Raphael Saadiq Shares His New Album with KCRW!

Written by
Jeremy Aaron Raphael and Anthony
Jeremy Sole, Aaron Byrd, Raphael Saadiq, and Anthony Valadez (The original image is no longer available, please contact KCRW if you need access to the original image.)

On Raphael Saadiq’s last album he channeled the “ghosts of The Temptations,” as he says. On his new one, Stone Rollin’, he keeps that retro style, but takes it MUCH further – as DJ Jeremy Sole says, “it’s his “Electric Ladyland.”

At a listening party at his studio last night, all the DJs gathered there agreed it is an album you will be hearing on the air a LOT in 2011.

More from Jeremy: We stepped into Ray’s world last night, and saw on the horizon the dawn of his tomorrow. It’s bright and well developed – full of emotion and unflinching faith. Raphael’s new record is bold, lush, intentionally epic.”

The soulful pop of The Way I See It introduced Saadiq to a brand new audience and this is the perfect follow up. Every single song has a killer beat and among those of us gathered there, each had a different favorite song – which says a lot.

raphael_saadiq_the_way_i_see_it_cover-thumb-473x473As DJ Chris Douridas says “Saadiq is at the core of what we love at KCRW. He approaches his work like a young and hungry indie rock band, yet he’s got flawless taste, a distinguished pedigree and an insane rolodex.

The resulting work is this edgy, modern hybrid that combines epic melodies, and timeless grooves with an urgent, alarming relevance. that aside, he’s a hell of a guy and a very snappy dresser.”

In fact, Saadiq told me he is changing his look from “The Way I See It” to match his new sound but wouldn’t tell us what’s up next! The man knows how to put on a show so I’m sure it will be eye-catching.

The tracklist is below with a final thought from DJ Anthony Valadez:

“This is Saadiq coming hard with the kicks & snares with sprinkles of some of the most beautiful strings sections in music today. Start to finish, Stone Rollin’ is a musical journey sonically and soulfully unmatched by any other album in music today!  (Yeah I said it).”

Check out more of Anthony’s photos here

KCRW listeners can be sure we’ll be sharing this album as soon as we get our hands on it for airplay. The album will be released in March.

Photos of the board in Raphael's studio by Anthony Valadez
The mixing board in Raphael's studio - Jay Dee (aka J Dilla) and James Brown -- by Anthony Valadez (The original image is no longer available, please contact KCRW if you need access to the original image.)

Stone Rollin’ Track List

Heart Attack

Go To Hell

Radio

Over you

Stone Rollin’

Daydreams

Movin’ Down The Line

Just Don’t

Good Man

The Answer

RR and RS
RR and RS (The original image is no longer available, please contact KCRW if you need access to the original image.)