D'Angelo – Voodoo (2xLP)

Voodoo by D’Angelo is a sultry, groove-laden masterpiece that emerged at the turn of the millennium, firmly establishing him as a visionary architect of neo-soul. Recorded at New York’s legendary Electric Lady Studios and driven by analog warmth, the album unfolds like a ritual—immersing listeners in deep, funky rhythms, multi-layered vocals, and soulful improvisation. Its lush textures and raw sensuality mark a bold departure from conventional songcraft, offering an immersive musical experience that still feels as spellbinding today as when it first hit the air.

In its lyrical scope, Voodoo delves into spirituality, intimacy, and personal growth. D’Angelo’s approach is deeply evocative: his voice alternates between tender falsetto and earth-shaking low tones, weaving emotional honesty with mystic atmosphere. The album’s organic, live-in-studio spirit—powered by collaborators from the Soulquarians collective—crafted a timeless work that resonates with both heart and body, inviting listeners into a deeply reflective, sensorial journey.

Reviews

"Still stands as a paranoid, mysterious, and challenging statement that somehow managed to scale the industry." – Pitchfork

"At once both intimate and monolithic. In terms of twenty-first century soul, R&B and funk it is utterly without compare." – The Line of Best Fit

"Voodoo represents nothing less than African American music at a crossroads … To simply call D’Angelo’s work neo-classic soul would be reductive, for that would be to ignore the elements of vaudeville jazz, Memphis horns, ragtime blues, funk and bass grooves that slip out of every pore of these 13 haunted songs." – NME