Seeing is believing

Raphael Saadiq: "The way I see it"

By: Ameera Craigs

Posted: 10/1/08

If it is true that R&B music is in a state of panic nowadays, then Raphael Saadiq is here to save the day. The result is a musical journey or as he likes to call it "downtown sound."
For over 20 years, Saadiq has been a major facet of the industry. He is a songwriter/producer and former lead singer of groups such as Lucy Pearl and the infamous Tony! Toni! Tone!. "The Way I See It" is Saadiq's fourth solo album and this time the Oakland native pays homage to the soul music of the 60's and 70's. This project was inspired by trips to the Caribbean where he heard an abundance of soul music from the era. His silky tenor voice shines over beautiful live string arrangements as he takes the listeners on a musical journey that they won't soon forget.
What sets this album apart from other vintage attempts is the use of live instrumentation. For this project Saadiq called upon prolific Motown arranger Paul Riser of the legendary Funk Brothers. With this assistance Riser's "The Way I See It" has sheer authenticity that proves it could have been heard in the halls of Hitsville U.S.A. Saadiq also shows his own artistry by not only writing and producing every song but playing bass guitar, drums, and piano.
The album opens with the Temptation-felt "Sure Hope You Mean It" where Saadiq channels his inner David Ruffin over a booming mid-tempo swing. ("I only wanna love you and have a couple kids/Don't fool me baby") he exclaims as he desperately wants to know a lover's true feelings. This album shares the same lyrical sentiment that the Motown days had. The songs evoke the expression of love and substance. Each song is so brilliantly sculpted that it could have been Smokey Robinson, Norman Whitfield or Holland-Dozier-Holland penned.
This album also encompasses a strong message which is heard in the track entitled "Big Easy" . With a sweeping bass line the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina is visited. With conviction in his voice he sings ("They say them levees broke, and my baby's gone.")
Mr. Saadiq wisely chooses his collaborations which includes a duet with Joss Stone on the slinky "Just One Kiss". Stevie Wonder even makes appearance; or rather his signature harmonica does during "Never Gonna Give You Up." Rapper Jay-Z also makes an appearance. Unfortunately, this album does have its flaws but they are very few and far between. But the standout tracks are the infectious first single "Love that Girl". "Oh Girl" shows Saadiq's beautiful falsetto reminiscent of the Stylistics and Delfonics. Then there is the soul-stirring closer "Sometimes."
What the listener will get from "The Way I See It" is a glimpse to how influential this style of music has been and will continue to be. Saadiq embodies the music well, and it is clear that he takes it seriously from the retro album cover to the last note of the last song. So fitting it is that in January, Motown will be celebrating 50 years and one of their most prodigious students gives honor to his teachers. With this album, Saadiq has managed to give everyone a better way of hearing music's wonders.