Modern-day music trends reflect Motown sound

November 4, 12:14 PMDetroit Music ExaminerBrandon Dunlap

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Raphael Saadiq (courtesy of SONY MUSIC BMG ENTERTAINMENT)

I guess Amy Winehouse is a trend setter these days. No, I'm not talking about her ratty unyielding beehive hairdo, eclectic lack of style nor her knack for being a tabloid frenzy due to her steadfast addiction to crack cocaine.

I don’t think anyone believes her dope-filled antics are amusing just like even non-Hip-Hop listeners know Lil’ Wayne needs a five-step plan for that Styrofoam cup.

However, it does seem that Wino-house was a modern-day trailblazer in redirecting the resurgence of the ’60s and ’70s Motown inaugurated sound. The return of soul in soul music, has jumped into the forefront of a new wave R&B style.

From falsetto geared crooning like Smokey Robinson to Supreme’s inspired dance-routines, it seems the music industry is in a time warped vogue that brings new meanings to what’s old is new. Individual’s like Raphael Saadiq from the ’90s trio Toni Tone Tony released ’The Way I See It’ which feature unadulterated un-modernized vintage soul music spanning Motown to Big Band. When listening to Saadiq smoothly voice-waltz over tracks evocative of classic Motown soul like “Love That Girl’ or listening to Stevie Wonder wield his signature harmonica on “Never Give You Up,” make my chest burst with pride to be a Detroiter.

To know we started the grand sound artist’s like Saadiq, Robin Thicke, John Legend and Solange (AKA Beyonce Jr.) are mimicking, has to create a sense of nostalgia and delight. What the Motown sound meant over four decades ago, now in 2008, that same sentiment is being echoed and cherished in an industry which has been obsessed with quantity versus quality for so long.

You can check out Saadiq on tour with fellow old school inspired crooner John Legend who also just released his third studio album ‘Evolver.’ The tour hits Detroit’s Masonic Temple 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 26.