What does "pop-pleasing" even mean as it pertains to a D'angelo? lol
The popularity he gained was due to strong material... not some gimmicks or other tactics
(unless you count the "Untitled" video, which is from what? Voodoo.) Also, songs being
more polished and well-crafted doesn't mean the artist is trying to go Pop. That very
idea kinda sounds ridiculous, no?

As for being "meant to be listened in its entirety", I don't know how you assume ANY
of his albums aren't made for that purpose. I love Brown Sugar and Black Messiah in
their entirety as well.