Ethan Teaches You Music Podcast Four songs by D'Angelo
Oct 28, 2025
Dive into an exploration of D'Angelo's influential musical legacy as the host reflects on four iconic tracks. Discover the intricate grooves of "Brown Sugar" and its captivating instrumentation. Get into the off-kilter charm of "Playa Playa" and its unique timing. Uncover the collaborative essence of "The Root" alongside Charlie Hunter's guitar mastery. Finally, revel in the rich arrangements of "Really Love" from Black Messiah. The conversation artfully bridges D'Angelo's artistry and his lasting impact on music.
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Minimal Output, Maximum Impact
- D'Angelo's small discography yields remarkably sophisticated, unconventional music that rewards repeated listening.
- Ethan Hein credits its futuristic rhythm feel and strange harmonies for making it both accessible and strange.
A Song Born During A Reboot
- Brown Sugar's piano loop emerged while a studio computer rebooted, and Ali Shaheed Muhammad made the beat around it.
- D'Angelo improvised chords on piano which then became the song's foundation.
Microtiming Creates Soulful Drag
- The drum placement and tiny timing shifts create D'Angelo's signature drag and tension in Brown Sugar.
- Quantizing removes the subtle 'hump' and flattens the track's essential character.
