Many thanks, Charlie Ray....

Raphael Saadiq is a fool for this one....

Growing up in a decidedly old school household in Wilmington, Delaware in the late 80s and 90s, I secretly envied my elders who got up and put down the hottest dances from the 1960s whenever a Motown classic glided through the speakers of my mama's ridiculously huge stereo. As a child, that unbridled passion, the motivation to move and thrive in a love song with an upbeat tempo was not (and let's be frank about it - STILL AIN'T) a part of my musical generation...til Raphael Saadiq unleashed this gem, called "Love That Girl." A lot of times, in all genres of music, artists and producers stretch and strain their musical abilities to create a "retro sound," with urban musicians falling short of the feel of Berry Gordy's Hitsville, USA or James Brown's fried chicken/collard greens/mashed potatoes/sweet tea brand of funk.

Saadiq, however, pulls off a song that Eddie Kendricks is looking down on from Heaven with MUCH delight and approval. The lyrical content - simple but elegant like Smokey Robinson. The bass feels like the late James Jamerson is playing those notes himself, and complete with cymbal taps and sharp tambourine shakes, Raphael sings about this girl that is "so sweet and tender," making the listener opine for the days when it was alright to refer to a woman's personality and demeanor as her best attributes, or her physical beauty in a complimentary and respectful way.

Of course, Raphael has been a talented musician forever, so his skill is nothing new to me or anyone who may read this entry. But for him to really step on a limb and release this cut as the lead single from his new album "The Way I See It," just shows a strong conviction to his art, and he is to be commended and respected for it. It's wishful thinking that one song by a veteran musician could spark a widespread return to real instrumentation and talent, but it's a welcome diversion from Autotune-Pain and radio-obsessed production that is dominating our ears today.

Now if you'll excuse me, I've got some Philly dipping and Funky Broadwaying to do.