Customer Reviews

Instant Vintage

5 star:		(55)
4 star:		(19)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

If you think that by calling an album 'Instant Vintage' it is a testament to an artist's arrogance and how highly they think of what they do, then you know nothing about and have never heard any song that Raphael Saadiq had a hand in. If you have, and especially if you've heard Tony Toni Tone's final album 'House of Music', my personal favorite album of all time, then you can only be nodding your head at the title. The fact of the matter is, he is the most talented and consistentally impressive musician and singer working in R&B and you can count on him to release a great album no matter what state the music is in. The typical music fan is probably still sleeping on this one, sadly, as I've heard only one song played on the radio and BET and seen this album nowhere on the Top 40 charts. The majority of R&B acts and performers these days are purely style over substance, but this album is substance with a gang of style along with it. It is so well-written, well-performed, and almost all of the songs have something deep and meaningful beneath the surface shine.

The opener of the album 'Doing What I Can' is a biographical number where he sings about just trying doing the best that he can at what he does, and is intersparsed with various reporters and media types speaking about Saadiq's life and childhood growing up in the rough streets of Oakland. Then it moves right into 'Body Parts', a nice uptempo number with a heavy backbeat and a late-night feel like you's comin' back from a night of poppin' Cris at a club. The first and only single that I know of off the album, 'Be Here', is a nice number featuring D'Angelo that was a good choice for the radio, but is hardly the stand-out on the album. In fact, compared to some of the rest of the songs, it's pretty flat-sounding, as is 'Still Ray', which uses a variation on Dr. Dre's 'Still Dre' beat, though Saadiq's song is much better than Dre's ridiculous bit of braggadocio. The piano loop works much better on an R&B song anyways. One of my favorite songs on the album 'You're the One that I Like' follows after a short (and pretty pointless) interlude, and is a pretty poignant and kind of sad number about Saadiq coming back home to his neighborhood in the ghetto to find an old girlfriend of his who, in spite of having all the promise and chances in the world, became a victim of her surroundings. This is a story I've witnessed first-hand in my life, so I'm mad feelin' the hurt he's talking about. 'Excuse Me' is a bumpin' three-person duet featuring Saadiq, Calvin Richardson, and Angie Stone, all going back and forth to sing about a man or woman that they got it bad for, but that don't give them the time of day. An excellent collaboration of three talented artists, that rather than feeling forced and paycheck-hungry, actually seems like they all just one day decided to record a song together. Another of the best songs on the album, and also the most inspirational is 'Different Times', a duet with T-Boz, who really shows her vocal skills here. This is the most directly spiritually-driven number on the album, with it's hypnotic beat and lush vocals. It's jus' somethin' to get me or you through the day, as simple as that. Now comes my bar-none favorite song on the album 'Tick Tock', a beautiful song in which Saadiq tells his lost love that he will step back and let her deal with what she is going through, but that at the end of the day he'll always be there waiting, and hoping that she'll come back to him. This song just goes to show you what an emotional singer Raphael Saadiq is. I mean, just listen to the last verse. He's beggin, pleadin' for her as well as you, the listener, to understand his frustration and heartache. It's a beautiful thing. The next number 'People' is a powerful socially-conscious tune with observances on politics, the ghetto, the music industry and the children of this world who are growing up into a future that is looking bleaker and bleaker. Hey, somebody hadda tell the truth, right? After that dour number there is an interlude in which Saadiq introduces the next song as being inspired by two of his friends, Jaimie Fox and Lamont. The song is called 'Faithful' and is probably the song that sounds the most like classic Tony Toni Tone, almost like it coulda been left over from one of their early '90s albums. 'Blind Man' is one'a the most thought-provoking numbers on the whole album. There is something poignant in the words, but I don't really know how to explain it, so you'll just hafta listen to it, and probably more than once. Then discover the meaning behind it to yourself. It's deep, trust me. Another song that sounds like it coulda been culled from Tony Toni Tone's recording sessions is 'Uptown', in which Saadiq sings about leaving his hometown, because of all the drugs and death he sees around him. Don't let the hood take you under is the message he's sendin' here, and he puts it across beautifully. 'What's Life Like' is a brief, but powerful number about shunning materialism and making sure your soul's alright. The final song is a duet with Rosie Kaye called 'Skyy, Can You Feel Me' and it is a has a very breezy, late night feel to it, like you should be cruising the downtown strip at night bumpin' it. There are also two bonus tracks that appear at the end of the song, but that are not listed on the album. It is all brought full-circle and ended on a positive note.

I guess if I had to complain about anything on this album, it's that there is no real strong and monumental ballad, the kind that he was so damn good at singing when he was with Tony Toni Tone. A ballad along the lines of 'Still a Man' would've put this way over the top. But, in spite of that one disappointment, I still hafta give this five stars, because overall, Raphael Saadiq's long-awaited first solo album is a diamond in the rough of bad and mediocre releases that have come out in 2002. He has managed to grow but also stay true to his old self, giving the listeners who know him from his days in Tony Toni Tone what they want to hear, as well as making sure he doesn't get thrown into any category with anyone who is sub-par, by using the most sparse yet at the same time full arrangements and writing the most original songs. Lush orchestration, hook-laden, danceable melodies, and gospel influences are evident throughout the album, making it an all-around classic in every sense of the word. Alright, now that you've read this review, all of you who are still sleeping on this, WAKE UP! And then go out right now, buy this albu, and support this man, because he is the BEST at what he does. 'Nuff said.

As with most brilliant concepts, Neo-Soul has begun its ineveitable slide into cliche. Not the concept itself, but the desire to slap the label on everything even remotely related to it. In light of that, the next logical step is the backlash against neo-soul. As much as we all would like to deny it, invariably the industry's desire to capitalize will triumph, at least in part over the purity and genius of the original concept. If rock-and-roll and hip-hop were not immune, neo-soul, for all it's noble aspirations, will fare no differently.
Instant Vintage, Raphael Saadiq's debut solo effort, is a brave attempt to stave off neo-soul's descent. It is lush and diverse in sound, linked only by Saadiq's signature phrasing. By now you most likely have already heard the brilliant duo with D'Angelo, "You Should Be Here", reason alone to buy the album. Duets with Angie Stone and T-Boz (TLC) are also worthy highlights. Most notable in this effort is a deft two-step away from the typical musical fare of recent neo-soul releases. There is a song featuring a tuba, a move any good marching band afficianado can appreciate. Those who long for Lucy Pearl, will appreciate this album, as will those of us who still remember Tony, Toni, Tone'.

Anyone that was a Tony Toni Tone fan like I was, was very disappointed to see that the group had broken up. I am glad that they blessed us with "Who", "The Revival", "Sons Of Soul", and "House Of Music", but after 4 CDs of hits that included my favorites like "Born Not To Know", "The Blues", "It Never Rains In Southern California", "Whatever You Want", "If I Had No Loot", "Anniversary", "Thinking Of You", "Still A Man", etc., I was not ready to see them apart. Once the break up occurred, Dwayne Wiggins dropped a slept on debut "Eyes Never Lie" and everyone eagerly awaited on the debut of the supergroup Lucy Pearl, which consisted of Raphael Saadiq, Dawn Robinson, formerly of En Vogue and Ali Shaheed Muhammad, formerly of A Tribe Called Quest. Their 1st single, "Dance Tonight" was a certified hit, but once their CD dropped it did not do as well as was expected. A bad 2nd single choice in "Don't Mess With My Man" didn't help either, but overall Lucy Pearl had a nice debut, in my opinion. Now after droppin' solo songs like "Ask Of You", "Get Involved" w/Q-Tip and "Just Tryin' To Be A Man" w/Devin The Dude over the years, Tony Toni Tone fans finally get what they want and that's a full length CD from Raphael Saadiq. The first thing that I will say about "Instant Vintage" is that if you are a Tony Toni Tone fan then you are going to love this CD. It's just that simple. Raphael plays an important role in all of the lyrics and production and he also gets contributions as well. The stand out song on this CD is clearly "Be Here" w/D' Angelo. This was the perfect choice for the 1st single. This sounds like a nice soulful song for the summer that is unlike the famous radio songs of today. If you are not a fan of the Top 40 r&b songs of today then this is the CD for you. Raphael sticks to the same formula that got Tony Toni Tone on the map. You hear a lot of different instruments and soulful sounds. The lyrics compliment these sounds. Other standout tracks include "Body Parts", "Excuse Me" w/Angie Stone and Calvin Richardson, "Different Times" w/T Boz of TLC, "You're The One That I Like", "Blind Man", "What's Life Like", and "Uptown". On "Still Ray", Raphael even empoys the sounds of a tuba on the song, which is a tight concept, in my opinion. Please don't be confused about the 14 minutes and 33 seconds that you see on another stand out track, "Skyy, Can You Feel Me" w/ Def Jam newcomer Rosie Kaye. It's actually that track and two bonus tracks rolled up into one. They are worth listening to because the bonus tracks are nice as well. Raphael Saadiq is brilliant on his overdue solo debut. Yes this does sound like a Tony Toni Tone CD and at some points, while I am listening to this CD, I do wonder when Dwayne Wiggins is going to drop a line or two, but that does not take away from the quality of this CD. "Instant Vintage" is definitely worth checking out whether you like TTT or not.

James' Top 5

1. Be Here w/D' Angelo
2. Body Parts
3. Skyy, Can You Feel Me w/Rosie Kaye
4. Still Ray
5. Excuse Me w/Angie Stone & Calvin

Of course, this is not a holiday offering; however, if anyone wants to give a "gift that keeps on giving", then "Instant Vintage" should satisfy the fan of true R & B.

Saadig's 2002 Grammy-winning release is exactly as others have stated: a neo-soul masterpiece. The listener can relish in Saadig's unique voice and lyrical poetry. Saadig is obviously influenced by the likes of Marvin Gaye, Sly Stone, Al Green, Isaac Hayes and Curtis Mayfield, and the use of the South Central Chamber Orchestra harkens back to the days of Motown when string backgrounds brought an air of sophistication to soul music.

In an album full of favorite tracks, I must praise "Faithful", a song whose title is self-explanatory for all those fellows that think being a "playa" is the way.

If I can influence even one person to invest in this astronomical release, then I have done my job.

Certainly, Saadig has done his in crafting one of the best albums of the new millennium!

Raphael Saadig brings back the neo soul sound. He has that 70's groove. This CD is by far his best. I am looking forward to his next one.

www.misguidedproduction.com

this cd, i love it. Yes, it is a little long but it's very uplifting and fufilling. he touches a lot of topics and has a lot of different sounds or modes which makes this cd so unique, even though the tracks on this album aren't as memorable as some of the t3's cuts it's still all in all asolid albumcaable of being played over and over again in your house, car and everywhere else.

Without a doubt, Raphael Saadiq is a talented musician. As unofficial leader of Tony Toni Tone, he helped keep alive real instrumentation and music throughout the New Jack era of R&B. Raphael has always seemed happier working with other people, rarely stepping out into the world on his own in spite of his immense talent. After working with TTT for so many years he ended up jumping from band to band (Linwood Rose, Lucy Pearl, collaborations with Q-Tip) and doing production and co-writing on some of the most important soul records of the last seven years. (e.g. D'Angelo's "Lady"). Although it was obvious that he had a following, for some reason, Saadiq took fifteen years to finally step out completely on his own, and take total control of a project.

Maybe it was his upbringing as the youngest in such a large family that made it so natural for him to seek out collaboration, and he stays true to this formula on his debut solo LP, Instant Vintage. The paradoxical sounding title of an album in the equally confounding genre of "gospeldelic" as Ray refers to his own music style. Ray is a master of bringing together input and influences from elsewhere and finding something new and exciting in the interactions. (think of the mixture of the beautiful violin and hard hitting drums of TTT's "Anniversary"). Instant Vintage is full of this kind of juxtaposition. Open up the liner notes to Instant Vintage and you will find that this album has no less then 7 producers and co-producers, 18 writers, and over 25 musicians not counting orchestras. With such a diverse group of characters its amazing that the album could have a cohesive sound, but Raphael pulls it off. It appears that what makes Raphael a true talent is his ability to pull artistry from others to blend with his always funky guitar and signature vocal sound.

Each song is a complete piece in itself and Raphael pulls some exciting performances out of his collaborators:

The lead single "Be Here" features the vocal talents of D'Angelo singing over some funky scratches and flute with a kind of Bay Area cool that sounds refreshing for D. But D'Angelo is capable and his signature gospel quartet influenced vocal arrangements are present.

On the track "Still Ray", Raphael reaches back into his days of playing in the marching bad at Jackson State University. Anyone will tell you that the tubas (or sousaphones) drive the bass line and create all the funk for that unmistakable black college marching band sound and Raphael captures a bit of the magic with an inspired tuba featured on the track.

Calvin Richardson and Angie Stone join in with Raphael on the vocals on "Excuse Me" exchanging the lead literally interrupting each other with the phrase excuse me as they all cut in on each other. In what sounds almost like a hip hop freestyle session being performed by vocalists, all three vocalists blend their unique sounds together in a track that always ends too soon.

In one of the most surprisingly touching collaborations on the album, Ray pulls out a heartfelt story of struggle, survival, hope and optimism with Tionne Watkins (T-Boz of TLC). The pop princess shows why TLC has lasted so long as she draws you in with the sincerity of her chorus. Although the recording of this song predates the untimely passing of Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes the calamities of both singers (the early deaths of four siblings for Saadiq and a lifelong battle with sickle cell anemia for Watkins) are the driving force(s) behind the track.

On the opening track, Saadiq is described as an `eclectic brother' and this title fits well. The album is truly eclectic and upon the first listen one is almost overwhelmed with how many directions the music goes in. The blues guitar on "Blind Man" the doo-wop ode to marijuana on "OPH", the hip hop interludes courtesy of DJ Hi Tek, the acoustic soul of "What's Life Like", the seduction of "Body Parts", the intoxicating rhythm of "Skyy, Can You Feel Me". The album gives you a taste of everything. If you are the kind of person that likes one kind of cereal or one clothing store or one anything, you may find it hard to appreciate this album. One or two songs may reverberate with you and the rest will seem to be too left of center or traditional or whatever. You might be confused about what identity Raphael Saadiq is trying to put forth. But if you are the type that likes the variety pack and hits every store in the mall, than Instant Vintage will be right up your alley. Although it will Insatantly grab you...it will get better with each listen becoming truly Vintage material. Enjoy.

Very few male R&B/Soul singers have a resume as brilliantly decorated as Raphael Saadiq. As part of the band that Prince tried unsuccessfully to recruit back in the mid/late 80s (Tony Toni Tone), Saadiq gave us classics such as "Feels Good", "It Never Rains (In Southern California)", "Just Me And You" and "Anniversary" -- just to name a few by that group. Unforgetable 90s jams such as "Kissing You" by Total and "Lady" by D'Angelo were also sonic products of Raphael's musical genius. Let us not forget solo Saadiq singles such as "Get Involved" and "Ask Of You", as well as his work in the group Lucy Pearl (the hits "You", and "Dance Tonight"). Basically, with an illustrious career spanning over 15 years, it has certainly been about time for Raphael to put out a solo disc. And, I am very happy to report that 'Instant Vintage' delivers. I'll only highlight my three favorite tracks to keep this review short though...

If [track 9] "Different Times" (feat. T-Boz of TLC), is a hint of what's to come from TLC's upcoming (and painfully bittersweet) fourth disc, then TLC's album is going to be incredibly wonderful. The message of "Different Times" is empowering, and alludes to a higher source of spiritual strength with the lyrics "My friend won't let you down/He's always been around". A powerfully stoic duet between T-Boz and Raphael Saadiq, "Different Times" and is hands down, my favorite song on the album.

"Uptown" [track 17] reminds me of the quaint retro-soul that can be found on Tony Toni Tone's final album, 1996's 'Sons Of Soul'. Lyrically, it is about Raphael's desire to leave Oakland (and all the problems of his past life) behind. "Uptown" communicates a tired and weary vibe that only a real-life experience can produce. More than any other song on this album, I hear old Tony Toni Tone in this one.

"Still Ray" [track 4] is already receiving heavy rotation on San Francisco radio station 106.1 KMEL, and was my personal pick for 2nd single over "Faithful". Incorporating the peculiar piano motif from Dr. Dre's comback single "Still Dre" (hence the name), "Still Ray" is very simple and stripped down in sound, creating a hypnotic effect -- particulary when the plodding tuba(!) kicks in. (I just experienced a sensation of deja vu while typing this review...)

'Instant Vintage' isn't an album full of radio-friendly hits; rather, it's like a long awaited case of fine wine to be sampled, savored, and celebrated. There are other sonic gems on here that I should mention such as "Charlie Ray" (cute), "Oph" (gets the message across), "Be Here" (need I say more?) "Faithful" (growing on me), and "Body Parts"...but I think you get the point. While I am more partial to radio hit material (hence my picks of "Still Ray" and "Different Times"), I'm still very happy with this album. If you love soul/R&B, I'm sure you will too...

I had this CD about 2weeks before it's release date. It was difficult for me to fill this one because I was still groovin' to the new "Julie Dexter" - Dexterity, "Domu"- Up&Down and "GiantStep Records"- Soulsessions. But hey, it only took one train ride in Atlanta with my headphones on, from Lenux station to East Point station for me to realize my dilatory tactics wasn't in tune to what I was missing out on. Saadiq covers soul from the past, present and way into the future with this "Vintage" product. Saadiq's influences are most apparent on songs such as "Body Parts," with its "Across 110th Street" vibe, and "Make My Day," which could be considered an artistic interpretation of Gaye's "Inner City Blues." Saadiq's references won't surprise anyone, who have followed him from the R&B giants Tony! Toni! Toné! to soul supergroup Lucy Pearl, but with Instant Vintage, he does more than just lift from '70s classics. Here, he offers a complete smorgasbord of funk, soul, and R&B, soaring with urban radio-ready songs such as the Dr. Dre-inspired "Still Ray," which samples the hip-hop producer's piano-tapping instrumental "Still Dre. The joint that got me wide open is "sky".......nothing better than a soul track that forces you to the dance floor. Istant Vintage has many, many tight gems, but not all, that's why I gave it 4 stars.

YOU NEED THIS CD!!

oNe

It's been a wild journey for Oakland's Raphael Saadiq, one third of the r&b group Tony Toni Tone. Following the trio's demise in the late 1990's, Saadiq went on to venture in side projects mainly as a producer (he did Whitney's "Fine"). Finally, the brutha has come in on his own, unleashing "Instant Vintage," which is 75-plus minutes of neo-soul, hip-hop-flavored r&b, and funk with none of the sheen that mars other compemporary releases. There's not one dud on this sprawling album. Noteworthy cuts are "Body Parts," his duet with TLC's T-Boz on "Different Times," and the 14-minute closing track "Skyy, Can You Feel Me," which is really three different jams rolled into a seamless groove. Angie Stone amd D'Angelo also make their appearances on this disc, but unlike other guest singers/rappers, they take none of the spotlight away from Saadiq. Raphael's "Instant Vintage" finally reveals the talents his TTT albums only hinted at. It's got rhythm, a groove, and a bite, and it's one of the very best albums of the year.