D'Angelo - Voodoo

The Leader Of the Pack...

Man when this album finally came out,it blew people away...Theres so many reasons "why" this album is classic, but lets just look at the facts, James Poyser, Questlove,Pino Pallidino, J-Dilla, Raphael Saaqiq, Roy Hargrove,Meth & Red,Dj Premier, Angie Stone (writing/background)and the Legendary Russel Elevado recording it all track for track @the infamous Electric Lady...Come on people,

So, we dont hear a solid project from the man in years, ok. The media is plastered with news of drug addiction, rehab, personal issues, and his lable has lost faith in the man, along with countless rumors an unflattering pics on the internet...Now people want to condemn him. SHAME...

First off lets think what R&B looked and sounded like before Voodoo? ABSOLUTE GARBAGE!!! Except for R. Kelly (the king of R&B) Jaheim (thugged out R&B over classic samples) and of course Musiq SoulChild (who at the time was still trying to catch up to the lush harmonies an songwriting of Brown Sugar)...

Devils Pie comes out...Perfect timing on the pulse of what was goin' on in the "hoods" as far the street culture, supported by the Premier production, and Nas and Fat Joe samples for hip hop credibility... not to mention its basically the unofficial Belly theme (in the movie, ending credits and of course soundtrack)...

Then the Untitled video comes out and, and the R&B worlds goes crazy...Major rotation on BET, MTV, Prince gives his blessing of approval (the two collaborate, and D' appears in disguis with Prince and Angie Stone live on the Jay Leno show, playing live keys on "The Work"), and all artist focus on the "the total package" R.Kelly grows braids, and all of sudden everyones' in the gyms, concious of both the audio and visual aspects of being an artist...Come on?

The album is repetitive, thats because it seagues from one song to the next song,one groove to the next, blurring genres from soul,to funk, to straight jams,and the simplistic stripped down, groove of Africa,as always he shows his influences,hip-hop Meth & Red: Left & Right, Spanish Joint: Stevie Wonder, On The Line: Al Greene, Prince: Untitled, and Again Sly: on the brilliant Africa,

In the books this goes down the same road that Erykah Badu will later take on Worlwide Underground, (awesome artist expressions propelled by commercially acceptable and successful singles) cant wait til the new ish comes out to crush all the nay-sayers...

P.S. Them New "Neo-Soul" Cats aint SELLING NO RECORDS, GET REAL... April 13, 2008

Music lover

The CD was in great condition when I received it. It did take a little bit longer than mentioned as far as standard delivery. I've had this CD before so I knew what I was getting and of course I am very pleased with the product. February 10, 2008

Masterpiece

This is J-RE...I don't need to explain who I am. Read my review on Brown Suga. Anyways, I haven't read the other reviews nor do I care. This album is a Masterpiece. First album was a classic , Second album a masterpiece (and classic). D'angelo took this to another level. Im writing this review 7 years later and this CD still sounds fresh. He took it deeper on this album. More Grit, More Dirt. I felt like on this album D was like "I don't give a F***!" And that's what the fans want to hear. He definately cooked up some stew on this one. D thanks. These other catz out here is whack. Waiting for James River but whatever take your time.

My advice to anyone is to read his insert...and what he is talking about is so true. I feel the same way. YO...I still can't figure out what the HELL he's saying sometimes on some parts of his songs! Even 7 years later, and trust me I study the HELL out of this album! I'll just keep mumbling through the parts

1 January 5, 2008

D'ANGELO THE MODERN DAY MARVIN GAYE

YOU CAN'T GO WRONG WITH THIS ALBUM IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR DEEP ROOTED SOUL MUSIC. IF I REMEMBER CORRECTLY, HE RECORDED THIS ALBUM IN JIMMY HENDRIX' STUDIO. YOU CAN HERE THE OLD SOUND QUALITY REFURBISHED TO DIGITAL CLARITY.
D'ANGELO SINGS IN THE BACK ROUND AND UP FRONT LIKE AN ORCHESTRA. IF YOU LISTEN, HE POURS HIM SELF OUT INTO EVERY SONG. HE IS POISED IN THE WAY HE BRINGS HIS SOUND ACROSS. HE DOESN'T CARE IF YOU HEAR IT OR NOT, OR EVEN IF YOU CATCH WHAT HE'S DOING WITH THE MUSIC. HE DOESN'T YELL IT OUT LIKE BEYONCE. HE JUST FLOWS, YOU KNOW? December 12, 2007

D'Angelo - Voodoo

D'Angelo (A.K.A. Michael D'Angelo Eugene Archer) sophomore album was "Voodoo" (2000) a thirteen track release from the talented Neo Soul singer. The lead single and my favourite track on this release was the DJ Premier produced "Devil's Pie", I first heard this track when watching the Hip Hop movie "Belly". This is one of those track's that sticks with you and has great replay value. D'Angelo's attention winning single for this release was the outstanding love ballad "Untitled (How Does It Feel)", which was written by Raphael Saadiq, featured an effective video for the ladies, and made in tribute of singer Prince. Method Man & Redman were enlisted for another single in the lukewarm "Left & Right", while the fourth and final single was a feel good sleeper track called "Send It On". Elsewhere D'Angelo sings about sticking to his guns and putting it all on "The Line", reflects on missing a past love on "One Mo'Gin", while looking to get free on "Spanish Joint". Laidback lengthy tracks like "Playa Playa" & "Greatdayindamornin'/Booty" worked well, and D'Angelo sat back at times letting the instrumentals do the work. On the album's closer "Africa" D'Angelo uses minimal vocals, acknowledging his homeland. Overall "Voodoo" was a very solid release which is worth adding to the collection. New fan's should check out his classic debut album "Brown Sugar". It's been over seven years now since D'Angelo dropped an album, he is now a father of two. His most recent appearances have been on Common's new album "Finding Forever" on a track called "So Far To Go" (remake of J Dilla cut) & a collaboration with Snoop Dogg & Dr. Dre for a tight joint called "Imagine" which appeared on Snoop's "Tha Blue Carpet Treatment". D'Angelo is currently working on his third release tentatively titled "James River". August 31, 2007

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