Raphael Saadiq

If Sharon Jones adapts Stax's grungy soul, and Amy Winehouse makes it palatable for the Sunset Blvd. set, then Raphael Saadiq effectively photo-copies the stately swing of Motown's golden era. The best moments here ("Oh Girl" and "Love that Girl," among others) recall early Temptations, and Raphael obviously feels an affinity to the tight grooves and cooing harmonies of Eddie Hendricks and Co. Yes, this does feel a bit gimmicky, but Saadiq's ability to so accurately mimic a sound thought lost is admirable.

British bee-hive diva Amy Winehouse proved that Motown-style R&B can ignite an audience
beyond old record-store geeks. Now, California soul brother Raphael Saadiq shows how
we do it over here in America. With a supple tenor that glides up easily into Smokey
Robinson territory, the former Tony! Toni! Toné! frontman has crafted a filler-free album
that evokes classic Northern soul without sounding slavish. Saadiq isn't afraid to f... More >