Description
D’Angelo – Voodoo – Double Vinyl Records
Released on January 25, 2000, Voodoo is more than just an album—it’s a sonic and spiritual experience that redefined contemporary R&B and neo-soul. Coming five years after his critically acclaimed debut, Brown Sugar (1995), Voodoo saw D’Angelo push his artistry to new heights, fusing elements of soul, funk, jazz, hip-hop, and blues into an album that felt both deeply rooted in tradition and revolutionary in its execution. It was raw, complex, deeply personal, and heavily influenced by the greats of Black music history, particularly Prince, Marvin Gaye, Jimi Hendrix, Sly Stone, and James Brown.
The album was shaped by D’Angelo’s time with the Soulquarians, a collective of visionary musicians including Questlove (The Roots), J Dilla, Erykah Badu, Common, Q-Tip, and Mos Def. Recorded mostly at Electric Lady Studios—the legendary space built by Jimi Hendrix—Voodoo was created in an almost spiritual setting, with long jam sessions, deep musical experimentation, and a desire to strip music down to its essence.
Upon its release, Voodoo was met with both critical acclaim and commercial success, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and winning Best R&B Album at the Grammys. Over time, it has been recognized as one of the most important albums of the 21st century, influencing artists from Frank Ocean and Kendrick Lamar to Anderson .Paak and Solange.
Voodoo is loose, organic, and deeply groove-driven, often feeling like a late-night jam session rather than a structured album. The production is intentionally raw and unpolished, with Questlove’s signature drunken drum grooves, D’Angelo’s layered vocals, and a heavy reliance on live instrumentation over programmed beats.
Lyrically, the album explores love, sex, spirituality, vulnerability, and Black identity, often blurring the line between the sensual and the sacred. D’Angelo’s delivery is soulful, hypnotic, and sometimes nearly indecipherable, adding to the album’s mystique.
Key Tracks and Highlights
“Playa Playa” – The perfect opener, this slow-burning funk groove introduces the album’s organic, live-band feel. The brass section, hypnotic bassline, and loose drum pocket set the tone for the deeply immersive experience that follows.
“Devil’s Pie” – A dark, bass-heavy track produced by DJ Premier, blending hip-hop minimalism with spiritual reflection. The lyrics critique materialism, fame, and the corrupting forces of the music industry, making it one of the album’s most socially conscious songs.
“Left & Right” (feat. Method Man & Redman) – One of the album’s more upbeat, rap-influenced tracks, this one features Method Man and Redman delivering verses over a funky, off-kilter groove. However, D’Angelo later admitted he felt pressured by his label to include it for commercial appeal.
“The Line” – A haunting, introspective track about staying true to oneself despite external pressures. The heavy, emotional delivery and gospel-inspired harmonies make it one of the album’s most powerful moments.
“Send It On” – Inspired by Marvin Gaye, this lush, gospel-infused ballad is one of D’Angelo’s most heartfelt love songs. The instrumentation is smooth and warm, featuring live bass, organ swells, and beautifully layered harmonies.
“Chicken Grease” – A funky, upbeat jam inspired by Prince and James Brown, featuring tight, syncopated grooves and a playful energy. The title comes from a phrase used by Prince to describe a particular style of scratchy, percussive rhythm guitar playing.
“One Mo’Gin” – A slow, intoxicating groove drenched in desire and nostalgia, reflecting on a past love and the craving to relive that passion. The song’s melodic bassline and sultry atmosphere make it one of the sexiest tracks on the album.
“The Root” – A psychedelic, guitar-driven song about the inescapable pull of love and heartbreak. Featuring Pino Palladino’s incredible bass work, it’s one of Voodoo’s most unique compositions.
“Spanish Joint” – A lively, jazz-infused track featuring John Mayer collaborator Charlie Hunter on guitar and bass. The Latin-inspired rhythms and fast-paced energy make it one of the album’s most vibrant moments.
“Feel Like Makin’ Love” – A sensual cover of the classic Roberta Flack song, turned into a hazy, intimate slow jam. D’Angelo’s vocals are warm, fluid, and hypnotic, making it feel like a whispered secret.
“Greatdayndamornin’/Booty” – A two-part song that shifts from dreamy introspection to playful funk, showing off the album’s versatility.
“Untitled (How Does It Feel)” – The album’s most famous song, a Prince-inspired slow jam that became legendary thanks to its steamy, one-shot music video featuring a shirtless D’Angelo. Beyond its sensual appeal, the song is a masterclass in vocal layering, slow-building intensity, and pure musical soul.
“Africa” – A deeply spiritual and autobiographical song, dedicated to D’Angelo’s son and his African heritage. It closes the album on a mystical, meditative note, reinforcing Voodoo’s deep connection to Black musical and cultural history.
Voodoo debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, selling over 320,000 copies in its first week. It won Best R&B Album at the Grammys, and “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” won Best Male R&B Vocal Performance. The album received widespread critical acclaim, with many comparing it to the work of Marvin Gaye, Prince, and Sly Stone. Over the years, it has been recognized as one of the greatest albums of all time, frequently appearing on “best of” lists from Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, and NPR.
Voodoo wasn’t just an album—it was a cultural moment that reshaped the sound of modern R&B and soul. It paved the way for artists like Erykah Badu, Frank Ocean, Miguel, Janelle Monáe, Anderson .Paak, and Solange, who embraced organic instrumentation, deep grooves, and raw vulnerability in their music.
However, the pressure following Voodoo was immense. D’Angelo struggled with fame, personal demons, and label expectations, leading to a 14-year hiatus before he finally returned with Black Messiah (2014).
Voodoo is an album that transcends time, an intimate and deeply soulful masterpiece that rewards deep listening. It’s an album that simmers rather than explodes, immersing the listener in hypnotic grooves, lush harmonies, and a sense of profound musical spirituality.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic sealed
Track Listing
Playa Playa
Devil’s Pie
Left & Right
The Line
Send It On
Chicken Grease
One Mo’gin
The Root
Spanish Joint
Feel Like Makin’ Love
Greatdayndamornin’ / Booty
Untitled (How Does It Feel)
Africa
