Very few artists have been able to maintain a career filled with success and adoration from fans and critics alike while avoiding tabloid scrutiny. But that is exactly what the majestic Sade has done with her stellar career that spans over two decades. Throughout her career, she’s always kept an aura of mystery—giving just enough to keep us craving more of her seductive voice that can sometimes be nirvana on acid. But Sade, who always moves at her own pace, has finally dropped her long awaited sixth studio album, Soldier of Love after a ten-year hiatus. And with this offering, Ms. Adu brings forth an album that is dramatic, bold and unlike anything we’d expect.
The album begins with “The Moon and the Sky,” which has the energy of melancholy tune but coasts along with a groove that is illustrious as its backdrop. “Solider of Love,” which is the first single, sticks out because it doesn’t come off convenient to a Sade fan’s ear. Hard hitting drums, a commanding force that makes your heart stand at attention and lyrics that say, “I’m hurt but not broken” show us the perseverance we all know Sade possesses. Her ability to capture the lows of love with a sophisticated nature is why we love her—because she refuses to go postal on wax due to a broken heart. She maintains her dignity, which makes her a class act.
Many songs on this album go through a number of different genres. “Be That Easy” has elements of blues that get a bit boring and uninspiring while “Babyfather,” which has a reggae vibe, blends extremely well with Sade’s horizontal voice. In addition, the lyrics work as they capture pure love at its best: “For you he’s the best he can be/ Oh child don’t you know/Your daddy love come with a lifetime guarantee.” This is also the first collaboration with Sade’s eleven-year old daughter Ila, which leaves one wondering if there is more to come.
“Skin,” one of the sexiest songs to display frustration for washing away elements of a previous lover, is as penetrating as a white oleander. “In Another Time” may work for some but seems too unadorned to truly satisfy while “The Safest Place” closes out the album on a high note. To the naked ear it sounds depressing; But if you listen closely, you see that despite the melodic sadness from the violin chords, Sade ensures that her heart is her lover’s safest hiding place.
Soldier of Love remains dark (compared to most of her albums), edgy and engaging. It takes us on a celestial trip through a number of different emotions but never veers too far off that you lose sight of its ability to soothe. Sade (the band and singer) took risks with this ten track offering as they stepped out of their boundaries and offered up an album that may not make sense but works. It’s not like most albums that critics say are raw but lack any real basis for that assessment. Solider of Love is truly an experience that is stripped down to the honest thoughts of a singer that’s traveled many roads and a band that can provide the soundtrack to those love lessons. So rather you become a soldier, corporal, or lieutenant in Sade’s army of love, don’t go AWOL until you have checked out this album because it will be an injustice to your ears if you don’t.
7.5 out of 10 stars
The Moon and The Sky
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Skin
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Morning Bird
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I love Sade, but I found this album to be an absolute snoozer. After being away for ten years, I guess I was expecting more. Soldier of Love is an soundtrack of misery.
Really like the album a lot. I have yet to pick up my legit copy (damn snow), but will do so when I’m able. The three songs you picked were three of my fav’s from the album. Nice one!
people, realize that nothing and no one stays the same. it does take a lot of listening to get into.After 10 years and life in general , a persons feelings and mood will change. groups who have it one cd sometimes don’t for the 2nd or even third. but i like it, some songs are very nice but it is still new to us and everything may not appeal to you all at once. i didn’t get into seal until i heard a song or 2 in a movie and i was like wow. Don’t be too hard on the lady, look of all the hits she brought us before these
Thanks for the 3 track preview! I just ordered the actual CD on Amazon for $9.99. A buck cheaper than the MP3 Download. Go figure!