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Raphael Saadiq

The Way I See It

(Columbia)

Reviewed by A. Scott Galloway

There’s been a lot of talk about retro soul from the likes of Amy Winehouse and Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings – artists who have mined vintage sounds largely for the surface and sound’s sake. But wunderkind Raphael Saadiq has something more on his mind for his third solo studio set. The Way I See It does sound a lot like a `60s vintage Motown album (with a couple of nods to Philly soul and Stax for good measure), but beneath the meticulously crafted veneer beats some thoughtful excursions. Take the bouncy “Big Easy” which juxtaposes an upbeat track to a bluesy story about a man desperately looking for his woman after he horror of Hurricane Katrina. The powerful “Oh Girl” opens like an Isaac Hayes symphonic soul epic then blossoms into a tender falsetto-sung Philly soul ballad of thanks to a woman who saved a brutha from himself. Also novel is “Just One Kiss” on which Raphael collaborates with newcomer Rocio Mendoza who sings in Spanish in response to his soul macks in English. Meanwhile Raphael plays call and response with a chorus of himself on the Four Tops-reminiscent “Staying in Love” (on which he schools “Falling in love can be easy / Staying in love is too tricky”). There are further duets with soul mate Joss Stone (on “Calling for You”) and his protégé’ CJ on the Stevie-esque “Never Give You Up,” but much of this CD is a one-man show with Ray Ray handling most of the singing and paying chores (save for a few piano parts and the throwback string arrangements of Detroit master Paul Riser). The Way I See It proves that Raphael has been doing some deeper listening than the average bear, upping him from Son of Soul to a man-and-a-half torchbearer.

So when is it coming out? I haven't see a release date yet.

RipHer2Shreds said:

I liked Ray Ray alot so Im lookin 4ward 2 this!!!!


Help the Grown Folks!!!!

Sounds promising.

RipHer2Shreds said:

Yes ma'am, lets get to the bottom of this Hype and waiting is a dangerous combination,,,,thats why I haven't read the article.

But you KNOW this dame is copping Mr.Ray Ray's joint

I agree with above...Saadiq has yet to fulfill his potential as a solo arrtist if you ask me.

Stevie Wonder, Joss Stone Enrich New Saadiq Album

July 9, 20008
Link

R&B artist/songwriter/producer Raphael Saadiq will be back in the spotlight with his own music this fall. His latest album, "The Way I See It," will arrive Sept. 16 via Columbia.

Saadiq went sample-free for the project, opting to utilize live instrumentation to craft the soul-influenced tracks.

Beyond first single "Never Give You Up," which features harmonica from Stevie Wonder, the album also includes the Hurricane Katrina-inspired "Big Easy" and "Just One Kiss" with Joss Stone on vocals. Stone previously drafted Ssadiq to produce her 2007 album "Introducing Joss Stone."

As previously reported, Saadiq is working with D'Angelo on the latter's first album since 2000. His handiwork can also be found on upcoming albums from Solange Knowles and Bobby Valentino.

Bobby Valentino still makes records?

JackieBlue said:

I have a lot of respect for brother Ray...but his CD cover reminds me of the episode of "What's Happening!!" when Raj sang that song (badly) at the talent show (to save Rob's Place).

But seriously, I'm looking foward to hearing it if he's nearly playing everything himself.

Finally,a modern-day R&B album that actually sounds interesting! I may have to check this out.

SoulAlive said: