...blind radar soul...

We've all heard of John Legend and his Kanye-size attributes, but it was still a tough year for true soul artists to break through. In 2004, Raphael Saadiq released his second solo album to less than sizzling sales, but came through with the usual critical acclaim he has recieved since his days in Tony! Toni! Toné!. 'I Know Shuggie Otis' is a guitar-driven mellow funk cut with his gorgeous falsetto voice providing the extra sprinkles. Also criminally overlooked in '04 was Rahsaan Patterson's third release, 'After Hours'. While he falls neatly into the current "neo-soul" pocket, his musicianship has brought him to the top of this sometimes mediocre genre. Interestingly enough, both of these albums were released independently after the artist got dropped split from a major label.

Raphael Saadiq
I Know Shuggie Otis
As Ray Ray
Pookie

Rahsaan Patterson
The One For Me
After Hours
Artistry