Black Messiah
by D'Angelo
  • Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: Dec 15, 2014
User Score
8.8

Universal acclaim- based on 391 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 352 out of 391
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 391
  3. Negative: 25 out of 391

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. Ropeheje
    Aug 20, 2022
    8
    Eoqfoekkekskakakakkqkakakakakakwkakakkakakakakakakakkakakakakakasjjsjsjsjsjjs
  2. All_ButTrU4
    Nov 12, 2021
    10
    Black Messiah - 10/10
    The obscurity of a legend is a difficult mantle to bear especially when your music helped reshape genres. But when the eyes stare at the gifts not on display it can be overwhelming well this was true with neo-soul pioneer D'angelo. His hiatus still garned parasitic stares as he silently self destructed and with each antic people wondered if he'd ever make music    Black Messiah - 10/10
    The obscurity of a legend is a difficult mantle to bear especially when your music helped reshape genres. But when the eyes stare at the gifts not on display it can be overwhelming well this was true with neo-soul pioneer D'angelo. His hiatus still garned parasitic stares as he silently self destructed and with each antic people wondered if he'd ever make music again(besides the odd features). Those worries would be quelled in the late 00's as leaks of something magnificent circulated:something was cooking. But they'd have to be patient as it would take a full 14yrs .

    Politically &civilly America was in turmoil, wrought with racial inequalities that proved fatal to many black bodies. That seemed to be the apocalypse neo-soul's messiah wanted as his masterpiece finally saw the light of day. Coming unexpectedly with the end year lists completed he seemed to ambush critics.

    The record was a grey godsend of something obscene, fresh and painfully anachronistic. D hadn't lost it in fact he sounded better than ever. Packed with genre defying experiments and attention to detail which prove what a perfect match he's found in the vanguard.

    The opening groovey "ain't that easy" smoothly reintroduces us to the new D' in what sounds like a message to his fans or the music world that it won't be easy to replace him. "1000 deaths" incapacitates with it's weird funk that's opened with searing take down of the white Jesus narrative. Here it's invalidated. The song itself is an extraterrestrial piece that feels like it's tearing and putting itself back together. It sounds angry and indicative of the black rage's recurrence.

    Police brutality marks every month with black death. It's never justifiable and always because of an unhealthy dissonance between who police are supposed to protect and whom America teaches everyone to fear. In the chorus when he says "all we wanted was a chance to talk/but instead we got outlined in chalk " he's exhausted,the rage of the previous song taking a break.

    To frame this record as a protest record would be reductive as it is so much more. It plays as a first person black narrative looking at themselves, culture and world. Despite the heavy themes they are far from world weary. Light hearted moments soften the angrier edges. "Sugah Daddy's " bouncy&playfull pianos and cheeky lyrics make for a higlight amongst highlights but the albums magnum opus comes in the form of the leaked "Really Love ". The slow burn is so rewarding beginning with pristine Spanish guitar and soft female spanish spoken word before bubbling into a modest love song. It's a masterpiece only he could pull off as he professes his very real love.

    The vanguard are unmatched with their composition. Recording in tapes from live instrumentation aged the record beautifully so that it's almost timeless. The cello in both "back to the future's" is physical with each pluck suggesting a sinister meaning to it's title. Prayer has had a diverse importance in black culture, from being the only choice a slave could make themselves to being away to reason pain, show gratitude but here it's hope. It's a possibility for improvement and joy and it's a repeated mantra. "Betray my heart" is a solemn plea for loyalty and it's perfectly sincere. "The Door" rough jive takes on forgiveness as something you shouldn't look back from.

    Finally "Another Life" closes with D singing at his high register hopefully leaving a testament to try to do better. If the results are this good waiting another 14 years might not be so bad after all
    Highlight:really love,prayer,1000 deaths,aint that easy,charade    … Expand
  3. Cool8tReviews
    Aug 29, 2021
    9
    Stellar album. Not quite as good as "Voodoo" but better than "Brown Sugar" Lots of highlights through the album no duds. Pleasant listen but i revist less then even Brown Sugar even though i hold it to a higher regard.
  4. Tylerp
    Jan 17, 2020
    10
    One of those albums that you can stick on listen from start to finish and then start again.
  5. Andremax
    Jul 24, 2018
    10
    If you squeeze this album, it will drain R&B, funk, soul, jazz. In other words, pure quality black music's juice.
  6. princefan1999
    Jun 3, 2017
    10
    I got a metacritic account to rate this album, D'angelo has really transformed himself, he has managed to epitomize the highlights of black music in one record and managed to make it sound fresh and revolutionary, which only artists like Prince managed to achieve. The lyrics are dense, as one critic says 'weighty', only artists like Kendrick Lamar can come close. 'The Charade' covers blackI got a metacritic account to rate this album, D'angelo has really transformed himself, he has managed to epitomize the highlights of black music in one record and managed to make it sound fresh and revolutionary, which only artists like Prince managed to achieve. The lyrics are dense, as one critic says 'weighty', only artists like Kendrick Lamar can come close. 'The Charade' covers black oppression, 'Degradation so loud that you can't hear the sound of our cries' and 'Another Life' is possibly the greatest love song ever written. 'Sugah Daddy' is shocking and 'Betray My Heart' is funkjazz, did you ever think you'd be listening to funkjazz in your lifetime? Unmissable. 100%… Expand
  7. Unbiasedforreal
    Mar 27, 2017
    8
    In totality Black Messiah is a very rewarding listen, but slightly overrated. D'Angelo finds the perfect balance between reinvention and staying faithful to his signature sound.
    The album is opened by the strange but subtly brilliant 'Ain't That Easy", which really does a good job of setting the mood and expectations of the album. It has an earthy, muddy and even authentic sound and style    In totality Black Messiah is a very rewarding listen, but slightly overrated. D'Angelo finds the perfect balance between reinvention and staying faithful to his signature sound.
    The album is opened by the strange but subtly brilliant 'Ain't That Easy", which really does a good job of setting the mood and expectations of the album. It has an earthy, muddy and even authentic sound and style of production, as if the music has been stripped bare.
    Throughout the album are placed some really great melodies, that really save the majority of the songs and simultaneously makes the album an unpredictable listen. These melodies are sometimes accompanied by an unconventional method of vocal harmonies, where it seems as though voice is separated and never in perfect unison. This of course is for aesthetic purposes.
    The album as a whole is a fantastic sonic journey, that takes you to many diverse sounds, without ever breaking the entire aesthetic. The album ends of with 'Another Life', which really is a bit of a throw back. Throughout the album we are treated to D'Angelo's range of his voice, but on the last track he finally lets go completely. It's arguably the best track on the album and does really stand out.
    'Black Messiah' is great album and has the unique ability to grow on you, but still have a great first impression.

    83%    … Expand
  8. BlackReeseBobby
    Aug 12, 2016
    10
    OK. I can totally understand why someone wouldn’t dig this album. The indecipherable lyrics; D’angelo playing all the parts like Eddie Murphy in The Nutty Professor; all that damn guitar…I get that. I get it. That being said, Black Messiah is the perfect follow up album to Voodoo. If you liked Send It On, Devil’s Pie & Africa, there’s no reason you shouldn’t like this record. In short,OK. I can totally understand why someone wouldn’t dig this album. The indecipherable lyrics; D’angelo playing all the parts like Eddie Murphy in The Nutty Professor; all that damn guitar…I get that. I get it. That being said, Black Messiah is the perfect follow up album to Voodoo. If you liked Send It On, Devil’s Pie & Africa, there’s no reason you shouldn’t like this record. In short, this is real soul music, and you’ll be able to play it 20 years from now. Not only that, this mane plays the sitar, son. The SITAR! I think it’s safe to say that D-man is a musician’s musician (and this is coming from someone whose instrumental prowess ended with sophomore year marching band). Status: Heavy Rotation.… Expand
  9. Mesmerize
    Aug 9, 2016
    9
    9.0
    zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
  10. FreddyFiasco
    Mar 3, 2016
    10
    Absolutely astounded - will always be one of my favorite artists! Masterpiece, a brand new universe full of harmony and beautiful tunes. Definently one of the best soul/RnB albums of all time and can't wait to see him live one day!
  11. TalentlessHack
    Dec 31, 2015
    10
    It has been a year since this album dropped, and it's still one of the most refreshing R&B albums you will ever hear.

    The ridiculously detailed and dense instrumentals mixed together with D'Angelo's beautiful, soulful vocals for the duration of 12 tracks is simply a treat. It definitely has a lot of lasting power and forces you to listen to it again, and again, and again. There is    It has been a year since this album dropped, and it's still one of the most refreshing R&B albums you will ever hear.

    The ridiculously detailed and dense instrumentals mixed together with D'Angelo's beautiful, soulful vocals for the duration of 12 tracks is simply a treat. It definitely has a lot of lasting power and forces you to listen to it again, and again, and again.

    There is plenty enough for everybody to enjoy. From the slow and sensual "Really Love" to the harsh and hard hitting anthem rock anthem of "1000 Deaths".

    Black Messiah is a beautiful, nearly flawless record. Can't wait for the next one!

    Fav Tracks: All of 'em
    Least Fav Track: *None    … Expand
  12. r0tan0rtan
    Oct 13, 2015
    9
    This album is better than Brown Sugar, better than Voodoo, and better than any other album released in 2014.

    It wasn't even close to be honest. Each listen introduced new sounds that I missed the first time. The production is on point, and I love the muddy vibes with the hard-to-decipher lyrics a la "There's a Riot Goin' On" and "Exile on Main St.". If you listen to hip-hop, pick this    This album is better than Brown Sugar, better than Voodoo, and better than any other album released in 2014.

    It wasn't even close to be honest. Each listen introduced new sounds that I missed the first time. The production is on point, and I love the muddy vibes with the hard-to-decipher lyrics a la "There's a Riot Goin' On" and "Exile on Main St.". If you listen to hip-hop, pick this up. If you listen to rock, pick this. If you just want some damn good music in your life, pick this album up. It will be worth it. 10/10    … Expand
  13. normankant
    Jun 11, 2015
    10
    "Let your days slip away come with me and ride" says D'angelo in the second verse of the opener track Ain't that easy. The name of the track is not referred to this line, since it will be one of the easiest thing in the world to let ourselves drown in this amazing ocean of sounds and amazing lyrics. Every track is produced divinely, there's a lo-fi approach and a worship for vintage"Let your days slip away come with me and ride" says D'angelo in the second verse of the opener track Ain't that easy. The name of the track is not referred to this line, since it will be one of the easiest thing in the world to let ourselves drown in this amazing ocean of sounds and amazing lyrics. Every track is produced divinely, there's a lo-fi approach and a worship for vintage equipment. The composition is what we would expect from a contemporary R&B god such as Michael Eugene Archer, there are lots of ideas and there is an irresistible swing throughout the whole record. The presence of musicians such as Pino Palladino (bass), Questolove (drums) and Chalmers Edward "Spanky" Alford (guitar) can only improve the level of this album from perfect to incalculable and unattainable heights.… Expand
  14. leiflacroix
    Jun 3, 2015
    10
    Insane album. From the production, creativity to conscientious timeliness of the album, it fills so many gaps and makes its presence felt strongly. Considering the shootings in Missouri, later in Boston, in Baltimore and so on, this album was much needed. This is a rare quality in aesthetic media. The need of an album of this caliber (conscious, both holistically and piece-by-pieceInsane album. From the production, creativity to conscientious timeliness of the album, it fills so many gaps and makes its presence felt strongly. Considering the shootings in Missouri, later in Boston, in Baltimore and so on, this album was much needed. This is a rare quality in aesthetic media. The need of an album of this caliber (conscious, both holistically and piece-by-piece beautiful) anachronically made itself yearned for.

    A supratemporal, both transcendent and yet so down-to-earth album. D'Angelo is a brilliant fella.    … Expand
  15. mosdefinitely
    May 2, 2015
    10
    Definitely worth the 14 year wait. Not quite as good as Voodoo, but it definitely has tons of replay value. D'Angelo's wonderful combination of R&B, soul, funk, jazz, and rock fits perfectly with his strong lyricism and always-perfect voice.
  16. Shoaz
    Apr 18, 2015
    5
    I do not understand the hype around this album. The production is very drab and boring. The Vocals are so quiet that u can barely hear them. Only thing holding this album up are the lyrics,
  17. MadRek
    Mar 21, 2015
    10
    Just try not to get lost in the incredibly laid back grooves that are laid down in each soul masterpiece that is found within this fantastic album. The grooves are energetic, the instrumentation is fantastic and the vocals are unique and catchy. One of the most forward-thinking R&B albums I've listened to, and the most addictive album of last year. Just can't get enough of Really Love.
  18. kingvic
    Mar 19, 2015
    10
    i know i'm late for this but idc , i love this album it's a CLASSIC, timeless cant stop listening to it and it's Black music, sounds hard, love songs, freak song and its funky
  19. NickolasM
    Mar 16, 2015
    9
    The structure of the songs is vague. Sometimes it's difficult to even spot the chorus or an actual melody. But somehow it works. It's a body of work that was inspired by pure fusion. You can mess around with the guitars and then drown in the soulful tender vocals of "Really love". You then go back to "1000 deaths" and yell at its aggressiveness, while you're thinking about the "SugahThe structure of the songs is vague. Sometimes it's difficult to even spot the chorus or an actual melody. But somehow it works. It's a body of work that was inspired by pure fusion. You can mess around with the guitars and then drown in the soulful tender vocals of "Really love". You then go back to "1000 deaths" and yell at its aggressiveness, while you're thinking about the "Sugah Daddy" pianos and brass. But you cannot escape from the Erykah Badu-esque "Back to the furure", because that's the way this album rolls - You connect the dots from different songs and if you do it with love and respect, you can only hear one song, one voice, one guitar, one message.
    Read the whole review here: http://www.anartcalled.blogspot.gr/2015/01/dangelo-and-vanguard-black-messiah.html    … Expand
  20. Muddsjr
    Mar 7, 2015
    9
    Black Messiah is a bold, brave new release from an artist, though long overdue, still well loved for his two previous works, Voodoo and Brown Sugar. D'angelo uses more a modernistic sound to create what is sometimes a melancholic ride of clicking beats and murmuring vocals to mere catchiness and genuine soul brilliance.
  21. Orudomonki
    Feb 11, 2015
    10
    D'Angelo comes back with a banger: Black Messiah is the definition of art in music. Well written lyrics, nice melody's and fantastic instrumentals. I'm in love with this album.
  22. dijavantewow
    Jan 30, 2015
    10
    This was well worth the 15 year wait. The soul that was put into this and worth many listens. This was definitely the best album of 2014. If anyone asks what neo-soul should sound like, point them in this direction.
  23. samuelodog
    Jan 30, 2015
    5
    I have to disagree with most of these reviews. Were we listening to the same album?! Yes I can see that this was crafted by a master musician. Yes I liked Brown Sugar, and I LOVED Voodoo... But I always had the sense that I was to be disappointed with this one. Too much time taken = overproduction. The songs are over-edited and overworked. They are arty, yes, but at the expense of theI have to disagree with most of these reviews. Were we listening to the same album?! Yes I can see that this was crafted by a master musician. Yes I liked Brown Sugar, and I LOVED Voodoo... But I always had the sense that I was to be disappointed with this one. Too much time taken = overproduction. The songs are over-edited and overworked. They are arty, yes, but at the expense of the music. Only one track got my head nodding, Sugah Daddy - which was the most like a Voodoo experience. The rest ranged from the dull, the classic soul-funk but nothing outstanding, to the downright unlistenable such as 'prayer'.
    It seems like people have so much invested in this album -the reverence of D'Angelo's talent - the long wait - to just admit what it is.. A rambling jam which never quite gets there. Reminiscent of Prince when he began to make very weird albums for the sake of artistry. So to sum up - an interesting musical piece, with real skill on show, can't argue with that - but will I listen to it a lot? no. Do I 'like' it? Not really. It's all just a little too opaque to understand. But maybe this failing is my own.    … Expand
  24. longjetty7
    Jan 22, 2015
    10
    This album is stunning. For someone who typically despises funk, R&B, and soul music, it's incredible that I can see myself revisiting this album over and over again. The music is laid back and hypnotic, with an experimental vibe that makes it quite intriguing and fresh. And there's not a weak track to be found here, just 55 minutes of funk bliss.
  25. Butrflye
    Jan 10, 2015
    10
    So my latest addiction is a delightful auditory cheesecake. In classic Pavlovian fashion, I am hitting the repeat button on several tracks of D’Angelo’s Black Messiah. This long awaited treasure dropped from the music universe on December 15, 2014. Before I had the immense pleasure of hearing it, I had heard mixed opinions about the tracks. Boy was I ecstatic when I was able to devour itSo my latest addiction is a delightful auditory cheesecake. In classic Pavlovian fashion, I am hitting the repeat button on several tracks of D’Angelo’s Black Messiah. This long awaited treasure dropped from the music universe on December 15, 2014. Before I had the immense pleasure of hearing it, I had heard mixed opinions about the tracks. Boy was I ecstatic when I was able to devour it firsthand. It’s been a while since a set of a dozen runes has made an imprint on my musical spirit.

    #1) “Ain’t That Easy”-­‐I have had this song on repeat for 15 days straight in the car, in the bed, at work, while in the shower...
    #2) "1000 Deaths"--No comment
    #3) "The Charade"--No comment
    #4) "Sugah Daddy"--No comment
    #5) " “Really Love”– Intoxicating! I love everything about this rhythmic arrangement for so many reasons: the soft sexy Spanish spoken word entrance, the sweet guitar licks, the entire lyrics, how the rhythm mysteriously mimics my heartbeat, the vinyl sound, how D'Angelo deliberately takes his time entering.
    #6) “Back to the Future (Part I)”–This is a diggin’ groove that speaks with an undying beat.
    #7) “Till It’s Done”–I like it. I am very drawn to the crafty rhythms.
    #8) "Prayer"–Yes, I bowed my head, closed my eyes and drifted into an ethereal trance as I soaked up this musical prayer.
    #9) “Betray My Heart”–After hearing it, I absolutely cannot stop chanting, “I will never betray my heart.” The syncopated licks embody the full essence of what this artist delivers. And that is, jazz, funk, soul, blues, R&B, and pure magic.
    #10) “The Door”–So catchy. There’s something contagious about whistling. As this song opens with a melodic whistle, it spurs one to join along and be happy in the moment.
    #11) “Back to the Future (Part II)”--Continued from track 6.
    #12) “Another Life”–This is the uncontrollable tear-generating culmination of a splendid work of art 14 years in the making. D’Angelo has sharpened his chops and delivered a riveting throwdown to rival a colossal gladiator style battle of musical artists. It is so delicious. I ALMOST OD’d ON THIS SONG! The lyrics are stunningly beautiful. The harmonies are unparalleled and D’Angelo’s vocals are in a word, orgasmic.

    I am thrilled to have consumed a pure dose of musical pleasure. I look forward to many more heaping helpings from the divine D’Angelo.    … Expand
  26. rebellips
    Jan 8, 2015
    5
    First, D'Angelo has made sublime music...just not with this album. I firmly believe that Voodoo is the most complete and important funk-soul collections of music of its time. It's predecessor, Brown Sugar, was a slightly a more bashful, but nearly as fantastic set of funk-in-your-soul musical gifts. With deep respect for many of the reviewers of Black Messiah, I am simply not moved byFirst, D'Angelo has made sublime music...just not with this album. I firmly believe that Voodoo is the most complete and important funk-soul collections of music of its time. It's predecessor, Brown Sugar, was a slightly a more bashful, but nearly as fantastic set of funk-in-your-soul musical gifts. With deep respect for many of the reviewers of Black Messiah, I am simply not moved by the music contained therein.

    The themes examined in Black Messiah are deep and richly performed. However, I find missing the enchanting melodies that D'Angelo so supremely gave us in his previous offerings. Dare I consider he's temporarily lost his muse--because that's what it sounds like. To my ear, most of the songs on Black Messiah are incomplete, over-produced musical thoughts. The depth of the sound's texture on Black Messiah is so thick and obtuse that I wonder if it's true purpose is to hide the lack of song. Again, allow me to be clear: I view D'Angelo as one of the great musicians of our time. From my vantage he need not make a single further offering to establish himself in the pantheon of our most important musicians. However, it almost seems as though Black Messiah is a collection of musical doodles D'Angelo has played with for years, and that he was moved by current political events to present a musical statement to the world. By all means, there is plenty in today's landscape on which to comment. However, I simply must respectfully disagree that Black Messiah ought to be revered in the same way as D'Angelo's earlier creations.    … Expand
  27. nicholasbert
    Dec 31, 2014
    8
    I didn't know who D'Angelo was before this album was released, so I went back and listened to some early material. One thing I can say, Black Messiah is definitely his best work so far, and indeed one of the best albums of the year. The soul is there by the bucket, and there's no amount of voice effects that can kill it. Very, very exciting album. It's not my usual cup of tea, but it'sI didn't know who D'Angelo was before this album was released, so I went back and listened to some early material. One thing I can say, Black Messiah is definitely his best work so far, and indeed one of the best albums of the year. The soul is there by the bucket, and there's no amount of voice effects that can kill it. Very, very exciting album. It's not my usual cup of tea, but it's clear Black Messiah is done with aim, mastery and an impressive amount of style.… Expand
  28. jyo_tirmaya
    Dec 23, 2014
    10
    I could listen to this kind of funky, mellow-vibe, yet D'Angelo is a man with a mission. The times have changed since his 2,000 A.D. album, and D'Angelo has reappeared to contemplate it while at the same time giving us excellent music to listen. Well done, my man!
  29. Techhuis
    Dec 23, 2014
    4
    Yep this album is not that good at all but he has done it again,yeah right!!! most reviews here are done by people who do not know what good music is......i give it a 4 for the effort
  30. leaalto
    Dec 19, 2014
    10
    D'Angelo's Black Messiah knew it didn't have to be good to impress; a fourteen-year gap between albums from any artist would turn heads whether it was good or not. With that said, it is mightily humbling that this new album can be so powerfully present and conscious of what it aims to do with its sound and message. This album truly is the audible equivalent to gold. Few albums are soD'Angelo's Black Messiah knew it didn't have to be good to impress; a fourteen-year gap between albums from any artist would turn heads whether it was good or not. With that said, it is mightily humbling that this new album can be so powerfully present and conscious of what it aims to do with its sound and message. This album truly is the audible equivalent to gold. Few albums are so moving and spiritual. Black Messiah is an expansive and brilliant album from any aspect; the craftsmanship is excellent, the singing is amazing, and the message is ever so prevalent. It was the right choice to release the album early in order to respond to this year of so much tragedy.… Expand
  31. geedup
    Dec 18, 2014
    3
    I don't get it. This albumwas noise which overtakes D'Angelo's voice-or what may be left of it. I say that cuz' its not really heard. Unlike his classic, debut album which is all his voice. Forget all that talk of "a step forward" for him as an artist...forget all that "artistry" view. The fact is there is music here, in that there are musical notes that I can recognize. But good music, no.
  32. PurpleAfrodyte
    Dec 18, 2014
    10
    D'Angelo has done it once again with Black Messiah. This album is amazing from beginning to end. The lyricism and content is moe mature than his previous albums, his voice and arrangements are better than ever, and the production and mixing is A1. The 14-year wait was worth it.
  33. BigEd
    Dec 17, 2014
    10
    A lauded Genius returns from the depths of American music to concoct an opus that delivers on all counts. This masterpiece is a landmark on this generation's musical landscape similar to what Songs in the Key of Life, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart Club band and Dirty Mind were for their generation. D'angelo, now having delivered three classics, feels more in his element then ever before. TheA lauded Genius returns from the depths of American music to concoct an opus that delivers on all counts. This masterpiece is a landmark on this generation's musical landscape similar to what Songs in the Key of Life, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart Club band and Dirty Mind were for their generation. D'angelo, now having delivered three classics, feels more in his element then ever before. The violent urge of "1000 Deaths", the unyielding romanticism of "Really Love" and "Another Life, the drunken dreamy funk of "Prayer" provide the listener with no chance to predict where they are headed next unlike most music provided today.

    If you are troubled to find anything on this album that doesn't resonate or inspire you, then you need to check your pulse because you're likely dead.    … Expand
  34. chidime
    Dec 16, 2014
    3
    Sounds really boring and for the most part, I can't hear what he's singing. I saw all the good reviews and thought I was gonna be listening to something out of this world. Instead got some 1960's jazz sounding album with terribly boring melodies. If you suffer from chronic insomnia, this album is a must-have for you!
  35. thaleslucas
    Dec 16, 2014
    10
    One of the best Funky/Soul/Rock album that I ever heard in my life! D'Angelo is so **** perfect! What a great Christmas present ♥ I'm in love with this album. That's all! xoxo

    Favorite tracks: "1000 Deaths"; "The Charade"; "Sugah Daddy"; "Till It's Done (Tutu)" & "Another Life".
  36. MaxLaponsky
    Dec 16, 2014
    10
    Dense, sophisticated and masterfully executed, Black Messiah is everything we could've asked for from D'Angelo's return. Only a couple days into the album's existence, it's a rare experience that immediately satisfies while also demanding a slow burn. The album features an all-star cast - Palladino, ?uestlove and Q-Tip, to name a few - from a huge range of musical styles. But the masteryDense, sophisticated and masterfully executed, Black Messiah is everything we could've asked for from D'Angelo's return. Only a couple days into the album's existence, it's a rare experience that immediately satisfies while also demanding a slow burn. The album features an all-star cast - Palladino, ?uestlove and Q-Tip, to name a few - from a huge range of musical styles. But the mastery of this album emerges in D'Angelo's ability to cohesively meld all these sensibilities into one incredible sound, totally new through blending anachronisms. Driven by funky beats, fuzzy bass, crunchy guitar, and of course D'Angelo's unmistakable voice, the album wants you to move to it, yet always stay alert to pick up some new detail that inevitably emerges on each listen. A straight-up masterpiece.… Expand
  37. GuilhermeMeirel
    Dec 16, 2014
    7
    As most jazz aficionados will already attest to, a truly classic record is not one you can turn on and off as if it were only a switch. It’s an important ingredient of an otherworldly experience ... When you set the needle down on Miles' Kind of Blue or Coltrane's Giant Steps or Dexter Gordon's Go, you have an ulterior motive, you seek to escape, to enjoy, to experience, to extrapolateAs most jazz aficionados will already attest to, a truly classic record is not one you can turn on and off as if it were only a switch. It’s an important ingredient of an otherworldly experience ... When you set the needle down on Miles' Kind of Blue or Coltrane's Giant Steps or Dexter Gordon's Go, you have an ulterior motive, you seek to escape, to enjoy, to experience, to extrapolate your inner demons. This process is a musical form of Voodoo, which Sir D'Angelo discovered while making this record, and hopes you will too… Expand
  38. wrwzcnda
    Dec 16, 2014
    10
    It's all D'Angelo and all funky! Not to mention awe inspiring melodies with the power to connect to the people. And even if some of the lyrics are difficult to make out? The music says all it needs to say: differences should always be different,and lay comfortably side by side-not far apart. A grand comeback for D'Angelo linking the sociological and musical chains that made contemporaryIt's all D'Angelo and all funky! Not to mention awe inspiring melodies with the power to connect to the people. And even if some of the lyrics are difficult to make out? The music says all it needs to say: differences should always be different,and lay comfortably side by side-not far apart. A grand comeback for D'Angelo linking the sociological and musical chains that made contemporary black America so special to America!… Expand
  39. phenomgoodmusic
    Dec 16, 2014
    10
    This is an extraordinary album! Other artists need to take notes and listen to this classic. This is what happens when an artist takes his or her time on music. This album is what people expected from D'Angelo. It's soul, rock, funky, and it has a message about life, love, and current issues across the world. What a great Christmas present. The only bad thing I have to mention about BlackThis is an extraordinary album! Other artists need to take notes and listen to this classic. This is what happens when an artist takes his or her time on music. This album is what people expected from D'Angelo. It's soul, rock, funky, and it has a message about life, love, and current issues across the world. What a great Christmas present. The only bad thing I have to mention about Black Messiah is that I wish it was longer because it's that damn good.… Expand
  40. IsaacMartinez
    Dec 16, 2014
    10
    This album is amazing. At first I was worried that the wait since Voodoo would cause my opinion of this album to be strongly affected, but after listening I was surprised by just how good it was. From tracks like the funky "Sugah Daddy" to the Beatles-esque "The Door," D'Angelo explores a wide variety of genres with great success. This is a tough album to deny.
  41. car1227
    Dec 15, 2014
    10
    This is D'Angelo's return to music as fitting as any fan of his would expect. Superbly written and produced, the music is all soul, all substance, and contains the material and the gravity of an album intended to do more than just entertain, but educate and illuminate.

Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best Album of 2014
28
#28 Most Discussed Album of 2014
23
#23 Most Shared Album of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
95

Universal acclaim - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 30
  3. Negative: 0 out of 30
  1. RapReviews.com
    Jan 13, 2015
    90
    Black Messiah is an incredible album, and an essential addition to D'Angelo's discography.
    Read full review
  2. The Independent (UK)
    Jan 9, 2015
    80
    Notwithstanding the occasional foray into jazz and blues, Black Messiah is much the same blend of miasmic boudoir soul, bare-bones funk and liberation songs that characterised his 2000 milestone, Voodoo.
    Read full review
  3. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Jan 5, 2015
    100
    Black Messiah was crafted painstakingly, that’s evident, but it never sounds labored over. It sounds loose, on fire, and huge, like a truly Christian sermon.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »