The Rundown: D'Angelo and the Vanguard, Black Messiah

A track-by-track look at singer's first album in 14 years.

D'Angelo and the Vanguard – Black Messiah - After a 14-year hiatus the veteran soul superstar formed a new band, the Vanguard, and scored one of the most anticipated LPs of the 2015, Black Messiah. Of course D’Angelo’s return gets a nod for Album of the Year.   (Photo by: RCA Records)
"Ain't That Easy" - D'Angelo cracks opens his long-awaited return with a hazy funkadelic cut that melds Sly and the Family Stone's '70s introspective singing and musicality with the cross-over-to-me electricity of Jimi Hendrix's "Are You Experienced."   (Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images)
"1000 Deaths" - Armed with an other-worldly mix of off-putting bass drum pulses, a transformer scratched guitar and cosmic voices of activism, the neo-soul pioneer offers a cerebral soul music jazz journey that challenges listeners. (Photo: Rick Davis/Splash News)How Does It Feel... - ...for singer D'Angelo to be on stage during the 2012 BET Awards? Not sure, but he definitely delivered with this comeback performance.There could be some surprise performances during the BET Awards '13!(Photo: Christopher Polk/Getty Images For BET)

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The Rundown: D'Angelo and the Vanguard, Black Messiah - Singer D'Angelo's career is beginning to look a lot like funk pioneer Sly Stone's journey. Both ushered in brave new versions of R&B. Both were worshipped by fans. Both retreated inward from their phenomenal fame. And as Sly re-emerged with deeper and more cerebral music, D — after a 14-year wait— has resurfaced with a personal approach to soul music. Call Black Messiah D'Angelo's take on Sly's There's a Riot Going On, musically blending soul, funk, rock, jazz and psychedelia to speak to a new consciousness brewing. Check this breakdown of D's return.  (Photo: RCA Records)

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