Introduction to D’Angelo’s Music
D’Angelo, who passed away at just 51, was an undeniable musical genius. Although he didn’t leave behind a large discography, his music is deep enough to contain some hidden gems. With only three studio albums and one live CD over the course of two decades, as well as a handful of remixes and loose tracks, exploring his lesser-known works can be a rewarding experience.
Uncovering Hidden Gems
One of the ways to discover D’Angelo’s hidden gems is by looking into his live performances and collaborations. For example, his live sets with Questlove, which featured soul covers from the 60s and 70s, showcase his incredible talent. Additionally, the "Soul Blends" cassette, which was one of the first hints of his "voodoo" style, is a must-listen for fans.
Deep Cuts from D’Angelo’s Discography
Some of the deep cuts from D’Angelo’s discography include:
- "I Found My Smile Again" (1995), a rare, unreleased original that premiered on the soundtrack of the 1996 film Space Jam.
- "Can’t Hide Love" (live 1995), a faithful rendition of Earth Wind & Fire’s classic, featuring standout backing vocals from Angie Stone.
- "Heaven Must Be Like This" (live 1995), a beautifully sung cover of the Ohio Players, with raindrop-like electric piano and a full horn section.
Collaborations and Remixes
D’Angelo’s collaborations and remixes are also worth exploring. Some notable examples include:
- "Me and Those Dreaming Eyes of Mine" Def Squad Remix / DJ Premier Remix (1996), which features innovative productions from Erick Sermon and Redman.
- "Your Precious Love" with Erykah Badu (1996), a cover of the 1967 Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell duet, showcasing the pair’s vocal chemistry.
- "Girl, You Need a Change of Mind" (1996), a cover of Eddie Kendricks’ classic, featuring D’Angelo’s signature falsetto and a full horn section.
Later Works and Live Performances
In his later years, D’Angelo continued to push the boundaries of his music. Some notable examples include:
- "She’s Always in My Hair" (1997), a psychedelic cover of Prince’s B-side, often performed live during his "Brothers in Arms" jams with Questlove.
- "Everyone Loves the Sunshine" (1999), a cover of Roy Ayers’ jazz classic, featuring D’Angelo and Questlove on vocals and instrumentation.
- "Glass Mountain Trust" with Mark Ronson (2010), a bizarre and obscure track featuring thumping ’80s synths and distorted lead vocals from D’Angelo.
Live Performances and SuperJams
D’Angelo’s live performances, particularly his SuperJams with Questlove, are the stuff of legend. The 2012 Bonnaroo Festival performance, which featured a stellar hybrid band, is a testament to his ability to bring together talented musicians and create something truly special.
Bonus Track
- "Nothing Even Matters" with Lauryn Hill (1998), a soulful duet from "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill", featuring beautiful harmonies and D’Angelo’s distinctive electric piano flourishes. This song is a hidden gem, often overlooked in favor of other tracks on the album, but it showcases the mutual admiration and respect between D’Angelo and Lauryn Hill.
