Admittedly, I don’t know too much about Raphael Saadiq’s previous work. I do know that he was (and is, I guess) the lead singer for Tony! Toni! Tone! He has collaborated with several artists throughout his career including D’Angelo, Snoop Dogg, The Roots and more. But based upon an interview on WFUV’s Words and Music from Studio A, I wanted to give “The Way I See It” a listen. I was not disappointed.
The album is homage to 1960’s soul and Motown; genres of music for which Mr. Saadiq has an obvious love, but also mastery. Upon first listen, it wouldn’t have surprised me if I’d found that half of the tracks were written 30-40 years ago. That said, he has a few tricks up his sleeve that add a contemporary flair.
The disc opens with “Sure Hope You Mean It” – a jauntily-paced track that sounds like it could have been recorded by The Temptations 40 years ago, though Saadiq’s lyrical approach is modernized. Rather than a straight profession of love, he’s cautious about letting himself go; as he sings: “Don’t fool me baby/Sure hope you mean it girl.”
Other tricks that Saadiq employs include welcoming guest artists that add verve to several songs. Joss Stone guests on “Just One Kiss” and Stevie Wonder’s harmonica solo on “Never Give You Up” is soulful, fresh and fun. But the finest moment comes in collaboration with Jay-Z on “Oh Girl.” Hidden at the end of the album, this track is worth the price of entry. Between Saadiq’s soulful swoon and Jay’s hip-hop chops, this standout track is a meld of sounds both old and new. The result is a fresh new sound successfully intermingle both worlds.
Overall, the album hangs together well and makes for a laid back groove. There is a distinctly soulful vibe that is palpable, which Saadiq executes superbly. The guests add flavor too, but the main soul is all his own.
