D’Angelo, a defining voice in the neo-soul movement, has captivated audiences with his sultry vocals, rich musicality, and profound lyricism. Emerging in the mid-90s with a sound that melded classic soul with contemporary R&B, D’Angelo’s music stands as a testament to his artistry and influence. His debut album, “Brown Sugar,” set the stage for a career that would challenge and redefine genre boundaries. With hits like “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” and “Lady,” D’Angelo not only demonstrated his vocal prowess but also his ability to craft songs that resonate deeply with listeners. His follow-up albums, “Voodoo” and “Black Messiah,” further solidified his status as a musical innovator, blending elements of funk, jazz, and rock. Each song in his repertoire is a journey through complex rhythms, soulful melodies, and introspective lyrics. This article delves into the top ten best D’Angelo songs of all time, celebrating the tracks that have defined his career and left an indelible mark on the music industry. From his breakout hits to his more experimental later works, these songs highlight the depth and versatility of D’Angelo’s talent, inviting fans and new listeners alike to explore the rich tapestry of his musical legacy.
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1. Unshaken
“Unshaken” stands as a testament to D’Angelo’s remarkable talent, combining soulful vocals with poignant lyrics and a captivating melody. Featured prominently in the critically acclaimed video game *Red Dead Redemption 2*, the song captures a sense of resilience and determination, echoing the game’s themes of survival and redemption. D’Angelo’s emotive delivery, accompanied by a haunting guitar riff and stirring background vocals, creates a mesmerizing sonic experience that resonates deeply with listeners.
The song’s introspective lyrics reflect a journey of personal growth and inner strength, making it a standout track in D’Angelo’s repertoire. Its inclusion in the game’s soundtrack introduced the artist to a new generation of fans, further cementing his status as a musical icon.
“Unshaken” showcases D’Angelo’s ability to transcend genres, blending elements of soul, blues, and folk to create a sound that is uniquely his own. Its enduring popularity and critical acclaim solidify its place as one of the best songs in D’Angelo’s illustrious career, a timeless masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
2. Betray My Heart
“Betray My Heart” is a standout track from D’Angelo’s Grammy-winning album *Black Messiah*. This song is a masterpiece of modern soul, showcasing D’Angelo’s signature style that effortlessly blends classic R&B with a contemporary edge. The track is characterized by its infectious groove, smooth vocals, and intricate instrumentation, which includes funky guitar riffs, lush horns, and a tight rhythm section.
Lyrically, “Betray My Heart” delves into themes of love, betrayal, and vulnerability, with D’Angelo’s soulful delivery adding depth and emotion to the heartfelt lyrics. The song’s melody is infectious, and its expertly crafted arrangement showcases D’Angelo’s musical prowess and attention to detail.
“Betray My Heart” has been praised by critics and fans alike for its rich musicality and timeless appeal. It highlights D’Angelo’s ability to create music that is both innovative and deeply rooted in the traditions of soul and R&B. The song’s complex harmonies and soul-stirring vocals make it a standout track in D’Angelo’s discography and a fan favorite that continues to captivate audiences around the world.
3. The Root
“The Root” is a soulful masterpiece from D’Angelo’s critically acclaimed album *Voodoo*. This track exemplifies D’Angelo’s ability to blend traditional soul and R&B with a modern, experimental sound. The song features a hypnotic groove, with a deep, funky bassline and intricate percussion that create a rich and immersive sonic landscape.
Lyrically, “The Root” explores themes of self-discovery and introspection, with D’Angelo’s soulful vocals conveying a sense of longing and contemplation. The song’s stripped-down production allows the raw emotion of D’Angelo’s voice to shine through, creating a powerful and intimate listening experience.
“The Root” is praised for its innovative approach to soul music, with D’Angelo’s intricate vocal arrangements and unique instrumentation setting it apart from traditional R&B. The song’s organic sound and raw energy showcase D’Angelo’s musical versatility and artistry, cementing his reputation as one of the most innovative artists of his generation.
Overall, “The Root” is a standout track in D’Angelo’s catalog, highlighting his ability to push the boundaries of soul and R&B while staying true to the genre’s roots. Its timeless appeal and innovative sound make it a classic in the world of contemporary soul music.
4. Untitled (How Does It Feel)
“Untitled (How Does It Feel)” is a landmark song in D’Angelo’s career, known for its sensual lyrics, smooth vocals, and soulful instrumentation. Featured on his album *Voodoo*, the song became a breakout hit and is often regarded as one of D’Angelo’s signature tracks.
The song’s minimalist arrangement focuses on D’Angelo’s voice, which glides effortlessly over a sparse, yet infectious groove. Lyrically, “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” is an intimate exploration of desire and longing, with D’Angelo’s passionate delivery adding to the song’s emotional depth.
One of the most iconic aspects of “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” is its music video, which features a single continuous shot of D’Angelo singing the song shirtless. The video became immensely popular and helped catapult D’Angelo to mainstream success.
“Untitled (How Does It Feel)” received widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike, with many praising its sensual lyrics, soulful vocals, and innovative production. The song’s impact on contemporary R&B is undeniable, solidifying D’Angelo’s reputation as a pioneering artist in the genre.
5. Brown Sugar
“Brown Sugar” is the title track from D’Angelo’s debut album, released in 1995. The song is a smooth blend of soul, funk, and R&B, showcasing D’Angelo’s distinctive musical style and vocal prowess. “Brown Sugar” is known for its infectious groove, catchy melody, and sensual lyrics, which explore themes of love, desire, and addiction.
The song’s production is characterized by its funky bassline, crisp percussion, and soulful guitar licks, creating a rich and immersive sound that is both timeless and contemporary. D’Angelo’s smooth and soulful vocals are a highlight of the track, conveying a sense of passion and emotion that resonates with listeners.
Lyrically, “Brown Sugar” is a metaphor for a romantic relationship, with D’Angelo using the imagery of the titular substance to describe the sweetness and allure of love. The song’s lyrics are poetic and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the highs and lows of love and desire.
“Brown Sugar” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard R&B chart and earning D’Angelo critical acclaim for his songwriting and performance. The song remains a fan favorite and a classic in D’Angelo’s discography, showcasing his talent for creating timeless and soulful music.
6. Lady
“Lady” is one of D’Angelo’s most iconic songs, known for its smooth and sultry vibe that blends elements of R&B, soul, and funk. Released as a single from his debut album *Brown Sugar* in 1996, “Lady” became a major hit and a staple of D’Angelo’s live performances.
The song features a laid-back groove, with a catchy bassline, funky guitar riffs, and a tight drum beat that create a perfect backdrop for D’Angelo’s soulful vocals. Lyrically, “Lady” is a love song that celebrates the beauty and allure of a woman, with D’Angelo’s lyrics expressing admiration and devotion.
“Lady” is renowned for its infectious melody and smooth production, which expertly blends live instrumentation with electronic elements. D’Angelo’s vocal delivery is emotive and passionate, adding depth and soul to the song’s lyrics.
The music video for “Lady” also became famous for its innovative direction, featuring a single continuous shot that follows D’Angelo as he walks through the streets of New York City. The video received critical acclaim for its artistic vision and further solidified D’Angelo’s reputation as a groundbreaking artist in the world of R&B.
Overall, “Lady” is a timeless classic that showcases D’Angelo’s talent as a singer, songwriter, and musician. Its smooth groove and heartfelt lyrics have made it a favorite among fans and a standout track in D’Angelo’s discography.
7. Devil’s Pie
“Devil’s Pie” is a standout track from D’Angelo’s sophom*ore album *Voodoo*, released in 2000. The song is a gritty and soulful exploration of societal issues, featuring a raw and energetic sound that sets it apart from D’Angelo’s earlier work.
Musically, “Devil’s Pie” is characterized by its funky bassline, hard-hitting drums, and distorted guitar riffs, creating a dark and intense atmosphere that complements the song’s lyrics. D’Angelo’s vocals are powerful and impassioned, delivering biting social commentary with a sense of urgency and conviction.
Lyrically, “Devil’s Pie” is a critique of materialism and excess, with D’Angelo railing against the superficiality of modern society. The song’s title refers to the phrase “everyone wants a slice of the devil’s pie,” which is used metaphorically to represent the corrupting influence of greed and desire.
“Devil’s Pie” received widespread acclaim for its innovative sound and thought-provoking lyrics, cementing D’Angelo’s reputation as a visionary artist. The song’s dark and gritty vibe was a departure from the smoother sound of *Brown Sugar*, showcasing D’Angelo’s growth and evolution as a musician.
Overall, “Devil’s Pie” is a powerful and impactful song that highlights D’Angelo’s ability to blend social commentary with soulful music. Its raw energy and intense lyrics make it a standout track in D’Angelo’s discography, resonating with listeners long after its release.
8. Cruisin’
“Cruisin'” is a cover of the Smokey Robinson classic, featured on D’Angelo’s debut album *Brown Sugar*. Released in 1995, D’Angelo’s rendition of the song became a hit, showcasing his soulful vocals and unique musical style.
D’Angelo’s version of “Cruisin'” stays true to the original’s romantic and smooth vibe, while adding his own modern R&B flair. The song features a laid-back groove, with a funky bassline and jazzy guitar chords that create a warm and inviting atmosphere. D’Angelo’s vocals are smooth and soulful, perfectly capturing the song’s sentiment of love and affection.
Lyrically, “Cruisin'” is a love song that celebrates the joy of being with someone special. D’Angelo’s interpretation of the song adds a contemporary feel to the timeless lyrics, making it a favorite among fans of both classic and modern R&B.
The success of “Cruisin'” helped solidify D’Angelo’s reputation as a rising star in the music industry. The song received critical acclaim and became a staple of D’Angelo’s live performances, showcasing his talent as a vocalist and musician.
Overall, “Cruisin'” is a standout track in D’Angelo’s discography, highlighting his ability to reinterpret classic songs with his own unique style. Its timeless appeal and romantic lyrics make it a classic R&B ballad that continues to resonate with listeners today.
9. Send It On
“Send It On” is a captivating track from D’Angelo’s album *Voodoo*, released in 2000. The song showcases D’Angelo’s innovative approach to R&B, blending soulful vocals with intricate instrumentation to create a mesmerizing sonic experience.
Musically, “Send It On” features a hypnotic groove, with a funky bassline, jazzy guitar riffs, and layered percussion that create a rich and dynamic sound. D’Angelo’s vocals are smooth and soulful, gliding effortlessly over the intricate arrangement and adding depth and emotion to the song.
Lyrically, “Send It On” explores themes of love, spirituality, and inner peace, with D’Angelo’s lyrics conveying a sense of wisdom and introspection. The song’s title serves as a mantra, encouraging listeners to let go of their worries and send their troubles away.
“Send It On” is praised for its innovative production and unique sound, with many critics hailing it as a standout track on the *Voodoo* album. The song’s complex harmonies and lush instrumentation showcase D’Angelo’s musical versatility and artistry, solidifying his reputation as one of the most innovative artists in contemporary R&B.
Overall, “Send It On” is a testament to D’Angelo’s talent and creativity, showcasing his ability to push the boundaries of R&B while staying true to its soulful roots. Its timeless appeal and spiritual undertones make it a standout track in D’Angelo’s discography, resonating with listeners on a deep and emotional level.
10. Left & Right
“Left & Right” is a lively and funky track from D’Angelo’s album *Voodoo*, released in 2000. The song features guest vocals from Method Man and Redman, adding a rap element to D’Angelo’s soulful sound.
Musically, “Left & Right” is characterized by its upbeat tempo, funky bassline, and catchy guitar riffs. The song’s production is rich and layered, with a blend of live instrumentation and electronic elements that create a vibrant and energetic sound.
Lyrically, “Left & Right” is a playful and celebratory song that celebrates life and music. D’Angelo’s smooth vocals are complemented by Method Man and Redman’s dynamic rapping, creating a lively and engaging track that is both fun and infectious.
“Left & Right” received positive reviews from critics, who praised its infectious groove and seamless blend of R&B and hip-hop. The song’s music video, which features a vibrant street party atmosphere, further enhanced its appeal and helped solidify its status as a fan favorite.
Overall, “Left & Right” is a standout track in D’Angelo’s discography, showcasing his ability to blend different musical styles while maintaining a cohesive and distinctive sound. Its infectious energy and catchy hooks make it a memorable and enjoyable listen, highlighting D’Angelo’s talent as a musician and performer.
