description D'Angelo - Black Messiah Overview
D'Angelo's third studio album, released in 2014 on RCA Records after a 14-year hiatus. Credited to D'Angelo and the Vanguard, the record features a blend of funk, soul, and psychedelic rock with unpolished, jam-oriented production. The lyrics address contemporary social issues, race relations, and romantic relationships. It includes contributions from musicians such as Questlove and Pino Palladino, and won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Album.
insights Ranking position
D'Angelo - Black Messiah ranks #18 of 198 in the Soul Album ranking, behind Otis Redding - Otis Blue / Otis Redding Sings Soul, ahead of Al Green - Let's Stay Together.
help D'Angelo - Black Messiah FAQ
Why was D'Angelo's Black Messiah released suddenly in 2014?
D'Angelo released the album suddenly in December 2014, partially motivated by the ongoing protests in Ferguson, Missouri. He felt the urgent sociopolitical climate required an immediate artistic response rather than a traditional rollout.
Is D'Angelo the only credited artist on the Black Messiah album?
No, the album is officially credited to D'Angelo and the Vanguard, referring to his collective of trusted collaborators. This includes his core touring and recording musicians like drummer Questlove and bassist Pino Palladino.
What social issues are addressed on the Black Messiah track 'The Charade'?
'The Charade' explicitly addresses contemporary social issues, ruminating on systemic racism and police brutality in the United States. The lyrics note that 'all we wanted was a chance to talk, 'stead we only got outlined in chalk.'
How long was the gap between Voodoo and Black Messiah?
Black Messiah arrived after a 14-year hiatus following the release of D'Angelo's critically acclaimed previous album, Voodoo, in 2000. The highly anticipated record successfully revived his status as a pioneer of neo-soul.
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