Few artists have redefined the boundaries of R&B and neo-soul quite like D’Angelo. With his unmistakable voice, raw emotional depth, and masterful production, D’Angelo has crafted a legacy that resonates across generations. From sultry ballads to groove-heavy anthems, his music is a celebration of love, passion, and the human experience. Whether you’ve been captivated by the hypnotic rhythms of Voodoo or the profound introspection of Black Messiah, there’s no denying the magic he brings to every track.
In this article, we’re diving into the definitive list of D’Angelo’s top 10 most popular songs—a collection of timeless classics that have cemented his status as an icon. These tracks aren’t just fan favorites; they’re milestones in the evolution of modern soul, each one a testament to his unparalleled artistry. From the sultry intimacy of “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” to the politically charged brilliance of “The Charade,” these songs capture the essence of a musical genius who has never been afraid to push boundaries.
So, plug in your headphones, prepare to groove, and join us as we explore the unforgettable hits that have made D’Angelo a legend. Let’s celebrate the soul of a true innovator!
1. Brown Sugar (1995)
D’Angelo’s debut single, “Brown Sugar,” released in 1995, marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of R&B, introducing a fresh, organic sound that would later be termed neo-soul. Co-written with A Tribe Called Quest’s Ali Shaheed Muhammad, the track seamlessly blends elements of jazz, funk, and hip-hop, creating a groove that’s both nostalgic and innovative. The song’s sultry bassline and D’Angelo’s smooth, honeyed vocals immediately captivated listeners, setting the stage for a new era in soul music.
Lyrically, “Brown Sugar” is a masterclass in double entendre, with D’Angelo crafting a love song that simultaneously serves as an ode to a woman and a metaphor for marijuana. This clever lyrical ambiguity adds depth to the track, inviting listeners to interpret the song on multiple levels. The sensuality of the lyrics, combined with the laid-back groove, creates an atmosphere that’s both intimate and intoxicating.
The impact of “Brown Sugar” extended beyond its commercial success; it signaled a shift in the musical landscape, paving the way for artists like Erykah Badu, Maxwell, and Jill Scott. By drawing inspiration from the classic soul of the ’70s and infusing it with contemporary sensibilities, D’Angelo crafted a timeless piece that continues to influence artists today. “Brown Sugar” isn’t just a song—it’s a cornerstone of modern soul music.
2. Lady (1995)
“Lady,” released in 1995 as the second single from D’Angelo’s debut album Brown Sugar, is a glowing showcase of his romantic sensibility and vocal finesse. While “Brown Sugar” introduced his raw talent and streetwise cool, “Lady” leaned into smoother, more refined territory. It’s a tender love song wrapped in a groove so irresistible that it became D’Angelo’s highest-charting single on the Billboard Hot 100 at the time. The track balances lush, gospel-inspired harmonies with a laid-back rhythm section that gives it a timeless, slow-burn feel.
The song is essentially a tribute—a heartfelt declaration of adoration for a significant other. In it, D’Angelo doesn’t overcomplicate things. His lyrics are simple yet sincere, crooning lines like “My lady… you’re so fine” with a warmth and intimacy that feels authentic and direct. This vulnerability is one of the many reasons the song resonated so strongly with fans.
“Lady” also demonstrated D’Angelo’s dedication to honoring the soul tradition while carving out his own space within it. With its buttery production, smooth instrumentation, and undeniable charm, “Lady” became a staple of slow jam playlists and a defining track of the neo-soul movement. It remains one of the purest expressions of love in his discography.
3. Untitled (How Does It Feel) (2000)
“Untitled (How Does It Feel)” isn’t just a song—it’s an experience. Released in 2000, this slow-burning ballad became a landmark moment in D’Angelo’s career, solidifying his status as a master of soul and sensuality. From the very first note, the track radiates intimacy. There’s no rush—just a warm, stripped-down groove that feels like it’s unfolding in real time. The instrumentation is minimal, letting D’Angelo’s silky falsetto take center stage. Every phrase he sings is drenched in emotion, creating a sense of closeness that’s both vulnerable and magnetic.
Lyrically, it’s a love song, but it’s not flashy or overproduced. It’s honest. It’s slow and simmering, building a kind of tension that lingers long after the song ends. The vocal performance is stunning—not just for the notes he hits, but for the feeling behind them. There’s a rawness here, a soulful cry that taps into the emotional core of romance and desire.
This track quickly became iconic, not just for its sound but for the unforgettable visual that accompanied it. But beyond the headlines, it’s the music that endures. “Untitled” is a masterclass in less-is-more, a sensual, heartfelt anthem that still feels fresh and timeless decades later.
4. Cruisin’ (1995)
D’Angelo’s cover of Smokey Robinson’s “Cruisin’” is more than just a tribute—it’s a full reimagining, dripping with style, romance, and that signature neo-soul vibe that only he could bring. Released in 1995 on his debut album Brown Sugar, this version slows everything down, stretching the song into a warm, smooth groove perfect for a late-night drive or quiet moment with someone special. D’Angelo’s voice—soulful and textured—glides effortlessly over the laid-back instrumental, breathing new life into the classic without losing its original magic.
What makes D’Angelo’s take so compelling is the intimacy he injects into every word. He doesn’t just sing “Cruisin’”—he lives it. The arrangement is lush, full of gentle keys, mellow bass, and subtle percussion that wraps around you like a cozy blanket. He strips the song down to its emotional core and rebuilds it with his own flavor—romantic, nostalgic, and incredibly personal.
“Cruisin’” stands out as one of the finest examples of how D’Angelo bridges generations of soul music. It honors the past while carving out a bold new future, proving that great songs can evolve without losing what made them timeless in the first place.
5. Me and Those Dreamin’ Eyes of Mine (1995)
“Me and Those Dreamin’ Eyes of Mine” is one of those rare tracks that feels like it’s floating in its own world—a gentle, jazzy dreamscape where longing and daydreams intertwine. Released in 1995 on Brown Sugar, the song captures that bittersweet feeling of unspoken love, where your heart aches with hope and uncertainty. D’Angelo croons about a love he can’t quite reach, but can’t stop thinking about, and his voice is filled with the kind of yearning that makes every line hit just a little deeper.
The instrumentation is smooth and sophisticated, featuring lush Rhodes keys, a jazzy groove, and warm bass lines that make the track feel timeless. It’s one of D’Angelo’s more subtle performances, but also one of his most emotionally resonant. He’s not belting or showboating—he’s confessing, musing, dreaming. It feels intimate, like you’re overhearing a private thought or a late-night confession.
There’s a romantic melancholy to this song that lingers, and that’s what makes it so beautiful. It’s not about the triumph of love—it’s about the ache of wanting it, the quiet hope that maybe, just maybe, the dream will become real.
6. Send It On (2000)
“Send It On,” from D’Angelo’s Voodoo album, is a slow, meditative groove that feels like it was made to heal your spirit. Released in 2000, the song finds D’Angelo in his full neo-soul stride—deep in the pocket, letting the music breathe. The rhythm is hypnotic, built on a warm bassline and subtle drums that pulse like a heartbeat, grounding the song in something earthy and organic. Over this lush foundation, D’Angelo’s voice floats—gentle, textured, and full of emotion.
Lyrically, “Send It On” is about love in its most generous form. It’s a call to action—not dramatic or forceful, but quietly powerful. He’s asking for love to be shared, passed on, kept alive like a flame. There’s something spiritual about it, like a hymn or a mantra. It doesn’t need to shout its message—it seeps in, deeper each time you listen.
The arrangement is loose but intentional, allowing room for the groove to settle in. Background vocals swirl in and out, layering the song in warmth. It’s music that invites reflection, that asks you to slow down and really feel. “Send It On” isn’t just a song—it’s a feeling. One of peace, connection, and quiet strength.
7. Spanish Joint (2000)
“Spanish Joint” is a standout moment on Voodoo because it’s so alive—bursting with color, rhythm, and pure musical joy. Released in 2000, this track throws open the windows of the album and lets a breeze of Latin jazz and Afro-Cuban influence come rushing in. It’s an upbeat, danceable song that showcases D’Angelo’s musical adventurousness, blending genres in a way that feels completely natural.
The rhythm section is phenomenal here, driven by syncopated drums, nimble basslines, and crisp guitar licks that give the track its vibrant bounce. The horns and piano sparkle, layering energy and movement without ever feeling cluttered. D’Angelo’s vocals, smooth and fluid, weave in and out of the instrumentation with effortless charm. He’s relaxed here, clearly enjoying the groove, and that energy is contagious.
Lyrically, the song touches on love and passion, but it’s less about narrative and more about vibe. “Spanish Joint” feels like a celebration—of music, of life, of cultural fusion. It’s playful, upbeat, and full of heart, a refreshing detour that expands the sonic world of Voodoo without losing its soul. It reminds us that neo-soul isn’t just about introspection—it can also be a joyful, communal expression.
8. Devil’s Pie (1998)
“Devil’s Pie” is raw, unapologetic, and gritty in all the right ways. Released in 1998 as part of the Belly soundtrack and later featured on Voodoo, this track marked a shift in D’Angelo’s sound—darker, more stripped down, more directly engaged with the world around him. Produced by DJ Premier, the beat is grimy and minimalist, giving D’Angelo’s voice all the space it needs to cut through with truth and intensity.
This isn’t a love song—it’s a reality check. “Devil’s Pie” is a critique of materialism, hypocrisy, and the compromises people make for success. D’Angelo pulls no punches, calling out the temptation and false promises of fame, money, and power. His delivery is both weary and wise, like someone who’s seen too much and is ready to speak plainly.
What’s striking is the song’s restraint. There’s no flash here—just a steady, head-nodding groove and razor-sharp lyrics. It’s hip-hop-influenced soul at its most potent, with D’Angelo embracing the role of a prophet more than a performer. “Devil’s Pie” is uncomfortable in the best way—it challenges, it provokes, and it sticks with you. It’s D’Angelo at his most fearless.
9. Left & Right (2000)
“Left & Right” is the most swagger-filled track on Voodoo, and it doesn’t hold back. Featuring Method Man and Redman, this 2000 release throws funk, soul, and hip-hop into a blender and comes out with something bold and brash. From the jump, the beat hits hard—dirty bass, thick drums, and an undeniable groove that demands you move. It’s fun, it’s fierce, and it’s D’Angelo at his most confident.
This is D’Angelo showing off a different side—more extroverted, more in-your-face. He trades in his usual sensual slow burns for something rowdy and raw, and it totally works. His vocals are still smooth, but here they ride the beat with an edge, matching the swagger of his guest MCs. Method Man and Redman bring serious heat, their verses full of charisma and punchlines, making the song feel like a block party.
While some of Voodoo is introspective, “Left & Right” is pure release—a celebration of sound, rhythm, and attitude. It’s a reminder that neo-soul isn’t confined to softness or subtlety. Sometimes, it just wants to make you groove hard, laugh loud, and blast the volume. And in that, “Left & Right” absolutely delivers.
10. The Charade (2014)
“The Charade” is D’Angelo with a raised fist—defiant, soulful, and unapologetically political. Released in 2014 on his long-awaited third album Black Messiah, the song feels like a protest disguised as a groove. It opens with a psychedelic swirl of synths and guitar before dropping into a slinky, off-kilter rhythm that grabs your attention and refuses to let go.
D’Angelo’s voice is buried a little in the mix, almost like he’s calling out from the middle of a storm. But the message is loud and clear: this is about injustice, about the pain of living in a system stacked against you. “All we wanted was a chance to talk,” he sings. “’Stead we only got outlined in chalk.” It’s powerful. It’s heartbreaking. And it’s all too real.
Musically, the track is dense and layered—funky, but haunting. It channels Prince, Sly Stone, and Parliament, but feels entirely its own. “The Charade” doesn’t just ask for your attention—it demands it. It’s D’Angelo using his art to speak truth, to resist, to mourn, and to push for change. And in doing so, he proves that soul music can still be a revolutionary force.
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.
