The Way I See It

by

Raphael Saadiq

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Ok, Michael McDonald did it, as did Boyz II Men. Released albums of Motown standards, I mean.

Raphael Saadiq returns on his third solo studio disc with a similar principle, but with a twist; "The way I see it" comprises 12 original songs which were clearly inspired by Motown, they sound like Motown classics that never were. Right down to the length of most of the songs (about 3 minutes each), the harmonies, to the use of live instrumentation, he's got everything down to a "T"! It never sounds like pastiche.

Opening cut "Sure hope you love me" is an upbeat song that The Temptations or The Miracles could have done, and that sets the tone for most of the upbeat songs. "100 yard dash" (groovy with excellent harmonies), "Keep marchin'" (very Miracles-like), the sunny and bouncy "Big easy" (which takes a clever look at Katrina's effect on New Orleans - The Big Easy - using a story of a search for his girl who went missing), "Love that girl", and "Staying in love".

However, where he excels is the ballads; The all too brief "Just one kiss" features Joss Stone duetting (he did some production on her last CD) and reminds me of "I second that emotion". Saadiq admits this song was inspired by Smokey Robinson.

"Calling" is a stunning Doo Wop ballad with some Spanish guitar and vocals. It sounds like something Anthony & The Imperials would have done.

The piano/organ ballad "Oh girl" is awesome. Sweeping, and sung in a youthful falsetto, with crooning harmonies. "Let's take a walk" reminds me of Little Stevie Wonder (you bet Stevie would have been too young to sing about THAT though, lol!).

"Never give you up" features additional vocals by CJ Hilton, and a harmonica solo by Motown legend Stevie Wonder. It sounds like something from the Diana & Marvin duets album.

The groovy "Something" is the only thing that comes close to the Neo Soul stylings of his other 2 albums. The lyrics are autobiographical.

Closing is another version of "Oh girl" with an utterly unneccessary rap by Jay-Z. I guess it was done to get some airplay as I'm sure most stations would pass up this album for the manufactured pap that crowd their playlists.

Looking for real music? look no further!

You remember Raphael Saadiq from the 1990s because he was the lead singer of Toni Tony Tone. They have quite an extensive catalog which includes smash hits like "Lay Your Head on My Pillow", "Anniversary", "If I Had No Loot", and "It Never Rains in Southern California." Yes, people, it was the ultra-talented Raphael Saadiq who lead each of those memorable numbers. He went on to become the lead singer for Lucy Pearl before going completely solo. Saadiq released "Instant Vintage" and "Ray Ray", which are both great LPs. In fact, "Ray Ray" introduced me to one person who would go on to be one of my all-time favorite singers; her name is Teedra Moses, please familiarize yourself with her immediately. Fast forward to the present and here we are at this third solo effort, "The Way I See It."

Saadiq found someones time machine and took us back to the 1960s and 70s. I heard influences from Marvin Gaye, The Temptations and Curtis Mayfield. The album's lead single, "Love That Girl" is a real love song and incredibly easy to hand-dance to. Saadiq does a fine job with delivering the words, the bass stands out and the hook will linger in your mind long after the track ends. Music mogul Stevie Wonder is on harmonica on track eleven, "Never Give You Up." He, Saadiq and CJ all do a marvelous job on this track. Actually, this song really brings Marvin Gaye to mind. "Sometimes" is one of this album's finest moments. Raphael tells the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth on this cut. He delivered this song better than almost any of the others. The message here is even your closest loved ones will hurt you and make you cry "sometimes." Such an effective track, this is. "Falling in love can be easy, but staying in love is too tricky" is the hook to "Staying in Love", another fine moment on this album.

I really enjoyed this album, but it definitely takes more than one listen in order to get into it. In fact, this album has an acquired taste; you won't want to listen to it all of the time. But it's a fine piece of work and worth putting money into.

Mikeisha's Top 5

1. "Love that Girl"

2. "Staying in Love"

3. "Sometimes"

4. "Never Give You Up"

5. "Just One Kiss"