unmistakable vintage vibe that permeates all of Voodoo.
Where the original was soft and sweet, D’Angelo’s version is lush, textured, and hypnotic. His vocals whisper and weave through the groove like smoke curling through candlelight—gentle, expressive, and undeniably sexy. The rhythm is patient, never rushing, creating space for the mood to build and settle. There’s something both nostalgic and forward-thinking about the production; it pays homage to the roots of soul while experimenting with layered harmonies and offbeat timing.
It’s a song about desire, yes—but also about presence. The kind of love where time slows down, and nothing else exists except two people caught in the moment. “Feel Like Makin’ Love” is soul stripped bare—romantic, raw, and utterly timeless.
9. “Sugah Daddy” (2014)
After a 14-year break from the spotlight, D’Angelo came roaring back in 2014 with Black Messiah, and “Sugah Daddy” was the track that reminded everyone of his genius. Funky, chaotic, and bursting with life, the song feels like a live jam captured in real time. It starts off with that swaggering piano riff and then blooms into a full-blown groove monster—with blaring horns, syncopated rhythms, and D’Angelo’s unmistakable vocal play.
This track is playful and bold, full of innuendo and flirtation. D’Angelo slips into character, delivering his lines with a mischievous smirk you can practically hear. It’s part classic funk revue, part experimental soul—almost like Sly Stone meets Fela Kuti meets Dilla. The instrumentation is incredibly tight yet purposefully off-kilter, making it feel both old-school and completely fresh.
Lyrically, “Sugah Daddy” is all about seduction, but it’s delivered with humor and style. D’Angelo leans into the persona of a charming rogue, offering sweetness with a side of swagger. It’s a standout moment on Black Messiah, one that proves he hadn’t lost a single step. If anything, “Sugah Daddy” shows that D’Angelo came back with even more fire, funk, and freedom than before.
10. “Really Love” (2014)
“Really Love” is a breathtaking piece of music that shows just how far D’Angelo can stretch the boundaries of soul. Released in 2014 as one of the standout tracks from Black Messiah, the song opens with a lush, orchestral intro featuring a poetic spoken word segment in Spanish. Right from the start, it’s clear that “Really Love” isn’t just another love song—it’s a work of art.
The track transitions into a flamenco-inspired guitar loop, layered over a slow, syrupy rhythm section. It’s intimate and spacious, with every instrument given room to breathe. D’Angelo’s vocals float in and out like a dream—soft, yearning, and full of devotion. The lyrics are simple but heartfelt: “I’m really, really in love with you.” There’s no pretense, no need for elaborate metaphors. Just raw, unfiltered affection delivered with soul-deep sincerity.
What makes “Really Love” so special is its restraint. It doesn’t rush; it lingers, savoring every note, every pause, every whispered word. It’s sensual without being overt, romantic without being cheesy. The song earned D’Angelo a Grammy for Best R&B Song—and it’s easy to see why. “Really Love” is timeless, elegant, and utterly captivating from start to finish.
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.
