Raphael Saadiq – The Way I See It

On the crimson-tinted cover of The Way I See It , Raphael Saadiq induces nostalgia. Calling to mind memories of The Temptations, peering through David Ruffin-esque glasses, and holding a skinny microphone, Saadiq seems well suited for a trip back in time. Four years after his sophomore solo effort Ray Ray (Pookie Entertainment), the former Tony! Toni! Toné! front man channels the 1960s Motown sound on his slow rolling third set. His gentle crooning tiptoes in Smokey Robinson fashion, coasting over a sea of old-school tambourines and guitar melodies.