D’Angelo, Brown Sugar | Throwback Vibez

In the 177^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Brown Sugar” by Grammy-winning neo-soul musician D’Angelo.

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ancient – no fossils 🦴! All genres of music are welcome. In the 177^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Brown Sugar” performed by D’Angelo.  

Oh, snap! Sadly 😢, in 2025, the R&B world, particularly neo-soul, lost one of its most brilliant, gifted, and talented musicians to pancreatic cancer.  Grammy-winner D’Angelo (Michael Archer, 1974 – 2025) was simply a beast – in the best way possible.  His 1995 Grammy-nominated, platinum-certified debut album, Brown Sugar, was a game-changer.  Among the gems from that critically acclaimed LP is none other than “Brown Sugar” itself.  The opening track was penned and produced by D’Angelo and Ali Shaheed Muhammad (b. 1970).  “Brown Sugar” earned Archer pop success, peaking at number 27 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Notably, the song earned two Grammy nominations: Best Male R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B Song.

“Brown Sugar” is a prime example of D’Angelo at his finest.  His vocals are refined and ultra-soulful.  His chest voice, the majority of the song, and his falsetto, the ad-libs, are equally striking.  The chorus is the centerpiece, where Archer informs us, “Brown Sugar, babe, I gets high off your love / I don’t know how to behave.” Beyond the chorus, Archer yields rhythmic, tuneful melodies and memorable lyrics throughout the verses. “Let me tell you ‘bout this girl, maybe I shouldn’t / I met her in Philly, and her name was Brown Sugar,” he sings in the first verse, and adds, “The way that we kiss is unlike any other way.”  How so? Well, his blood burgundy eyes, which I failed to mention, might be a hint. Another hint comes in the second verse when he sings, “Even got a big sister by the name of Chocolate Thai.” In the third and final verse, he ties smoking and sexing together.  “Brown Sugar got me open, now I want some more,” he sings, and adds, “Always down for a ménage à trois / But I think I’ma hit it solo /… Ready to hit this pretty gritty…” Oh, snap! 

 

The sounds accompanying D’Angelo are noteworthy in their own right.  The tasteful organ is jazzy, but also evokes the black church. There is a simple drum groove and a simple bass line.  Despite their simplicity, both are potent, providing an anchor and firm foundation.  “Brown Sugar” doesn’t need extensive analysis.  Its greatness speaks volumes without examining every detail.  This 1990s R&B gem is one for all time without question. R.I.P., Michael Archer.

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D’Angelo » Brown Sugar » Virgin Records America Inc. » 1995

D’Angelo, Brown Sugar: Throwback Vibez No. 177 (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Virgin Records America Inc.; AcatXlo, OpenClipart-Vectors, Speedy McVroom from Pixabay]

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