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Zero 7
Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed albums.
The Way I See It
Generally favorable reviews
Based on 19 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 11 votes
Read user comments
Rate this album >
Album Info
Label: Sony
Release Date: 16 September 2008
Discs: 1 disc
Genre(s): R&B, Soul
Summary
The fourth album for the R&B singer features artists such as Joss Stone, Stevie Wonder, and Jay-Z.
Also By This Artist: Ray Ray
Also On The Web: Official Artist Site
What The Critics Said
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
Entertainment Weekly
Backed by a galvanizing ensemble of musicians that would make the Funk Brothers proud, Saadiq belts out effervescent love songs with infectious vigor.
Read Full Review >MSN Consumer Guide (Robert Christgau)
He goes Motown with so much joy in one-man-band craft he'll not only convince the girl he's sweet-talking that this is forever, he'll convince you.
Read Full Review >Observer Music Monthly
Perhaps those earliest Detroit grooves are truly inimitable after all. But if you want to hear someone give the task one hell of a shot, The Way I See It affords the finest view.
Read Full Review >Uncut
It's Saadiq's fine songs--notably the showstopping slow-jam 'Oh Girl'--that makes The Way I See It less a homage, more a timelessly enjoyable 42 minutes. [May 2009, p.97]
Hartford Courant
The Way I See It doesn't break any new ground, but it's a very well-executed homage that serves to remind that classic soul is timeless.
Read Full Review >All Music Guide
Here's where a modern master, backed by living and breathing session musicians (including Funk Brother Jack Ashford), masters the masters with startling accuracy.
Read Full Review >Blender
Saadiq is a romantic who stays true to the deliberate simplicity of such titles as 'Sure Hope You Mean It' and 'Just One Kiss.' But his adaptable baritone is always crisp and cocky--he never threatens to assume the fetal position if he doesn’t get the extreme cuddling he craves.
Read Full Review >Vibe
While the new direction is sturdy and refreshing, there is something comfortably familiar about it. The vintage shoes fit Saadiq, and he wears them well.
Read Full Review >Village Voice
Even while Saadiq pays homage to soul's golden era, he brings his own flavor through his tell-tale tenor; still, if it ain't your cup of tea, just slip this in your parents' record collection and they won't notice a thing.
Read Full Review >Billboard
On his third solo outing (and first for Columbia), songwriter/producer Raphael Saadiq takes the listener on a smooth carpet ride that seamlessly weaves the feel-good essence of soul music's storied roots.
Read Full Review >Boston Globe
On his latest effort, Saadiq creates a seamless, supremely melodic set that evokes '60s and '70s soul.
Read Full Review >Sputnikmusic
The Way I See It isn't going to blow any minds, but it might open a few eyes.
Read Full Review >Pitchfork
It's actually refreshing, then, to hear a record like Raphael Saadiq's unabashedly retro The Way I See It, which doesn't try to "update" old soul sounds to a hip-hop world and a white singer.
Read Full Review >Mojo
The Way I See It is refreshingly different, eminently listenable. [Apr 2009, p.110]
Q Magazine
What's lacking from the Oakland native is the kind of fresh approach to a retro sound that elevated Amy Winehouse above straight homage. [Apr 2009, p.110]
PopMatters
He is committed to the material--that is certain--but despite the original songs, an undeniable sense of déjà vu detracts from his fine performances.
Read Full Review >What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this album is 9.0 (out of 10) based on 11 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
Janice C gave it a10:
I am one of the parents who, if it was slipped into my record collection wouldn't notice the difference! How talented is this singer and composer to create the sounds of Smoky Robinson; Marvin Gaye; The Stylistics; Supremes etc etc and all by original compositions. Thank you to my son who gave this to me for my 64th birthday. This "old geezer" loves it - as I did when I listened to Mo- Town in my teens.
Sly K. gave it a10:
Super sounds in every way music, lyrics, the whole ball of wax. This is real music! Outstanding! I
Adrienne D. gave it a10:
This is the best album I've heard in a long time. Love the old vibe to it. In a world when so many songs and artist sound alike, here come Raphael with this awesome take on old motown. LOVE IT!!!
Jay gave it a9:
Love this record. It's up there with TTT's "House of Music". Great songs, great hooks...an album you keep wanting to come back to. Favorite tracks: Sometimes, Never Give You Up, Oh Girl, Sure Hope You Mean It and Staying In Love.
Mycroft W gave it a9:
In a year that retro-soul records seem to be everywhere, every week a new Dusty Springfield rip-off, Saadiq pulls off a rare feat. A record sounding like the Funk Brothers playing at Hi records with Donny Hathaway on vocals, but nevertheless sounding fresh as hell for 2008. Fantastic!
