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Last Updated: Nov 21st, 2008 - 12:05:16 |
Raphael Saadiq, former member of the 80’s and 90’s hit-making R&B group Tony! Toni! Tonè!, has been enjoying a successful solo career (he pulled five Grammy nominations for 2002’s Instant Vintage), while producing and writing for the likes of Mary J. Blige, D’Angelo, John Legend and Angie Stone. On his third solo release,The Way I See It, Saadiq reprises a sweet, gritty, soulful sound and accomplishes what most artists riding the current trend of retro soul only attempt.
It’s true that much of the all-new material sounds like it was recorded at Hitsville USA (he even called on master arranger Paul Riser, who was crucial in the development of the “Motown sound” to lay down the string arrangements), but there is also a brilliant freshness to the recording. Saadiq is a multi-talented singer, songwriter and producer who began working toward becoming a skilled musician at the age of six (he played most of the instruments himself on The Way I See It). It’s apparent he’s just being himself on this outing despite obvious influences.
“Sure Hope You Mean It” has a classic groove and feel that instantly calls to mind The Temptations. The vocals are clearly inspired by David Ruffin and the production will probably have you finger-snapping and moving your hips from side-to-side after the opening drum taps. The same holds true for the catchy “Love That Girl.” This is the kind of good-time music that played in the background at all those family gatherings and summertime barbecues. On “Just One Kiss,” a duet with popular soulful British singer Joss Stone, the singer channels Smokey Robinson and The Miracles and evokes the timeless sound Marvin Gaye created with Tammi Terrell on their memorable ballads. Then there are songs like “100 Yard Dash” and “Let’s Take a Walk,” which have a familiar backbeat and energy difficult to categorize other than as solid, well-done soul.
Saadiq’s love and admiration for the Philadelphia sound of the early 70’s comes through on this record too, as he pays homage to The Delfonics and The Stylistics with “Oh Girl,.” even though the remix with Jay-Z doesn’t quite measure up and threatens to take away from the overall mood of the project. Thankfully there isn’t an overload of guest appearances, but having the legendary Stevie Wonder show up to play harmonica on anybody’s album isn’t a guest appearance – more like a privilege – and the icon brings it home on “Never Give You Up,” featuring vocals by Raphael’s current protégé CJ Hilton.
If you happen to catch the Oakland native’s current live show you probably won’t be disappointed. Recently at Sugar Hill in Atlanta, Saadiq beckoned the audience to go back in time with him to relive a golden era as soon as he stepped onstage wearing the kind of old-school tailored suit and specs a popular singer of the sixties would have donned, complete with doo-wop moves and sharp backups. Still, it was original nostalgia, if there is such a thing, and it had a packed crowd on its feet, wanting more and anxious to see what he has next to offer.
© Copyright 2006 SeeingBlack.com
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