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Performer: Raphael Saadiq
Artist: Joss Stone; CJ Hilton; Stevie Wonder; Jay-Z
Engineer: Charles Brungardt; Gerry Brown; Raphael Saadiq
Producer: Raphael Saadiq
Distributor: Sony Music Distribution (

Notes: Personnel: Raphael Saadiq (guitar, bass guitar, drums); Paul Baker (harp); Assa Drori (violin); Jerry Epstein (viola); Maurice Grants (cello); Stevie Wonder (harmonica); Greg Curtis (piano); Jack Ashford (vibraphone, tambourine); Bobby Ozuna (drums); Gerry Brown. Recording information: Blakeslee Recording Company. Former Tony! Toni! Tone! member Raphael Saadiq proved he could push his sound in new and intriguing ways on solo albums like INSTANT VINTAGE, mixing in soul, gospel, and contemporary flourishes. Saadiq plants his foot more firmly in the past on 2008's THE WAY I SEE IT, offering up a set that recalls the classic sound of Motown and other Northern soul from the 1960s. Melody and groove are paramount on these songs, making each a little soul-pop nugget complete with old-school arrangements (it sounds as though Motown's the Funk Brothers are backing Saadiq throughout). In addition to excellent material, the singer welcomes Stevie Wonder, Jay-Z, Joss Stone, and the Rebirth Brass Band as guests.

Rolling Stone (p.129) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "With a supple tenor that glides up easily into Smokey Robinson territory....[He] has crafted a filler-free album that evokes classic Northern soul..." Entertainment Weekly (p.95) - "Backed by a galvanizing ensemble of musicians that would make the Funk Brothers proud, Saadiq belts out effervescent love songs with infectious vigor." XXL (Magazine) (p.129) - "This time out, Raphael Saadiq doesn't quell his hip-hop jones; instead, he offers a harmonious alternative to rap's current mode, with rich instrumentation and a vintage '60s sound." Blender (Magazine) (p.80) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "Saadiq is a romantic who stays true to the deliberate simplicity of such titles as 'Sure Hope You Mean It' and 'Just One Kiss'....His adaptable baritone is always crisp and cocky..."

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