Video: Raphael Saadiq- "Let's Take a Walk"

Oakland's Soul Brother #1 took some folks by surprise when he dropped The Way I See It late last year. That would be because the former Tony! Toni! Toné! front man traded in a winning R&B formula for a throwback Motown sound, or what I like to call, O-Town sound. People can hate if they like, but Ray Ray created his own lane with this album and made some delicious pop music in the process.

Check out his recent video for "Let's Take a Walk" above to get a feel for the grainy nostalgia, Cholly Atkins influenced choreography and sweet soul that Ray Ray evokes on The Way It Is. Also note how Saadiq's vintage fashion sensibilites on this album have become quite current in the last few months. From the show "Mad Men" to the latest issues of GQ Magazine, it's clear that slim suits, small shirts and skinny ties have made a comeback. So you can hate on Ray Ray's old-school approach if you want, but there's nothing tired about good music and timeless elegance.