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Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed albums.
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The Way I See It
by Raphael Saadiq
The fourth album for the R&B singer features artists such as Joss Stone, Stevie Wonder, and Jay-Z.
| LABEL: |
Sony |
| RELEASE DATE: |
16 September 2008 |
| DISCS: |
1 disc |
| GENRE(S): |
R&B, Soul |
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...
100
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.
100
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.
80
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.
80
The Guardian
The album was Grammy-nominated, and deservedly so.
80
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]
80
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.
80
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.
80
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.
80
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.
80
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.
80
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.
80
Boston Globe
On his latest effort, Saadiq creates a seamless, supremely melodic set that evokes '60s and '70s soul.
80
NOW Magazine
This is instant vintage.
78
Austin Chronicle
Tony! Toni! Toné! has done it again!
70
Sputnikmusic
The Way I See It isn't going to blow any minds, but it might open a few eyes.
68
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.
60
Mojo
The Way I See It is refreshingly different, eminently listenable. [Apr 2009, p.110]
60
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]
50
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.
The average user rating for this album is 8.7 (out of 10) based on 9 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
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