D’Angelo is back and he’s as groovy, ground breaking and sensual as ever. D’Angelo’s long awaited, long talked about second album, titled Voodoo, was well worth the wait.
D’Angelo burst onto the R&B scene with a fresh, sensual style on his multi-platinum Brown Sugar (which remains in this writers heavy rotation). With mellow beats and his trademark mumbling voice D’Angelo brought the listener to a combination of Sly Stone, Stevie Wonder and Prince.
Since his earlier success, D’Angelo fans have been waiting for the second installment from this musical master. After whetting appetites with an appearance on Method Man’s popular single “Make-ups 2 Break-ups,” he released his first single, “Devil’s Pie” last year on the Belly soundtrack.
Since then Voodoo has been expected in stores for almost six months. However, it had been continually pushed back, until the time was right. The right time is Tuesday Jan. 25, 2000.
With a little help from DJ Premier, D’Angelo explores all those evil things that give us pleasure in “Devil’s Pie.” “Who am I to justify/ all the evil in my eye/ when I find myself high from all that I despise.”
With a bass guitar and drum the beat for “Devil’s Pie” takes an evil pleasure to it. DJ Premier adds his patented scratching and makes the beat flow slow and syrupy as D’Angelo continues to be poetic behind the microphone. “Behind the jail or in the grave/ I have to lay in this bed I’ve made/ If I die before I wake/ I hope the Lord doesn’t hesitate.”
The second single, “Left & Right,” features cameos by the Blunt Brothers, Redman and Method Man.
After a brief set of lyrics by Red and Meth, D’Angelo gets down to what he does best, being the smoothest brotha’ around. “Rub your back and fulfill your needs/ so why don’t we just get undressed/ feel the tender touch of your caress/ that’s what I want/ why don’t you give it 2 me.”
D’Angelo brings back the bass guitar but adds a regular guitar and snapping fingers to make a beat that seems to be off key but not all at the same time.
On “The Line” D’Angelo delves into the pressures of creating his second album. “I know everybody is watching me, pressure is on/ Will I hang or be left hangin, will I fall off/ Or will it be bangin’/ I say it’s up 2 the man upstairs.” D’Angelo feels that he needs Voodoo to be a masterpiece but his success will depend on God.”
“Chicken Grease” is smooth, grimy track about how D’Angelo is a throw back. “Y’all cross the road/ But not the kid see I’m like that old bucket of Crisco/ that’s been sitting on top of the stove/ simmer to a sizzle like the days of old/ … Fried till it’s burned and crisp.”
D’Angelo brings back the guitars, but continues to make them sound new and funky as he melds his filtered voice with this popping track.
The latest single, “Untitled(How Does It Feel)” has been on the rise since its release. This track is especially well known due to its video. A stark- naked and ripped D’Angelo is standing with nothing around him but darkness.
This track tells the tale of D’Angelo offering himself to his woman, but she has to make the decision. “Girl it’s all on U/ Have it your way/ And if U want U can decide/ And if you’ll have me/ I can provide everything that U desire.”
“Untitled” features Raphael Saadiq pitching in on the bass and guitar. This beat is slow and mellow, just like D’Angelo.
D’Angelo has not disappointed with Voodoo. He has raised the bar when it comes to crafting and creating music.
It might have taken five years for the follow up to Brown Sugar, but D’Angelo has made the wait worth while.
Like Brown Sugar, Voodoo is a must have for any music fan.
