Raphael Saadiq – The Way I See It

Album Revolution #4:

Ever since 1988, whether it was with "Tony Toni Tone'", "Lucy Pearl", or any artists that was graced with one of his Productions, "Raphael Saadiq", has been a MAINSTAY in Music....Problem was, even though he was well known, MOST of the time he either got the Underground treatment, or either the SHAFT!!!!!!

Crazy huh?!?!?!?!

Well, fast foward to 2008, maybe "Raphael" came to the same conclusion that "Prince" did in 2004....In order to want to reconnect with the Music public, maybe a g with a Major Label would work...Well, that led "Raphael" to "Columbia Records" (just like "Prince").....Someone at "Columbia" must have taken "Smart Pills" or something, because that led to "Raphael" releasing one of his most Critically Aclaimed albums ever in "The Way I See It"....

Now, since the beginning of his career, "Raphael" has always drawn back from Classic Music...But on "The Way I See It", he went to the inspiration EXTREME!!!!!!

Starting with the obviously "Motown" inspired "Sure Hope You Mean It", "Raphael" sounds like he just drowned himself in the "Marvin Gaye" '60's catalog...The Drums, Guitars, and Piano, make it sound like it was Produced by "Holland-Dozier-Holland"....

For those who read my stuff, you may always noticed that I LOVE songs that sound like it's titled....

That definitely applies to "100 Yard Dash"....As much as I hated running Track in my School days, this still reminds me of that time (LOL!!!!)....Even the length of it (a mere 2:18 minutes), makes you feel like you're running!!!!!

That also applies to, "Keep Marchin'"....Honestly, this "Marchin'" Groove, especially if you are walking for exercise, will basically make you start "Marching" (LOL!!!, Yes, Dad Joke)....

"Big Easy" was obviously inspired by the "New Orleans" Vibe....Accompanied by "New Orleans" own "Rebirth Brass Band" and "The Infamous Young Spodie", "Rapahel" continues to display his LOVE for Marching Bands....

"Just One Kiss" (featuring "Joss Stone"), is also "Motown" inspired, but more on the early '70's Vibe....I don't care how many times I hear "Joss Stone", she always continue to impress me!!!! Even though it was also EXTREMELY SHORT, this was a straight benefit from "Raphael" Producing "Stone's", "Introducing... Joss Stone" album a year earlier ("Baby, Baby, Baby" was THE BOMB!!!!! from that album!!!!!)......

"Love That Girl' went back to the "Motown" '60's Vibe....Its a Bouncy t, that will also get you on the Dance Floor....It was also the theme for the TV Show with the same name, starring "Tatyana Ali".....

"Calling" goes further back, to the '50's Doo-Wop area...."Raphael" is ed here by Hispanic Artist "Rocío Mendoza" on Vocals....I don't know what she is saying on here, but as GOOD as she sounds, I will FIND out!!!!!!

"Staying In Love" makes me LAUGH every time I hear it!!!!! Why? Because it is telling the straight up TRUTH!!!!! You have to put in WORK for your LOVE to last!!!!! The Melody is RIGHTEOUS, sounding like it was inspired by an early '70's Groove....In fact, it kind of puts me in the head space of "Band Of Gold" by "Freda Payne"....

I have a LOVE HATE relationship with "Oh Girl"...This one I LOVE, with its "Chi-Lites" inspired Groove (I will get to the HATE part later)....

"Let's Take A Walk" goes back to '60's "Motown", "Marvin" style, with a hint of "Psychedelic" Keyboards...

"Never Give You Up" is THE BOMB!!!!!, as well....This is a mix of "Raphael" and a '70's "Holland-Dozier-Holland" Production....It features Vocals by "Soul" artist "CJ Hilton", and capped off with Harmonica played by the ONE and ONLY "Stevie Wonder".....

"Sometimes" (which should have ended the album, will explain), is another early '70's inspired t, that is another BOMB!!!!! The Music really takes me back to my "Bronx" days, where I was walking with my Mother to catch the #5 Train....The message about juggling the struggle of LIFE, Priceless!!!!!!

Now, my explanation on why the album should have ended there, and my HATE relationship part of "Oh Girl" (because they are one in the same)....

I know you Guys are going to LET ME HAVE IT, but I am willing to take the LUMPS on this ONE!!!! The "Oh Girl" Bonus Track, featuring "Jay-Z", YUCK!!!!!!! I am sorry Guys, but this was just a VERY VERY BAD FIT!!!!!! Now, let's not get it TWISTED, I LOVE "Jay-Z"!!!!! He made some of the BEST "Hip Hop" Anthems EVER (especially "The Blueprint" album from 2001....CLASSIC!!!!!)!!!!! But right here, NOOOOOO!!!!!! Does not work!!!! I know you guys are going to get me for this one, but like I said, I WILL TAKE IT!!!!! Funny thing is, My WIFE LOVES IT!!!!! She KILLS IT in the Car!!!!!!!!!

Getting that off my chest though, "The Way I See It" finally put "Raphael" where he belonged, in the PUBLIC EYE!!!!! Now, People really wanted a piece of him...Well, they finally got to see "Raphael' like WE ALWAYS seen him... A talented Brother with SOOOOO much to give Musically....This album put the Explanation Point on that FACT!!!!!!!!!

PS: If you haven't guessed it yet, this is an Ultimate, Ultimate, Ultimate, Ultimate, Ultimate, Ultimate, Ultimate Crown Jewel Album!!!!!!!

Get On Down just announced a reissue of this on coloured vinyl, limited to 500 copies so grab it while it lasts.

https://getondown.com/products/the-way-i-see-it-colored-lp-w-obi

This masterpiece really needs a reissue! Hoping with the vinyl resurgence and Ray’s new album coming out we’ll see reissues of his first 3 albums! Edit: So glad this is getting reissued! Snagged my copy the moment I saw it. Does anyone know when these colored vinyl are shipping? Hopefully soon!