#157: Black Messiah

Ranking The 250 Greatest Albums of the 21st Century So Far (2025)

D’Angelo and the Vanguard, 2014

This album is #395 on the “500 Greatest Albums of All Time;” I wrote about it in September, before he passed:

On October 14, 2025, D’Angelo passed away at age 51 of pancreatic cancer. It was a surprise to most fans - as with his life, his illness and death was extremely private. He was reportedly working on a fourth album.

This time through the song that hits me is “Prayer,” with church bell accompaniment and intense liturgy.

The legacy that he left is undeniable. Unlike most artists, the long gaps between albums did not derail his career or influence. Instead, he was left to manage his career as he needed, and his fans, the industry, and his peers were waiting for him.

Black Messiah is a fantastic album, well deserving of a place on this list; on both lists.