Raphael Saadiq's The Way I See It album is satisfying for both old school heads and today's hip music buyers: his background as a musician, singer and songwriter is steeped in a love for R&B married with a commitment to making his own brand of expressive soul music. The Way I See It has the kind of smooth musical flow associated with great records made by pioneering producers at famous R&B companies like Motown, Invictus and Brunswick. From the foot-tapping opening track, "Sure Hope You Mean It" to the head-shaking reflective closer "Sometimes," Raphael delivers a present day potent ode to a bygone era. Loyal Tony! Toni! Toné! fans will particularly appreciate "100 Yard Dash," which Raphael describes as "a juke joint, Booker T.-type groove. I reflected back to my first T!T!T! albums when I was singing in a high tenor voice." Raphael grins when talking about the hypnotic "Love That Girl": "Man, that's all about the swing...the way girls swing their hips! It's the type of song that will make people move and that shuffle beat reminds me of those ladies I used to see playing drums in church!" With its Motown-flavored tambourine-featured beat, "Never Give You Up" is what Raphael calls "my three generations song. It includes C.J., this youngster from Baltimore that I'm working with and Stevie Wonder. Now comes The Way I See It, a masterful collection of new material that speaks to Raphael Saadiq's deep love for rhythm and blues.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
WOW!!!:
I consider myself among those who are music lovers; always looking for something new and inspiring. Unfortunately, most new music falls alarmingly short of the mark. But, every once in a while we are treated to music that breaks barriers and forges new musical territory. These works renew our quest for new and exciting musical experiences. Some music brings back the to the present the greatness of the past and in turns earns accolades for itself. "As I See It" by Raphael Saadiq is such a work. The disk... more info
rapheal saadiq:
I liked the album alot...i liked how his album was based on the motown sound.
Constant sound:
I loved Instant Vintage and the variety of songs. This album has the same tone/pace. A little old schoolish mowtown feel. listened 2 it twice then put it on the shelf.
Motown Lives Through Raphael:
What a great tribute to the Motown sounds! This man really was inspired by all the wonderful tunes that came from all the phenominal artists of Detroit. He has written songs that evoke great memories of my growing up in the '60's. When I first heard LOVE THAT GIRL I thought it was a real oldie I just had never heard before. His duet with Joss Stone reminds me of Marvin and Tammi. I just have to give him point off for including Jay-Z on the last cut. I am not a rap fan, sorry. Maybe for his next CD he can... more info
Tracks:
Sure Hope You Mean It
100 Yard Dash
Keep Marchin'
Big Easy featuring The Infamous Young Spodie and the Rebirth Brass Band
