Sade album reviews

 

Soldier of Love [8/10]

'Soldier of Love' is only the sixth studio album to be released from British singer songwriter Sade which features the single of the same title as well as other tracks 'The Moon and the Sky', 'Morning Bird', 'Baby Father', 'Long Hard Road', 'Be That Easy', 'Bring Me Home', 'In Another Time', 'Skin' and 'The Safest Place'.

Sade released her debut album 'Diamond Life' in 1984 to critical acclaim which resulted in three top forty hit singles ('Your Love Is King', 'When Am I Going to Make a Living', 'Smooth Operator') and a best album Brit Award. A year later, her second album 'Promise' eclipsed the success of her debut reaching number one in both the UK and American charts. Later albums 'Stronger Than Pride', 'Love Deluxe' and 'Lovers Rocks' did enjoy the success of the first two albums but still faired very well in charts around the world.

Early reviews of Soldier of Love are very positive with vibe.com saying "the 10-track Soldier of Love doesn't stray too far from the classic Sade sound. Mournful lyrics that dive into the emotional cost of lost love as well as hope-driven introspection fuels much of the album's dramatic tone. And that voice? It's still there: haunting, calming, gorgeous all at once"

3 Reviews
Simon H This is a far better album than Lovers Rock and clearly goes back to the roots of her music. It reminds me of the days when Sade was essential listening if you had any chance of seduction and her unmistakable velvety voice made you feel like you were wearing it and not listening to it.This is a well engineered and produced album with just a hint of 1984 but not too much, as it's a good modern R'n'B album at it's core.

10/10 [published 2/11/2010 2:28:13 PM]
mac It's not a bad album but it nowhere near as good as Diamond Life. Sade sadly peaked way too early.

6/10 [published 2/15/2010 10:56:24 AM]
Mike Duquette In 2008, while promoting the sprawling LotusFlow3r album, Prince told The Los Angeles Times part of the album was inspired by being “sick of waiting for Sade to make a new album.” Less than a year after that record’s release, it’s safe to say that Prince can shut up. A new record by Sade. The first in a decade. The longest spell between Sade records ever. Ten years went by since the excellent Lover’s Rock, since the unforgettable “By Your Side,” since lead vocalist Sade Adu opened her mouth and rekindled the world’s passion with her gorgeous voice crashing like a wave over listeners. In some ways, nothing has changed. That voice is strong as it ever was. And the ultra-hip production, with its mix of coffeehouse acoustics and strong, beat-driven melodies, is still there, making the decade-long gap between this and Lover’s Rock feel more like 10 minutes. But that’s not to say the record is more of the same. When Lover’s Rock came out in 2000, the biggest concern in America was the bursting of the dot-com bubble or the recount of the presidential election. Times are obviously much tougher today; consequently, Soldier of Love makes you consider how Sade’s message has changed with the times - and how it may affect your enjoyment of the record?” Luckily, Sade herself acknowledges that sea change on the stomping title track. “Trying my hardest/doing my best to stay alive,” she croons, “I am love’s soldier.” The band isn’t satisfied to deliver an LP of smoky bedroom jams as though nothing ever changed since they left. Other tracks like “Long Hard Road,” “Bring Me Home” and “The Moon and the Sky” have a surprisingly somber lyrical bent – an interesting contrast to the sensuous arrangements that slink through your speakers. But it wouldn’t be fair to listeners – or themselves – if Sade threw up their hands in defeat without throwing a few punches in the name of love. To that end, Soldier of Love delivers nicely. Besides the title track, there’s the gentle “Morning Bird,” the reggae-flavored “Babyfather” and uplifting slow jam “In Another Time,” all packing lyrics as romantic as the melodies they’re paired with. The surprisingly weathered lyrical content may come as a shock to listeners ready to cue up Soldier of Love for their Valentine’s Day celebrations. But Sade has produced a solid message of love for the new decade. With any luck, they won’t stay away for too long.

8/10 [published 3/5/2010 8:51:59 AM]
 
 
 
 

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