"Love That Girl" is a song by American recording artist Raphael Saadiq, released as a single on August 5, 2008, by Columbia Records. It was the lead single for Saadiq's 2008 album The Way I See It. The song was written by Saadiq and co-producer Bobby Ozuna. "Love That Girl" is a Motown-inspired soul song with sweet-natured, innocent lyrics about affection.
"Love That Girl" is a Motown-inspired soul song with repetitive bass lines, echo chamber-like claps, and call and response choruses.[1] It also features Motown-styled instruments by Jack Ashford, including tambourine, vibraphone, bells, and shakers.[2] Gail Mitchell of Billboard characterizes it as "a swing tune that calls to mind the Temptations' signature brand of suave grooves".[3] Andy Gill of The Independent writes that the song has "the poise of the David Ruffin-era Temptations."[4] The song's lyrics are sweet, innocent, and expressing affection for a love interest.[5] They also feature rhyme schemes similar to those of classic soul songs and restrained falsetto vocals by Saadiq.[1]About.com's Mark Edward Nero finds its subject matter reminiscent of Mary Wells' 1964 song "My Guy".[5]
Release and reception
"Love That Girl" was released as the lead single from The Way I See It.[5] It was released as a digital download on August 5, 2008, by Columbia Records.[6] Its music video was released on August 27,[7] and featured Saadiq and his band in vintage attire, including matching suits and a flowing red dress worn by the backing vocalist.[1] "Love That Girl" was later used as the theme song for the sitcom of the same name,[8] on which Saadiq served as executive producer.[9]