Saadiq (pronounced saw-deek) started making groovin' beats in the '80s and hasn't stopped since. Destined for greatness at the age of 18, Saadiq toured in Prince's backing band in '84 and was then joined by his brother and cousin to form the talented R&B group Tony! Toni! Toné!. He later went solo. The Grammy award winner's fifth solo album continues his trend and truly exhibits this man's talent. It's full-flavored, filled with bubbly bass and fiery drums that makes the album sound like what you would expect from the equivalent of a contemporary Stevie Wonder.
The feel-good sound and lyrics of Stone Rollin' tell stories of the adventures of love and life through the use of funk and old school R&B mixed with a little rock & roll. Each track has the ability to set the mood for almost any situation that may pop up on a hot summer day and just begs to be played on your stereo outside, accompanied by a tall, cool glass of tangy lemonade. The song "Radio" must have been designed to make you move. It's hard not to with its surf-rock guitar and insanely catchy beat. On the track "Day Dreams," which is about Saadiq's yearning for objects he can't afford (a subject most Americans are probably too familiar with), steel guitar genius Randy Randolph adds an extra element of soul.
Want a suggestion? Pop Stone Rollin' into your car while driving with the windows down for a new, refreshing album that has the ability to make you reminisce of the days when penny loafers and polka-dot dresses were a common sight.
Written by Jill Cherkas, Music Department
On the KDHX Charts: #1 Hip Hop and #4 CMJ for June 14, 2011
This album can be heard on: Hip City, Memphis to Manchester and Rawthentic.
