The 10 best Dangelo songs of all time

D’Angelo, full name Michael Eugene Archer, is an American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer. He was born on February 11, 1974 in Richmond, Virginia. D’Angelo is known for his distinctive voice, musical versatility, and ability to blend different genres such as R&B, soul, funk, and jazz.

D’Angelo rose to fame in the mid-1990s with his debut album, Brown Sugar, which included hit singles such as “Brown Sugar” and “Lady.” The album received critical acclaim for its innovative sound and helped establish D’Angelo as a leading figure in the neo-soul movement.

In 2000, D’Angelo released his second album, Voodoo, which is considered a classic of the neo-soul genre. The album featured a more experimental and organic sound, with D’Angelo playing many of the instruments himself. Voodoo won two Grammy Awards and further cemented D’Angelo’s reputation as a groundbreaking artist.

Following the release of Voodoo, D’Angelo took a break from the music industry while battling personal and legal issues. He returned to the spotlight in 2014 with the release of his third album, Black Messiah, which garnered critical acclaim and earned him another Grammy Award.

Known for his soulful vocals, musicianship, and ability to blend traditional soul and R&B sounds with modern production techniques, D’Angelo is considered one of the most influential artists in contemporary R&B and soul music.

1. Untitled (How does it feel)

“Untitled (How Does It Feel)” by D’Angelo is a soulful R&B track released in 2000 as part of his critically acclaimed album Voodoo. The song is known for its smooth, seductive melody and D’Angelo’s soulful vocal performance. Featuring lush instrumentation and a sultry groove, it tackles themes of love and sensuality. The song’s minimalist production, with a prominent bass line and subtle guitar riffs, enhances its intimate atmosphere. The music video, famous for its single shot of a shirtless D’Angelo, reinforces the song’s sensual appeal. “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” cemented D’Angelo’s status as a neo-soul icon and remains a standout track in his discography.

2. Brown sugar

“Brown Sugar” by D’Angelo is a groundbreaking neo soul track released in 1995 as the first single from his debut album of the same name. The song features a smooth blend of R&B, funk and jazz influences and showcases D’Angelo’s rich, soulful vocals and sophisticated musical style. Lyrically, “Brown Sugar” uses metaphors and allusions to address themes of love and attraction. The track’s laid-back groove, highlighted by a prominent bass line, jazzy piano chords and smooth beats, creates a warm, inviting sound. “Brown Sugar” received critical acclaim for its innovative approach to R&B, which helped define the neo soul genre and establish D’Angelo as a pioneering artist in contemporary soul music.

3. Queen

“Lady” is a song by D’Angelo from his 1995 debut album, Brown Sugar. The song was written by D’Angelo and Raphael Saadiq, who also produced the track.

“Lady” is a smooth R&B track with a laid-back groove and romantic lyrics. The song features D’Angelo’s soulful vocals and shows his ability to blend traditional R&B sounds with hip-hop and funk influences.

“Lady” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. In the song’s music video, directed by Hype Williams, D’Angelo can be seen performing the song in various locations, including a dance club and on a rooftop.

Considered one of D’Angelo’s best-known songs and a classic of 1990s R&B, “Lady”‘s infectious melody and soulful lyrics have made it a favorite among fans of the genre.

4. Devil’s Cake

“Devil’s Pie” by D’Angelo is a dark, introspective track released in 1998. The song was featured on the soundtrack of the film Belly and later on his critically acclaimed album Voodoo, and deals with themes of materialism, temptation, and the struggles of the music industry and city life. Produced by DJ Premier, “Devil’s Pie” combines a raw, minimalist beat with D’Angelo’s soulful delivery and thought-provoking lyrics. The track’s simple, stripped-down production, with strong bass and haunting backing vocals, underscores its thoughtful and critical nature. Standing out for its bold social commentary and place in D’Angelo’s influential body of work, “Devil’s Pie” reflects his depth as an artist and his commitment to addressing complex societal issues through music.

5. Cruising

“Cruisin'” is a song originally recorded by Smokey Robinson for his 1979 album *Where There’s Smoke…*, but perhaps the more well-known version is D’Angelo’s cover from his 1995 debut album *Brown Sugar*.

D’Angelo’s version of “Cruisin'” is a smooth and soulful R&B version of the song that showcases his velvety vocals and musical sensibility. The song’s production is stripped down and intimate, with a focus on D’Angelo’s voice and minimalist instrumentation.

D’Angelo’s cover of “Cruisin'” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s sensual mood and romantic lyrics struck a chord with listeners, and it has since become one of D’Angelo’s most popular tracks.

D’Angelo’s version of “Cruisin'” helped introduce the song to a new generation, and it remains a favorite among fans of R&B and soul music. Its timeless appeal and smooth groove make it a classic of the genre.

6. Send it on

“Send It On” is a pop ballad performed collectively by Disney’s Friends for Change, a group consisting of Demi Lovato, Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus, and Selena Gomez. The song was released in 2009 and was part of Disney’s environmental campaign to promote environmental awareness and philanthropy among young audiences. “Send It On” features uplifting lyrics calling for unity and environmental protection, set to a melodic pop arrangement. The song’s message of collective action and global responsibility resonated with fans, and the accompanying music video highlighted the importance of environmental conservation efforts. “Send It On” served as a rallying cry for positive change and civic engagement, showcasing the collective influence of these popular young artists.

7. Left and right

“Left & Right” is a song by D’Angelo featuring Method Man and Redman. It was released on D’Angelo’s 1999 album *Voodoo*. The song is a funky and upbeat track with a catchy chorus and features energetic verses from Method Man and Redman.

“Left & Right” was well received by critics and fans alike for its infectious groove and the chemistry between D’Angelo and the guest rappers. The song’s music video, directed by Malik Sayeed, features D’Angelo, Method Man and Redman performing in a colorful and vibrant environment.

“Left & Right” showcases D’Angelo’s versatility as an artist, combining elements of R&B, funk and hip-hop into a cohesive and exciting track. The song remains a fan favorite and a standout track on the *Voodoo* album.

8. Unshakeable

“Unshaken” is a hauntingly beautiful song by D’Angelo featured in the video game Red Dead Redemption 2. Released in 2018, the song captures the essence of the game’s narrative and setting with its evocative lyrics and mesmerizing melody. D’Angelo’s soulful vocals, accompanied by soft acoustic guitar and atmospheric sounds, create a sense of introspection and emotional depth. The song’s title reflects themes of resilience and inner strength, and resonates with the game’s protagonist as he navigates the challenges of the Wild West. “Unshaken” is a testament to D’Angelo’s talent for conveying raw emotion through his music, making it a standout track both in the game and in his discography.

9. Lust for love

“Feel Like Makin’ Love” is a song originally recorded by Bad Company for their 1975 album *Straight Shooter*. However, perhaps the more well-known version is the cover by D’Angelo from his 2000 album *Voodoo*.

D’Angelo’s version of “Feel Like Makin’ Love” is a slow and sensual R&B interpretation of the song, featuring his smooth vocals and soulful delivery. The song’s production is relaxed and atmospheric, with an emphasis on D’Angelo’s voice and subtle instrumentation.

D’Angelo’s cover of “Feel Like Makin’ Love” was praised for his intimate and soulful take on the song. His soulful rendition breathed new life into the classic song and it remains a favorite among fans of R&B and soul music.

D’Angelo’s version of “Feel Like Makin’ Love” showcases his talent as a singer and his ability to reinterpret classic songs in a fresh and exciting way. It is a testament to his skill as an artist and his ability to create a deep and emotional connection with listeners.

10. Spanish Restaurant

“Spanish Joint” is a lively and groovy track by D’Angelo, found on his critically acclaimed 2000 album, Voodoo. The song blends elements of neo-soul, funk and jazz to create a dynamic and infectious rhythm. “Spanish Joint” is characterized by its fast tempo, syncopated beats and lively instrumentation, including horns and drums. D’Angelo’s smooth vocals glide effortlessly over the rhythmic layers, adding energy and charisma to the track. Lyrically, the song celebrates the joy of music and dance, inviting listeners to lose themselves in its irresistible groove. “Spanish Joint” showcases D’Angelo’s musical versatility and ability to create captivating and soulful compositions that transcend genre boundaries.

Edward Tomlin is a regular contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us on social media below.