Raphael Saadiq
Stone Rollin'

THE REVIEW

Among the most interesting albums of last year, we cannot forget "Stone Rollin'" by Raphael Saadiq. Perhaps to those less accustomed to contemporary black music this name won't mean much, but those who have already listened to D'Angelo, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, and many others will remember him as their producer or arranger.

But let's talk about this album. Well, to listen to it you wouldn't say it was released in 2011 as there is no space for the cold electronic sounds that rage on MTV or on the radio....

Just listen to tracks like "Go to Hell" which recalls the sounds of the legendary Motown thanks to suggestive strings and surprising gospel choirs.

Or "Radio," a frenetic rock 'n' roll in perfect '50s style that seems to have come from the pen of Chuck Berry.

Let's not forget the rock-blues of the title track, the country-rockabilly of "Day Dreams" and the haunting "Good Man" featuring guest of honor Taura Stinson, Saadiq's protégé.

In short, forget the meows of Usher, the plastic sounds of Kanye West, songs in the style of Beyoncé....., "Stone Rollin'" is rich with true black music like in the old days, played with real instruments and that does not bow to the rigid rules of the market. Raphael Saadiq shows us that, to make good black music, we shouldn't forget Motown, Stax, and all the great masters of good old soul.