I love Chicken Grease (and the majority of Voodoo actually) but I never forgave D'angelo for bitchin about Prince in the liner notes of the album. Two albums in twelve years and he thinks he has the right to comment on Prince's artistic output? I'd love to see D'angelo attempt to be half as prolific as Prince has been (and still is).

D'ANGELO DIDN'T WRITE THOSE LINER NOTES...

But frankly, Prince needed a kick up the ass around that time.

MattyJam said:

Bishop31 said:

Now see, I like Maxwell and I think he's a much better singer, but I'll take D'Angelo's music each and every time.

Bishop and Funkenstein mentioned that they only like a handful of songs, but Najee thinks all the songs sound the same. I'd really be interested to know which songs you guys like.

BTW, Najee, I think it is a matter of personal taste. No offense, but I just don't see how any Prince fan can't see the brilliance of "Untitled (How Does It Feel)." That track took elements of the Prince sound, updated it, and made it relevant in a way Prince himself has been trying to do for around 20 years. Anyway, Bob hears it, I hear it, and a bunch of artists and fans hear it. We're not lying or making it up.

bobsteezy said:

Love that song!

AlexdeParis said:

I'm sorry, but when is it considered "brilliant" when a song is known for sounding like something another artist would have made? Where I come from, that's considering "ripping off" or "copying" or "biting" someone's style. "Untitled" is known as D'Angelo trying to sound like Prince, not as something totally original with faint references to an influence.

Najee said:

It's a tribute to Prince.

AlexdeParis said:

It's hardly "Innversions"- or "What's Going On"-quality, also -- which is how some D'Angelo fans and critics act like how his music should be evaluated.

CalhounSq said:

Ooh, baby I like ROOAAHHHW!!!! He likes he needs to shake that "Shimmy Shimmy" off of him.

AlexdeParis said:

Well, of course I like that song. But that don't count! That was supposed 2 be Prince's song Dammit! That song & 'Send It' are 2 songs I totally dig by him. But when I heard that Maxwell Unplugged album I nearly pooped in my pants it was so Brilliant. D'Angelo has never sounded that good live. Thats why I don't see why he gets more credit 4 his R&B sound than Maxwell who clearly is the better singer.

Abdul said:

Hmm. That's true.

papaaisaway said:

Damn straight.

Bishop31 said:

so you like the Prince wannabe tune..
and the song that rips off Kool & the Gang's "Sea of Tranquility"

FuNkeNsteiN said:

I'm gonna bet you haven't listened to it more than twice.

prettymansson said:

Yea..I guess I'm a sucker 4 those Prince'ish vocals. Not counting Justin of course.

CalhounSq said:

I'm not suprised, he always looked like a loser to me

And that's my judgment!



Smooches;)

Najee said:

D certainly coudn't be called the most innovative artist in the world, but so what? Most artists aren't innovative. And how you can rip D and praise R Kelly (whose name, to me is basically a synonym for "Weak ass R&B/hip hop with bad lyrics about sex") in the same sentence is beyond me.

Bottom line, D'Angelo is a guy who writes great songs. The "Voodoo" album created a MOOD. Overall, the songs can be taken each on its own, but taking them out of context like that doesn't give you the full vibe the record is intended to have. Whereas Brown Sugar was a pop/singles oriented album, "Voodoo" is the exact opposite. It's meant to be listened to as a whole, not as a group of singles. In a way, it's something of a concept album, which in the scope of neo-soul IS somewhat innovative.

ok most ppl here are mad cause he hasnt released anything in 20yrs or cause he got big? lol

SexyBeautifulOne said:

I'd say KFC, BK, Pizza Hut, MacDonald's, White Castle, etc., etc....

I'm with the others here who don't see what the big deal about D'angelo is .
Voodoo was an album that to my ears was so bad I literally couldn't listen to
it all in one go , after the first 4 or 5 tracks I had to turn it off . I'd read various gushings about his alleged genius on here though so did give the 2nd half of the album a listen a day or so later , again , complete unlistenable rubbish . The fact that the album liner notes had the cheek to
trash Prince ( regardless of who wrote them , D'angelo let them appear as his words on his album , so we're perfectly entitled to take them as his opinion ) made the insult even worse , a guy produces a terrible album then thinks hes such a talent he can criticise someone else whose truly great , what is this guy smoking . Voodoo , one of the worst albums ever .
On another note , it'd be interesting if this joker did release a new album of some merit without making any effort to improve his physical conditioning and it did well . It'd be a triumph of talent over image for sure , he could become the new Barry White

sosgemini said:

Damn, Have we met?

CalhounSq said:

guitarslinger44 said:

Well, for starters I wasn't praising R. Kelly. In fact, I said several times I detested his music. However, I find it interesting that Kelly is trashed frequently for co-opting the GUY/Teddy Rilley/Aaron Hall personas and style and becoming what he is and yet there are people who praise for D'Angelo for equally doing nothing innovative or profound on his own.

Again, it's the level of comparisons and praise D'Angelo got for his music that is a head-scratcher -- maybe if we lived in a world where acts like Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, Prince, etc. existed maybe I can see the validity of the comments. But that's the thing -- I don't hear anything profound in his music to warrant the comparisons.

bobsteezy said:

Stands up.... BRAVO!!!!! Amen and hallaluja!! You got it. HE is my 3rd favorite performer of ALL TIME (behind Prince and Billie Holiday) and is just electric live. I am honored to have seen him on the voodoo tour (he walked by me in Orlando on the way out of HOB OMG !!!), and waiting for anything new from the man. As far as his looks, I agree with what someone said that his looks were never really used to sell his music when he first came out. And quite frankly, I could give a rats ass what he looks like! I just want new music!! Love me some D.