Reminiscent of The Temptations' 1971 hit intro to “Just My Imagination,” Saadiq begins with “Sure Hope You Mean It” and continues with the evocatively ear-pleasing tracks, “100 Yard Dash” and “Keep Marching.” These are followed by perhaps, the most haunting of songs on the album, “Big Easy.” This tale of Hurricane Katrina grabs your attention with an accompaniment from New Orleans' own Rebirth Brass Band.
The Way I See It Cameos
The Way I See It features several well known performing artists :
- English born Joss Stone proclaims, “I can fool a few / but never you / never you” in the two and half minute sentimental song “Just One Kiss.”
- Jay-Z barely graces the album with a disturbing intro to “Oh Girl”
- Stevie Wonder showcases his harmonica skills in “Never Give You Up.”
- The heart aching ballad, "Calling," includes the yearning, Spanish vocals of talented Mexican born artist, Rocio Mendoza.
As quoted on the artists' official website, Saadiq briefly explains the inspiration for the album, “While I was making the album, I watched videos by Gladys Knight & The Pips, Al Green, The Four Tops...And fused them all together.”
The Prime of the Album
Halfway through the prime of the album, Saadiq is found heating up the dance floor with the sexy and suggestive track “Let's Take a Walk.” He forthrightly states, “This place is crowded / Don't know about you / I need some sex / Some sex with you.” This seductive ditty is followed by his powerful ode to his mother and grandmother with “Sometimes.” The tambourine backed track earnestly expresses the life lessons he gained from these women.
House of Blues : March 2, 2009
At a high-energy concert on March 2, 2009, Raphael Saadiq paused to rightfully explain the motivation behind The Way I See It. In suit, skinny tie, and black patent leather shoes, Saadiq states that it was not an attempt at a “throwback album” but that it is simply the way he sees music. As a child of the 60s and 70s, he would naturally be capable of a vintage soul revival fitted to move hearts, thus sales.
The End of Memory Lane
Successful singer, songwriter, and producer, Raphael Saadiq rounds out his third solo album with “Kelly Ray.” Mirroring the internal thoughts of commitment-fearing singles, Saadiq cheerfully inquires, “What kind of drug you done given me babe that makes me wanna hold your hand in public?” The trip down memory lane is well worth the ride.
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