We know you've been patiently awaiting the arrival of this record, just like we have. Now, it's here. An instant classic, Raphael Saadiq's newest work of art, The Way I See It, was recorded live, with (gasp) real instruments, and minus any samples. The results? A pure soul sound that harkens back to the best music from Motown, Stax, and the Philly soul era.

Although going retro seems to be a fad as of late, Saadiq has trumped others efforts with this recording. According to Saadiq, "I was cooling out and surfing in Costa Rica and The Bahamas, and ran into people from all kinds of places. I noticed everybody was listening to classic soul music. When I came back home the music for this album flowed organically, naturally. Since I have my own studio, I was able to perfect it, take my time to make it right. I was able to live with it, day after day and that had a lot to do with how the album turned out."
Also be sure to check for Stevie Wonder, who makes a special appearance on harmonica on "Never Give You Up," and Joss Stone on "Just One Kiss."

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