After parting ways with Tony! Toni! Toné!, Raphael Saadiq worked as a session player and producer, and in 2002, he released Instant Vintage as his debut solo project. Dubbed by Saadiq himself as a "gospeldelic" album, he draws heavily from soul, hip hop, funk, rock, jazz, and doo-wop for the critically acclaimed but commercially unsuccessful record, and the effortlessly sensual sound he is able to craft is a reminder of why he is considered one of the preeminent r&b artists of his generation. The sophisticated horn and string sections blend with hip-hop flavored drums, and Saadiq also incorporates lots of guitar and keys as well as scratching (string and horn sections were recorded to vinyl then scratched). Saadiq's emotive vocals plus guest appearances from peers like D'Angelo ("Be Here"), Angie Stone ("Excuse Me"), and T-Boz of TLC ("Different Times") round out the release. Other highlights include: "Tick Tock," "Different Times," "You're The One That I Like," and "Still Ray."

• black double vinyl pressing
• gatefold sleeve
• first time on vinyl since 2002
• remastered audio
• music label: Get On Down 2020

reviewed by berry me smiling 03/2020