D’Angelo stands as one of the most influential and celebrated neo-soul artists of all time, having shaped contemporary R&B with his innovative sound and artistic vision. Born Michael Eugene Archer, this Virginia-born musician has crafted a legendary catalog despite releasing only three studio albums across his career. His unique blend of classic soul, funk, hip-hop influences, and live instrumentation has earned him critical acclaim and commercial success, making him a cornerstone of the neo-soul movement alongside peers like Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, and Maxwell.
From his groundbreaking debut “Brown Sugar” in 1995 to his most recent masterpiece “Black Messiah” in 2014, D’Angelo has consistently delivered music that transcends traditional R&B boundaries. His collaborations with legendary artists and his recent work with Jay-Z on “I Want You Forever” demonstrate his enduring relevance in today’s music landscape. According to recent reports from collaborator Raphael Saadiq, D’Angelo continues working on new music, keeping fans excited for what’s next from this neo-soul pioneer.
Lady
“Lady” remains D’Angelo’s biggest commercial hit, reaching number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming a staple of 90s R&B. Co-written with Raphael Saadiq, who had the chorus concept since the late 1980s, this track perfectly captures D’Angelo’s romantic sensibilities with its leisurely pace and memorable refrain “I can tell they’re looking at us.” The song’s timeless charm made it a wedding and party favorite, while its remix video famously introduced pre-“Baduizm” Erykah Badu to the world. The track’s success helped establish D’Angelo as a major force in the emerging neo-soul movement of the mid-1990s.
Untitled (How Does It Feel)
Perhaps no D’Angelo song is more iconic than “Untitled (How Does It Feel),” which became synonymous with sensuality and artistic excellence in R&B. Co-written and produced by Raphael Saadiq, this Voodoo standout showcases D’Angelo’s Prince-influenced fusion of rock, soul, and pop sensibilities over Questlove’s gloriously syncopated drums. The song’s legendary one-shot music video featuring a shirtless D’Angelo became a cultural phenomenon that influenced countless artists and music videos. While the video’s success made D’Angelo uncomfortable with his sex symbol status, the track itself stands as one of the greatest bedroom anthems ever recorded, earning him a Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.
Brown Sugar
The title track from D’Angelo’s debut album introduced the world to his innovative sound that would define neo-soul for decades. Reaching number 5 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and number 27 on the Billboard Hot 100, “Brown Sugar” cleverly uses food metaphors to express romantic desire while showcasing D’Angelo’s distinctive vocal style. The song’s production blends classic soul elements with modern hip-hop influences, creating a template that countless artists would follow. This track essentially launched the neo-soul movement and established D’Angelo as its primary architect, proving that authentic, live instrumentation could thrive in an increasingly digital music landscape.
Really Love
“Really Love” marked D’Angelo’s triumphant return after his 14-year hiatus, serving as the lead single from “Black Messiah.” The track features his signature acoustic-flavored approach with a laid-back swing feel that feels both vintage and contemporary. His layered harmonies and emotional delivery demonstrate that his artistic abilities remained intact despite his long absence from recording. The song’s success helped reintroduce D’Angelo to a new generation of listeners while satisfying longtime fans who had waited patiently for new material, proving his enduring relevance in modern R&B.
Cruisin’
D’Angelo’s cover of Smokey Robinson’s 1979 quiet storm classic “Cruisin'” became a defining moment in neo-soul history. The track reached number 10 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and perfectly demonstrated the movement’s emphasis on live instrumentation and classic soul reverence. His fluttery falsetto vocals over lush arrangements of violin, viola, cello, piccolo, and subtle percussion created an admirable throughline between classic and contemporary soul music. The choice to cover this particular song was genius, as it allowed D’Angelo to showcase his ability to honor the past while creating something entirely new and relevant.
Send It On
One of Voodoo’s most tender moments, “Send It On” represents D’Angelo’s spiritual and paternal side as he dedicated this track to his first son. Written with Angie Stone, the song interpolates Kool & the Gang’s “Sea of Tranquility” while building layers of air-light vocals that grow more poignant with each listen. The track functions as both a sweet lullaby and timeless words of wisdom from a father to his child. Its emotional depth and gorgeous harmonies showcase D’Angelo’s ability to create deeply personal music that resonates universally, proving his artistry extends far beyond romantic themes.
Devil’s Pie
“Devil’s Pie” stands as one of D’Angelo’s most effective pieces of social commentary, addressing materialism and greed through clever metaphorical language. Using euphemisms for money like “cream,” “cheese,” and “dough” as metaphorical ingredients, the song critiques what Questlove described as “the money-hungry, jiggafied state of the world.” The track’s hypnotic groove and D’Angelo’s passionate delivery make the message both accessible and powerful. Rather than beating listeners over the head with heavy-handed commentary, “Devil’s Pie” demonstrates how the most resonant social criticism can be wrapped in irresistible musical packaging.
Chicken Grease
This Voodoo standout showcases D’Angelo and his band jamming at their finest, with the track’s title serving as a metaphor for being “hotter than chicken grease bubbling on the stove.” The song features incredible live instrumentation that makes it impossible to sit still, with D’Angelo essentially acting as an MC encouraging listeners to join the musical conversation. John Mayer famously cited Pino Palladino’s bass line on this track as one of his favorites, highlighting the song’s infectious groove. The track’s church-going improvisation and authentic energy capture everything that made the Soulquarians collective so special during the Voodoo sessions.
I Found My Smile Again
Featured on the 1996 “Space Jam” soundtrack, “I Found My Smile Again” represents D’Angelo’s ability to create feel-good love songs that transcend their original context. His vocals convey genuine joy as he sings about finding happiness through love, employing growls and rasp to add texture to the smooth, bass-driven arrangement. The song showcases a different side of D’Angelo’s artistry, proving his versatility beyond the more overtly sensual material that defined much of his catalog. Its appearance on such a high-profile soundtrack helped introduce his music to an even broader audience during the peak of the neo-soul movement.
Nothing Even Matters
D’Angelo’s collaboration with Lauryn Hill on “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” remains one of the most beloved duets of the 1990s. Hill specifically requested D’Angelo for this track, wanting a signature song reminiscent of classic Donny Hathaway and Roberta Flack duets. D’Angelo traveled to New Jersey to record with Hill, resulting in one of the brighter songs about intimacy and love on her landmark album. The collaboration earned them a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group, and the song’s gentle harmonies and genuine chemistry between the two neo-soul pioneers created a timeless moment in R&B history.
Ain’t That Easy
Opening “Black Messiah” after a 15-year wait, “Ain’t That Easy” immediately announced D’Angelo’s return with an incredibly funky sound that felt both familiar and completely fresh. The track doesn’t sound like anything else from its era or today, showcasing D’Angelo’s continued ability to create unique musical experiences. Released during a period of social unrest following high-profile police brutality cases, the album and this opening track served D’Angelo’s stated goal of uplifting his people during times of struggle. The song’s infectious groove and masterful musicianship reminded listeners why D’Angelo’s artistry was so sorely missed during his extended absence.
Your Precious Love
D’Angelo’s cover of the Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell classic “Your Precious Love,” performed as a duet with Erykah Badu for the “High School High” soundtrack, demonstrates the power of two neo-soul pioneers working together. The collaboration brings new life to this Motown classic while respecting its original spirit and emotional core. Both artists bring their distinctive vocal styles to the track while maintaining the chemistry that made the original so compelling. This cover exemplifies the neo-soul movement’s approach to honoring classic R&B while making it relevant for contemporary audiences, creating a bridge between generations of soul music.
The Charade
One of the most politically charged songs in D’Angelo’s catalog, “The Charade” directly addresses police brutality and the silencing of Black voices in America. The track features some of his most pointed lyrics, including the powerful line “All we wanted was a chance to talk/’stead we only got outlined in chalk.” Released as part of “Black Messiah” during a period of nationwide protests, the song demonstrates D’Angelo’s evolution as an artist willing to use his platform for social commentary. The musical arrangement perfectly supports the serious subject matter, creating a cohesive artistic statement that balances activism with exceptional musicianship.
Left & Right
Featuring Method Man and Redman, “Left & Right” showcases D’Angelo’s ability to seamlessly blend neo-soul with hip-hop elements. The collaboration demonstrates the natural connection between D’Angelo’s musical vision and hip-hop’s rhythmic innovations, creating a track that appeals to fans of both genres. The song’s groove and the rappers’ contributions add a different energy to D’Angelo’s typically smooth sound without compromising his artistic integrity. This type of cross-genre collaboration helped establish the template for future R&B and hip-hop fusions, proving that authentic artistry could bridge different musical communities.
Sugah Daddy
“Sugah Daddy” represents D’Angelo’s contemporary era while maintaining reverence for his Voodoo-era sound. First teased during his 2012 BET Awards performance, the track finds D’Angelo singing about desire over a deep, Holy Spirit-driven funk groove. The song’s description of its subject as “raw and uncut” captures the authentic, unfiltered approach that has always defined D’Angelo’s best work. When it finally appeared on “Black Messiah,” “Sugah Daddy” served as both a bridge between his classic and contemporary periods and a promise of the musical excellence fans could expect from his long-awaited return.
Me and Those Dreamin’ Eyes of Mine
This deep cut from “Brown Sugar” showcases D’Angelo’s songwriting abilities beyond his better-known singles, featuring introspective lyrics and a more intimate musical arrangement. The track demonstrates his ability to create compelling album tracks that reward careful listening and showcase different aspects of his artistry. Its dreamy quality and personal nature provide contrast to the more groove-oriented material on his debut album. Songs like this helped establish D’Angelo as a complete album artist rather than just a singles performer, contributing to the neo-soul movement’s emphasis on cohesive artistic statements.
Prayer
One of the most experimental tracks on “Black Messiah,” “Prayer” finds D’Angelo rebuking temptation over a crisp, industrial-influenced production. The song subtly pays homage to producer J Dilla through its innovative drum programming while maintaining D’Angelo’s spiritual focus. Though its tone can be unsettling to new listeners, the track showcases D’Angelo’s willingness to push artistic boundaries and explore different sonic territories. The song’s themes of spiritual warfare and redemption add depth to the album’s overall message, proving that D’Angelo’s artistic growth continued even after his extended hiatus from recording.
Africa
“Africa” demonstrates D’Angelo’s global consciousness and connection to his ancestral roots, featuring partnership with frequent collaborator Questlove on drums. The track’s crisp production and worldly sensibilities show D’Angelo’s artistic growth and expanded perspective following his years away from the spotlight. The song’s exploration of African identity and heritage adds cultural depth to “Black Messiah” while maintaining the musical excellence fans expect. Its placement on the album contributes to the record’s overall themes of identity, struggle, and redemption, showing how D’Angelo’s personal journey connected to broader cultural and political themes.
I Want You Forever
D’Angelo’s recent collaboration with Jay-Z on “The Book of Clarence” soundtrack marks his return to releasing new music after years of silence. The nine-minute track features D’Angelo duetting with Kendra Foster over intergalactic keys from James Poyser and drums from Andre “Dre” Harris. Jay-Z’s stream-of-consciousness approach complements D’Angelo’s layered harmonies, creating a unique sonic experiment that doesn’t follow traditional song structure. Director Jeymes Samuel described the collaboration as “9 minutes, 33 seconds of absolute soulful biblical bliss,” and the track proves D’Angelo’s continued relevance and ability to surprise listeners with unexpected artistic choices.
Unshaken
Featured on the “Red Dead Redemption 2” soundtrack, “Unshaken” showcases D’Angelo’s ability to create music for different contexts while maintaining his artistic identity. Working with producer Daniel Lanois and featuring contributions from Brian Blade and Cyril Neville, the song demonstrates his continued artistic ascent behind closed doors. The track’s moody, atmospheric quality fits perfectly with the game’s themes while showcasing D’Angelo’s versatility as a songwriter and performer. Its appearance on such a high-profile video game soundtrack introduced his music to new audiences and proved his willingness to explore different creative opportunities.
She’s Always in My Hair
D’Angelo’s cover of Prince’s “She’s Always in My Hair” for the “Scream 2” soundtrack demonstrates his ability to interpret the work of one of his primary influences. The track showcases his guitar skills and vocal range while paying appropriate homage to Prince’s original vision. D’Angelo’s version brings his own neo-soul sensibilities to Prince’s funk-rock fusion, creating something that honors the original while standing as its own artistic statement. This cover exemplifies D’Angelo’s approach to reinterpreting classic material, adding his own perspective while respecting the source material’s genius and cultural significance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is D’Angelo’s biggest hit song?
“Lady” is D’Angelo’s biggest commercial hit, reaching number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. Co-written with Raphael Saadiq, the song became a staple of 90s R&B and helped establish D’Angelo as a major force in the neo-soul movement. The track’s romantic lyrics and memorable refrain made it popular at weddings and parties, while its remix video introduced Erykah Badu to the world before her own solo career took off.
Which D’Angelo album is considered his masterpiece?
Most critics and fans consider “Voodoo” (2000) to be D’Angelo’s masterpiece. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and is widely regarded as one of the greatest neo-soul albums ever recorded. It features his biggest hit “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” and showcases the collaborative work of the Soulquarians collective, including Questlove, Pino Palladino, and other legendary musicians who helped create its distinctive sound.
How many albums has D’Angelo released?
D’Angelo has released three studio albums: “Brown Sugar” (1995), “Voodoo” (2000), and “Black Messiah” (2014). Each album is considered a classic in its own right, with significant gaps between releases due to D’Angelo’s perfectionist approach and personal struggles. According to recent reports from collaborator Raphael Saadiq, D’Angelo is currently working on new material for a potential fourth album.
What makes D’Angelo important to neo-soul music?
D’Angelo is often called the “godfather of neo-soul” because his debut album “Brown Sugar” helped launch the entire movement in 1995. His approach to blending classic soul and funk with modern production techniques, live instrumentation, and hip-hop influences created a template that artists like Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, and Maxwell would follow. His emphasis on organic musicianship and authentic artistry helped counter the heavily produced R&B that dominated the early 1990s.
What is the most famous D’Angelo music video?
The music video for “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” is D’Angelo’s most famous visual work. Shot in one continuous take featuring a shirtless D’Angelo, the video became a cultural phenomenon and influenced countless music videos that followed. While the video’s success contributed to D’Angelo’s sex symbol status, which made him uncomfortable, it remains an iconic piece of music video history that demonstrated the power of simple, artistic concepts executed flawlessly