Farewell to D’Angelo:From Brown Sugar to Black Messiah, His Top 5 Songs That Defined a Generation
Soul legend D’Angelo, who passed away after a private battle with pancreatic cancer, left an indelible mark on R&B and neo-soul. From Brown Sugar (1995) to Black Messiah (2014), his top tracks—Brown Sugar, Untitled (How Does It Feel), Lady, Devil’s Pie, and Really Love—showcase his mastery of sensual vocals, jazz influences, socially conscious lyrics, and spiritual depth. D’Angelo’s music defined a generation and continues to inspire artists and audiences worldwide.
Brown Sugar (1995)
The title track from D'Angelo's Brown Sugar album defined the neo-soul genre with its groove and erotic lyrics and the song established an era in music.
Untitled (How Does It Feel) (2000)
D'Angelo's "Untitled," from the Voodoo album was a Grammy winning song that redefined the neo-soul sound as it related to intimate vocals and sensuality and became one of D'Angelo's musical touchstones.
Lady (1995)
"Lady," first a song on the Brown Sugar album, will always be a slow jam with its smooth voice and jazzy sounds. It is a bar for future generations of R&B singers.
Devil's Pie (2000)
Featured on Voodoo album, "Devil's Pie," was a heavier track about materialism and an example of D'Angelo's socially conscious thinking skills and creativity with writing lyrics.
Really Love (2014)
"Really Love," a track from D'Angelo's Black Messiah album, poignantly merged the spiritual lyrics from deep in his heart and lush instrumentation that bridged creator and audience and lifted D'Angelo away from a hiatus and birth of a second round of artistry.
Legacy and Influence
D’Angelo has made his mark on the makings of a R&B genre through his music.
Disclaimer
This gallery is for informational and commemorative purposes only. All song details, album information, and opinions reflect publicly available sources and critical interpretations of D’Angelo’s musical career.
