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
Not Good:
It's not what I expected! There is only 1 good song on this CD.
Motown with a modern twist:
If Raphael Saadiq doesn't win multiple Grammys, then the Grammys lose all credibility. This CD is simply outstanding, not to mention quite unique. I was a big fan of Tony Toni Tone back in the day, and I've followed Saadiq through some of the music he's produced for other hip hop and soul artists. When I heard about this CD, I was eager to get my hands on it, and I was not disappointed in the least. The CD sounds like Motown Classics were given updated lyrics and funkier beats. It's soulful and... more info
Wonderful:
Love this CD, haven't stopped listening to it since I purchased it. Raphael Saadiq is a very talented man.
GREAT "NEW" OLD SCHOOL!:
I can't believe some people actually do not like this CD. Has music really gotten that bad? I guess so. This is an excellent CD from start to finish, it couldn't have been any better and it is a awesome tribute to Motown/60's music, where real R&B music began! I grew up on Motown, on good R&B so this CD is a treat for me. Keep 'em coming Raphael!
Tracks:
Sure Hope You Mean It
100 Yard Dash
Keep Marchin'
Big Easy featuring The Infamous Young Spodie and the Rebirth Brass Band
