The album's sound is prominently driven by keyboards, sensual vocals, and smooth melodies, while it evokes the work of such artists as Prince, Isaac Hayes, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson and the Isley Brothers. The quiet storm-love song "Cruisin'", a cover of Robinson's 1979 hit of the same name, features a predominant string section. Along with the album's modern aesthetic and vintage texture, "Brown Sugar" also encompasses the sounds of the blues, gospel and jazz in a contemporary fashion. According to music journalist Peter Shapiro, "Lady" uses "the jazzy hallmarks of bohemian soul to emphasize the singer's insecurity". Most of the songs on the album have a stripped-down feel, without complex orchestrations, and have heavy drum beats and bass lines, which are accompanied by electric piano riffs and minimal guitar work. Music writer Robert Christgau finds "Brown Sugar" to be "bass-driven rather than voice-led".