Brown Sugar

This album was definitely a cornerstone for the genre, pulls in a lot of great ideas, and D’Angelo is a competent singer. But man, I just did not enjoy this. He may be a good singer, but he is also a boring one. No excitement, the same energy the whole way through. And the melodies don’t help either. What’s the opposite of an ear worm? They seemed to slide off the folds of my brain and out my ears before the songs even ended. If they ever would end; the songs all go on for two or three minutes doing nothing new or interesting. I see why people like this, but it has so many of my pet peeves baked into it.

This album fucks

Very soulful and chill sounding. Great instrumentals create a true R&B experience. The lyrics weren't my speed, they were overly sexual without the nuance. It was very to the point where as other R&B achieves the same sensuality but in a more poetic way. His voice is great and I think for a debut this one was ok. It's like "getting in the mood music but for high-schoolers"(Which I might have rated higher 20 years ago)

“Uhhh kissing you, kissing me, squeezing yo butt cheeks, Putin’ my bologna pony in yo minestrone, talking’ ‘bout sex whooo whooo” every song basically

dear lord am i glad that's over.

Sure, it's peak 90s R&B but is that really saying much? For what it is, it's good. It's just that what it is isn't much, you know? It's an entire album of shallow sexism wrapped in a thin veneer of so-called romance. Nah. Pass.

Lol this was wank

This album was fire during my University years. People lost their damned minds when D’Angelo came to town to perform. A re-listen rekindles. This was the start of neo-soul.

FIVE STARS!!!!! FIVE STARS!!!!! AHHHHHHHHH!!

8/10 smooth, buttery smooth, smooth, I feel made love to by D'Angelo's pure, primal, non-toxic, sexual, raw smoothness

He’s got a nice voice but I honestly hate this kind of music

An outstanding debut from a singular voice. Muhammad, Saadiq and Powers are a heck of production team. It’s layered into some kind of futuristic version of Sly’s late 70’s sound. It’s also very of its moment and as such transcends space and time. It’s also glorious booty call music.

My goodness, I love neo-soul. D'Angelo's voice is nothing short of heavenly. That voice combined with groovy, soulful instrumentals makes Brown Sugar an R&B classic. Some standout tracks include Alright, When We Get By, and Brown Sugar.

WHAT A VIBE

The best bit was the wiki. I found this tediously dull

Delicious R&B. Chill and rythm.

Mellow, lovely sound

Better than Maxwell's Hang Suite, would get away with it on a first date.

Saw the cover and thought this is gonna be awful. By half way through the first song that was confirmed. Somehow, it then continued to get worse. It manages to offend and bore me at the same time.

p769. 1995. 1 star. The background music they use in stores selling Gwyneth Paltrow's "This Smells Like My Vagina" candles. Wannabe Marvin Gaye for the 90s, only without the talent or the voice. This was a key influence on Craig David - so! We finally have someone to blame! Can't be doing with high pitched male voices, especially when they are used on such bland material. This is soulless and instantly forgettable.

The Soulquarian era of music in the late 90s and early 2000s is simply the most beautiful thing to me. I’ve never seen such an amazing selection of people come together like that. Beyond the original members that started the collective, you had insane talents like Erykah Badu, Bilal, Q-Tip, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, and Common. These people created some of the greatest R&B and hip-hop albums of all time. D'Angelo happens to be one of those original members. And this man is a mystical figure. I didn’t really get why the episode of Atlanta that was all about the main character trying to meet D'Angelo was so funny until I learned of his reputation. For how good his music is, this man has released a tragically low number of records. Brown Sugar is the first of those three. His output is so consistent, and so even if this is seen as a good album, it’s still probably regarded as the worst of the three. But I still went in excited. Nothing was going to sway me. I was ready to love this. And love it I did. It’s pretty obvious to me that this man has a deeper connection to the soul. Write it into history, because it’s a fucking fact. Reading some of the less than positive reviews of this blew my mind. I couldn’t believe how many people really didn’t enjoy this. Music is subjective obviously, but in my mind, this comes off as an under appreciated classic based on those reviews. Even for a mid 90s album, this clearly defined so much of the neo-soul and R&B movement of that time period. Anybody with knowledge in either of those genres can see that. I guess I can sort of understand why people aren’t interested in this. This is very slowly, and has no desire to speed things up. It’s methodical, and spends more time with subtleties. For how many vocal tracks they have running at the same time, this actually never feels too in your face. The vocals are the focus and the instrumentals, while amazing all around, are not what you should be expecting to be blown away by. I don’t even think this is too overly rooted in “hyper sexuality” as people claim it is. This is one of the most sensual and intimate albums I’ve ever heard, but I’m totally into it. This was so awesome, I put on Voodoo on my way home from work. Unfortunately that album is not on this list, so I won’t ever get the chance to talk about it. Rating: 9/10

Awful. Repetitive. I had to keep skipping to the next song because the repetition was getting on my nerves.

Ground zero for neo-soul, yes please. You could make an argument that D'Angelo's subsequent albums are even better (enhanced by top notch collaborators, like Pino Palladino, the Roots, Dilla, etc), but it's hard to complain about this classic soul album. D'Angelo draws heavily on the soul greats (Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, Prince, Sly, Stevie Wonder) without slavishly copying or feeling lightweight in comparison. This is an album that regularly turns up on my turntable because it is just a really great listening experience. It knows what it wants to do and delivers perfectly. Chef's kiss, no notes.

No. 207/1001 Brown Sugar 4/5 Alright 4/5 Jonz in my Bonz 3/5 Me And Those Dreamin' Eyes Of Mine 4/5 Shit, Damn, Motherfucker 3/5 Smooth 3/5 Cruisin 4/5 When We Get By 3/5 Lady 4/5 Higher 3/5 Average: 3,5 Really cool, soulful album.

Neo soul? Neo thanks.

Shocked at how boring and not good this was. I'm amazed this is always so critically acclaimed, other than the first track it put me to sleep.

Rubbish. Boring, whiny RnB, like there's good RnB but this was terrible. Who even is D'Angelo? Literally never heard of him. Too many of the songs were drawn out and way too much of that "woo woo yah yah" crooning that kinda gives me the ick. Best: Brown Sugar Worst: When We Get By

imagine my disappointment when i found out this isn't about heroin.

How come you taste so shit?

This music makes me very nervous, overproduced, all character removed, like swimming in a pool instead of a sea full of waves.

Did not enjoy

Not for me at all, dull even by r and b standards.

He's got a good voice but R&B does nothing for me. Lyrically uninteresting. Would not listen again

Ma che noia… musica da salone di bellezza Non mi capacito sia inserito tra i 1001

No more please, make it stoooop

Not my vibe

No.

Is there a sexy word for ‘boring’?

Is mid-90s neo-soul the hardest genre to listen to now? Beware of any artist who has his/her top off in their photos as a USP. One star for the first track, but boy this is inconsequential.

Everyone say thank you to D’angelo for inventing sex

Not really my usual type of music, but enjoyable all the same. Particularly the smooth bass lines and production throughout. It's impressive how many instruments D'Angelo played himself on here! On the negative side, I did find it a bit repetitive, and the lyrics are often so to-the-point horny that they are borderline creepy. Title track is great though, as well as a few others. I prefer his later album, Black Messiah, as it has more political lyrics and is a bit more varied and jazzy. This one is mainly just about boning, which is fine too I guess. 7/10

This was very enjoyable, smooth as fuck.

Funky, jazz-infused R&B with a strong mid 90’s vibe, so your mileage may vary, if you’re looking for something that doesn’t feel tied down to an era.

Not really the kind of music that I choose to listen to but, this is a very nice album. I like his version of Crusin' but it isn't unique enough from the original Smokey Robinson version to make it stand out. It is nice that he is able to bring the song to a new generation of fans. 2/5

It's rhythmic, not unnecessarily profane, and kind of works as an ode for his beloved... but there's just way too much cliche going on here. Way too much... not sure if his version of "cruisin" is better than Huey Lewis and Gwyneth Paltrow's version...

Flunk. Not enough Funk.

Dated, but a couple of cracking shagging songs. 3/10

Very not my thing

1/2 really not my jam. the music itself is pleasant enough, the singing is a lot of moany noises.

Not my music but nice when played in the background

1995: Brown Sugar, Lady

Urghgghhhhhhhhhhh A mix of cringe and boring. Just not an enjoyable record at all. Would not listen again. Best track: Lady Worst track: Alright, Jonz in my Bonz, Higher, Brown Sugar, Cruising

eu ouvi a primeira musica, tem um som legal mas n é muito meu tipo de musica. prefiro o dos stones

This Neo soul is really not my jam. Couldn't get thru this one and for the record, the Stones did Brown Sugar better.

Doesn't even scrape a 2. It's really dull musically, and the lyrics are both cliches and throwbacks to the creepy lyrics you'd get in 50s/60s music but without the innocence that gave the oldies a bit of an excuse. Would've got a 2 had I only been half listening to it, but the lyrics drop it down to a 1 as it made it actively unpleasant to listen to.

I mean, it's not literally the worst thing I've ever heard... but... it's not great. His falsetto sucks and the whole thing felt bland and boring after the first song. That being said, 'Shit, Damn, Motherfucker' is clearly the pinnacle of songwriting and no one should attempt to surpass it. I like how he said the three words over and over and over and over. Quality stuff. This album did help me find religion, though. I didn't think at the beginning that I would be praying for it to be over, but here I am.

Schmoov futhermucker. Never been my thang.

Not my bag. The two albums I had before this were absolute bangers so only fair I get this to even things out.

This was exactly the kind of nothing R&B bilge that used to get me really animated in the 90s. Not now though, I’m chill. 😎

not my thing

**In-Depth Review: *Brown Sugar* by D’Angelo (1995)** *Released: July 1995 | Label: EMI | Producer(s): D’Angelo, Bob Power, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Raphael Saadiq* --- ### 🎤 **Overview** D’Angelo’s debut album *Brown Sugar* is widely regarded as the **blueprint for neo-soul**, a genre that fused classic soul, jazz, funk, and hip-hop into a modern, organic sound. Released in 1995, it arrived at a time when R&B was dominated by New Jack Swing and glossy production. *Brown Sugar* rejected that formula in favor of **lo-fi warmth, live instrumentation, and sensual minimalism**, helping to usher in a new era of black music rooted in authenticity and musicality. --- ### 🎧 **Music & Production** - **Sound & Texture**: The album is **lush, humid, and analog**. D’Angelo built tracks by laying down drum loops first—often sampled or programmed—and then layering keyboards, bass, and guitar on top, **reversing the traditional soul workflow** . - **Influences**: You can hear **Stevie Wonder’s harmonic richness**, **Prince’s falsetto sensuality**, and **Marvin Gaye’s emotional vulnerability**, all filtered through a **hip-hop lens** inspired by producers like J Dilla and Ali Shaheed Muhammad . - **Engineering**: Bob Power’s analog engineering gave the album **tape warmth**, soft transients, and a **midrange-heavy glow**, making it feel **intimate and lived-in** . --- ### 🖋️ **Lyrics & Themes** - **Love & Sensuality**: Most tracks are **love songs**, but they’re **grounded in realism**, not fantasy. Songs like “Alright” and “Lady” are **tender and reassuring**, while “Me and Those Dreamin’ Eyes of Mine” explores **longing and emotional vulnerability** . - **Subversion & Duality**: - The **title track** is a **double entendre**—a love song to marijuana disguised as a romantic ballad . - “**Shit, Damn, Motherf**er**” is a **shocking outlier**—a raw, cinematic tale of **infidelity and violence**, told with minimalist funk and a chilling vocal delivery . - **Spirituality**: “Higher” closes the album like a **gospel hymn**, with layered vocals and church-like piano, pointing toward **transcendence and redemption** . --- ### 🌱 **Influence & Legacy** - **Neo-Soul Genesis**: *Brown Sugar* is **ground zero for neo-soul**. The term itself was **coined by D’Angelo’s manager**, Kedar Massenburg, to market the album’s **retro-futuristic sound** . - **Cultural Shift**: The album **reintroduced live instrumentation** and **analog warmth** to R&B**, influencing a generation of artists including **Erykah Badu, Maxwell, Lauryn Hill, Jill Scott, and Musiq Soulchild** . - **Longevity**: Over time, *Brown Sugar* became a **cultural touchstone**, still soundtracking **date nights, dinner parties, and late-night playlists**. Its **sensual minimalism** and **emotional honesty** continue to inspire contemporary artists like **Jordan Rakei, Daniel Caesar, and H.E.R.** . --- ### ✅ **Pros** - **Timeless Sound**: The **analog production** and **live instrumentation** make it feel **as fresh today** as it did in 1995. - **Vocal Mastery**: D’Angelo’s **multi-tracked harmonies**, **falsetto**, and **vocal layering** are **ethereal and soulful**, often compared to **Stevie Wonder and Prince** . - **Genre-Defining**: It **launched a movement**, influencing **two decades of soul and R&B** and redefining what **black music** could sound like in a post-hip-hop world . - **Emotional Range**: From **seduction** to **betrayal**, **spiritual longing** to **playful euphemism**, the album covers **a wide emotional spectrum** without feeling disjointed . --- ### ❌ **Cons** - **Repetitive Tempo & Structure**: The **slow-burn pace** and **similar song structures** can feel **monotonous** to listeners seeking more **dynamic variety** . - **Lyrically One-Note**: While emotionally grounded, the **focus on romantic love and sensuality** may feel **limited in scope** compared to later D’Angelo work like *Voodoo* or *Black Messiah* . - **Not for Everyone**: Some listeners find the **falsetto-heavy delivery** and **minimalist arrangements** **boring or overly mellow**, especially if they prefer **more percussive or pop-oriented R&B** . --- ### 🏁 **Final Verdict** *Brown Sugar* is **a landmark album** not just for D’Angelo, but for **modern black music**. It **redefined R&B** by **looking backward to move forward**, blending **vintage soul** with **hip-hop swagger** and **jazz sophistication**. While it may lack the **political urgency** or **sonic experimentation** of his later work, it remains **a masterclass in restraint, sensuality, and soul**. **Rating: 9/10** **Best Tracks**: *Brown Sugar*, *Lady*, *Alright*, *Me and Those Dreamin’ Eyes of Mine*, *Shit, Damn, Motherf***er*, *Higher*

Дуже гарний альбом. 101 база рнб жанру, зрозуміло чому така впливова платівка. Top tier RNB.

I mean the swag and dripp of it is undeniable , felt like a soft rap, really really liked it, I will totally listen to the songs in my life

Muito bom!

A beautiful journey through Neo Soul! Phenomenal music!

i'm biased but this is me and my baby's album so deal with it

incredible work of art. that's a lover. that's r&b.

Single handedly fighting back against the drop in Western birth rates

i like the vibe

Seminal work; all timer. Standout: title track

what kind of music does this site like if THIS is a 2.9????? somehow also his worst album

9/10 Favorites: Brown Sugar Jonz In My Bonz

Hell yeah! Incredible album

A perfect debut, funky and melodic production, and soothing vocals. 9/10

Excellent.

As the name implies.

Es un álbum que te puede mejor el rato,la escucha o hasta el día entero con una atmósfera que genera una paz y unas fuertes ganas de bailar

If Lady was the only song on here it would still be a perfect score. Thankfully the album is full of R&B gold, D'Angelo is so talented and the whole listening experience is just top notch.

Do you think D’Angelo would have sex with a mid 30s hetero white guy? Asking for a friend

One of the best neo-soul albums ever, a beautiful and consistent vibe throughout.

Really excellent. Like Prince’s mellow but sexy side.

I’m not an impartial judge of this album. But that’s kinda the point. I love this album, I love D’Angelo, and I love neosoul. This album has an improvisational life to it while still feeling incredibly tight. This synthesizes so many of my favorite aspects of Prince, Herbie Hancock, and Wes Montgomery. It’s so good.

9/10 loved the production here, and he has a wonderful voice

Smooth as butter on a hot piece of toast!

Brown sugar and soul. This album is perfect.

I think it’s been a long time coming for me to become a D’Angelo fan but particularly recently he has kept popping up, like even at the Jordan Rakei concert last week Jordan talked about how much D’Angelo has shaped his music and I was like ‘I really have to get on that’ and then today it was delivered right into my hands and yep, I’m in love! So smooth, soulful, sweet, sexy. Like drifting through a sunset sky on a really nicely scented cloud. Favourite tracks were Alright, Me and Those Dreamin Eyes, and When We Get By, but I think that would change each listen.

Big 5 stars for me. One of my all time favorites, and his follow up album “Voodoo” is even better. Glad this one made it on the list.

Absolutely phenomenal voice and amazing jazz/rnb music to complement the vocals. This is like 90s Daniel Caesar

warm and inviting r&b. need to dive into dangelo’s catalog more

Very nice

I must admit to buying this album on release and have probably listened to it upwards of 100 times. I absolutely love it. When it came out there were a lot of R&B artists that, although not exactly copy\paste of each other, had a lot of very strong similarities in their sound (and I think a lot of that was die to the same small pool of producers etc). D'Angelo's album was so far removed from those sounds that it stood out like a beacon. I could easily put this album on loop and not get bored for hours, or even days.

I love d’angelo and this album is so good- hard to believe that it came out in 95. He’s almost a style all of his own- and amalgam of so many that came before him but still very much his own

5/5. This feels like a monumental album that stands the test of time. It's jazz but the vocal layering is the best you'll find in any black gospel church. The jams and extended choruses are smooth and hypnotizing, just impressed with every part of the song. You can feel the influences yet they are mixed so well, it feels so original. Excited to throw this on repeat, no notes. Best Song: Brown Sugar, Me And Those Dreamin' Eyes Of Mine, Lady

ngl, really good. dunno about the history stuff but this feels like the progenitor of black music's shift from being primarily blues to soul. you can feel the blend as the album progresses. 9/10

Wow I usually don't care for R&B from this era but liked this one a lot, especially compared to Maxwells album but it’s been a couple years since hearing that one. Definitely gonna have to listen to more of his stuff. It’s not excessively long like other R&B either. Rating: 4.8

This is top-tier panty-dropper R&B/Soul. The vocals are amazing, the grooves are filthy and the bass playing elicited a number of stank-face reactions throughout the album. 5 stars.

the heavy jazz influences from the chords to the melodies are in perfect harmony with the drums (both live and sampled) and the R&B crooning that just is so tasteful and glorious. Incredible album.

Brown Sugar is D'Angelo's debut album, and may be the album that started the neo-soul wave of the late 90's and the aughts. D'Angelo makes soulful R&B, that has incorporated the timing of hip-hop of the 90s. The songs are centered around D'Angelo's incredible voice, at time utilizing falsetto in his expressive vocals. The bass-heavy orchestrations sound like traditional R&B; D'Angelo adds break-beats and the lyrical timing of hip-hop in his rendition of R&B.

Every D'Angelo album should be on here. Superb 5/5

I bought this album way back when it first came out. It's one of the best R&B albums of the 90s. I highly recommend anyone who loves R&B or is curious about the genre to listen to this album.