FamilyFans Music

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THE WAY I SEE IT

Raphael Saadiq / Sony BMG

Fan Appeal: Teens to Adults

Genre: R&B

After all the hype surrounding this album release from Raphael Saadiq, I had to find out more - especially when Saadiq's music kept being consistently compared to classic artists like Stevie Wonder (one of my favorites). So I downloaded the CD from iTunes and in the end I thought, "This is an OK R&B album. Nothing too innovative. But still fun at points." I was kind of hoping for something more.

Throughout The Way I See It, Saadiq seems to be able to capture the essence of older soul singers like Stevie Wonder or Ray Charles. The song “Staying in Love,” is one of the high points on this album. It has a very catchy tune, and upbeat exciting music that makes the listener perk up and pay attention. Also, the song “Oh Girl” is one that has a pleasant vibe to it. It is pretty soothing, and relaxing and will keep you listening without the urge to hit the "skip" button.

Although there are some good songs on this CD, overall, there is no real variation in style. Most the songs are about girls, and aren’t that well written. The lyrics are also not only lacking in substance, but in quantity. Almost all of the songs have one short verse and then Saadiq just repeats a line in the chorus for a while until the song is done. Also, some of the songs are inappropriate and talk about how all he wants is sex.

Overall, I’d say just pass on this one and instead indulge your classic R&B tastes with original classics like Steve Wonder's Songs in the Key of Life or Marvin Gaye's What's Going On.

FAMILYFANS RATING: C-

--TN

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