Raphael Saadiq has always kept the faith--especially when labels told him there was no place in today's music for his stylish, '50s-inspired solo album, "The Way I See It." Taking the stage in a suit and glasses that echoed Temptation David Ruffin, Saadiq strapped on a white Telecaster(guitar) as his six-piece band vamped over a groove that sounded like a Motown backing track. The sound, vibrancy, and coordination of this performance was electrifying down to every shu--whop. If anyone is going to bring back soul to the main stream, Raphael is our man. It's clear Saadiq lives it, breathes it and really wants to share Motown flavor - both with older audiences who grew up listening to the now-vintage sounds and younger fans. Saadiq's simplistic Motown approach reminds me that love songs can be touching in a clean, wholesome way. "Love That Girl" and "Sure Hope You Mean It" were heartfelt and welcomed takes on what love really feels like. Instead of today's R-rated shitty R&B where so-called "love" is what you find in da club, and R-Kelly is king - blah!. So if your looking for new soul; the way it was supposed to sound, listen to Saadiq.