Voodoo cover

Voodoo

D’Angelo · 2000

78 min · 13 tracks · neo soul

A lush soundscape blending hypnotic grooves with intimate lyrics, merging classic soul influences and modern production techniques.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Devil’s Pie — This track tackles themes of temptation and materialism with a blend of funk and soul that showcases D’Angelo's vocal prowess and lyrical depth.
  • →
    Untitled (How Does It Feel) — The haunting intimacy of this song exemplifies D'Angelo's ability to convey vulnerability, becoming an anthem for sensuality and connection in modern R&B.
  • →
    Chicken Grease — With its infectious rhythm and playful lyrics, this track represents D’Angelo’s innovative fusion of traditional soul with contemporary sounds that define Voodoo.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

79 /100
Summit
Higher than 99% of albums we've rated

Voodoo blends intricate grooves with soulful melodies, showcasing D'Angelo's artistry and solidifying his role in neo-soul.

What we noticed

  • The album features extended instrumental sections, particularly in tracks like 'Chicken Grease' and 'Spanish Joint', allowing grooves to develop organically.
  • Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, with D'Angelo's voice often intertwining with background singers.
  • The sequencing includes a notable shift in mood from the upbeat tracks at the beginning to more introspective pieces towards the end, culminating in the emotional weight of 'Untitled (How Does It Fee…
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
9/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
8/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • long, immersive listening sessions
  • sultry evening vibes
  • rich, layered sonic textures
  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • contemplative moments of reflection

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on January 25, 2000, Voodoo marked D'Angelo's highly anticipated follow-up to his debut album, Brown Sugar. At this point, he was transitioning from a breakthrough artist into a significant figure in the neo-soul movement, having gained critical acclaim and commercial success with his previous work.
Stylistic neighbors
Erykah Badu· Maxwell· Anderson .Paak

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Untitled (How Does It Feel)

    D'Angelo shifts from abstract longing to a direct inquiry about intimacy demonstrates a raw emotional honesty.

    This pivot in perspective invites listeners into a personal space rarely explored so candidly in R&B.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Playa Playa 7:07
  • 2 Devil’s Pie 5:21
  • 3 Left & Right 4:46
  • 4 The Line 5:15
  • 5 Send It On 5:57
  • 6 Chicken Grease 4:36
  • 7 One Mo’Gin 6:15
  • 8 The Root 6:33
  • 9 Spanish Joint 5:44
  • 10 Feel Like Makin’ Love 6:22
  • 11 Greatdayndamornin’ / Booty 7:35
  • 12 Untitled (How Does It Feel) 7:10
  • 13 Africa 6:13

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata