Talk about taking your time. It took almost six years for D'Angelo to finish his follow-up to his classic Brown Sugar. But all the blood, sweat, tears and effort paid off as is evident in his latest masterpiece Voodoo.

This album is packed to the edge (literally) with 13 tracks and 79 minutes of pure, deep-in-your-gut soul. Where the first D'Angelo album showed off his singer songwriter and instrument playing skills, this album shows off his talent of being able to pull you into the song and really feel the vibe. With his new refined, almost stripped down production, D'Angelo crafts soundscapes that are rich in texture with his syrupy basslines, seductive Fender Rhodes piano riffs and crisp, yet jazzy, drum patterns. It is everything you would want, and expect, from this soon to be legendary musical craftsman.

Songs like "Playa, Playa," "Send It On," and "One Mo' Gen," are slow and melodic and let you drift as the vibe carries you along. Where on the flip-side "Spanish Joint" and "Chicken Grease" are slightly more up-tempo and give you something to jam and move your feet to. Then of course you can't forget about the ultra-sexy ballad "Untitled (How Does It Feel)," which will be played in bedrooms everywhere for many years to come. The real bonus, though, is D'Angelo paid homage to his Hip-Hop roots with "Devil's Pie" and "Left & Right." The first one is the only track not solely produced by D'Angelo as it has help from none other than DJ Premier. With his now trademark drums "Devil's Pie" is the perfect mix of Hip-Hop and Soul. The latter song features Method Man and Redman and has D'Angelo putting together his most club friendly track as it is sure to get heads nodding and booty's shaking.

With this album D'Angelo has once again set a new precedent for new generation Soul music. It's jazzy, funky, dancable, heart-felt and emotional all at the same time. It is one of those albums that sucks you in and lets you mind, body, and soul relax and feel the vibe for each of its 79 minutes.

By JC