When D’Angelo sang, the world paused to listen. His voice was a tapestry of warmth, rebellion, and prayer, woven into a single, unforgettable sound. Every note carried the ache of Black love and the serene calm of a Sunday morning. Though he has only released three albums, D’Angelo’s music became a sacred language that reshaped modern R&B and ushered in the era known as neo-soul. 

From the smoky, jazz-infused confidence of “Brown Sugar” to the hypnotic allure of “Untitled (How Does It Feel),” D’Angelo’s songs introduced a new kind of intimacy. They weren’t polished pop—they were raw, spiritual, and drenched in emotion. Through his artistry, he bridged generations, channeling Marvin Gaye’s sensuality while capturing Prince’s electric mystique. In doing so, he crafted a musical landscape that remains as influential and transcendent today as it was when he first sang. Following his passing on October 14, we reflect on some of his most impactful songs that ignited the world and solidified his legacy in neo-soul history.

Here are our favorite songs by D’Angelo to add to your playlist right now…

The Beginning: Brown Sugar and the Rise of a New Soul

When Brown Sugar dropped in 1995, R&B was loud, flashy, and crafted for the radio. Then came D’Angelo—a young man armed with a Fender Rhodes and a voice that whispered instead of shouted. His debut single, “Brown Sugar,” conveyed emotions rarely explored in mainstream music. Smooth basslines undulated beneath his mellow tone, introducing a generation to a fresher, more intimate kind of groove.

The song quickly became a cultural awakening, marking the rise of neo-soul alongside contemporaries like Erykah Badu and Maxwell. Its follow-up, “Lady,” cemented D’Angelo as a household name, establishing him as a romantic, introspective, and sonically adventurous genius whose influence would ripple far beyond the charts.

The Evolution: Voodoo and the Birth of a Legend

By the time Voodoo arrived in 2000, D’Angelo had already earned comparisons to Prince. But this album proved he was in a league of his own: a meticulous craftsman obsessed with feel over perfection. Tracks like “Devil’s Pie” and “Spanish Joint” showcased his growing musical and social maturity, blending intricate rhythms with subtle commentary.

Yet the crown jewel was undeniably “Untitled (How Does It Feel).” Stripped down to bass, drums, and D’Angelo’s soaring falsetto, the song redefined sensuality in music. Its intimacy was palpable, drawing listeners in and breathing new life into R&B with every lingering note.

A Soulful Rebellion: Black Messiah and Conscious Expression

After years of silence and personal struggle, D’Angelo made a triumphant return in 2014 with Black Messiah. It was a comeback no one saw coming, but a statement everyone needed. The album throbbed with awareness, anger, and beauty, blending political consciousness with intimate vulnerability.

“The Charade” confronted racial injustice with haunting precision, while “Really Love” showcased his signature tenderness. On Black Messiah, D’Angelo wasn’t just making music; he was sending a message, proving that soul could still challenge the world and speak truth to power.

The Legacy of D’Angelo’s Songs

Even with a career spanning only three major albums, D’Angelo’s songs have left an indelible mark on global culture. His artistry wasn’t about volume. It was about vibration, the kind that resonates in your chest long after the record stops spinning. Each project felt like a meticulously crafted chapter in a larger story about love, Black identity, and creative freedom.

He redefined what it meant to be a soul artist in an era obsessed with speed. D’Angelo slowed everything down, inviting listeners to engage. Not just with his voice, but with the spaces between the notes. His songs became blueprints for a generation of artists who embraced imperfection as strength. You can hear his influence in the layered harmonies of H.E.R., the experimental rhythms of Anderson .Paak, and the emotional textures of Frank Ocean. Even newer R&B innovators like Brent Faiyaz and Daniel Caesar carry fragments of his sonic legacy.

Yet D’Angelo’s genius extends beyond influence. His music blurred the lines between church and street, sensuality and spirituality, revolution and reflection. He taught that vulnerability is not weakness, that rhythm can carry political weight, and that love—in all its forms—remains radical.

Featured image: Amy Harris/Invision/AP

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D’Angelo, Neo-Soul Pioneer And Iconic Singer, Dies At 51 After Battle With Pancreatic Cancer