By shelz.
Sade has always created a cavernous rift in the music listening public. Their fans are staunch believers of her atmospheric power and her band’s ability to wrap you comfortably in the beautiful melancholy their music projects. A Sade album is like a sermon crafted solely for those who have loved and lost; listeners who revisit the episode not to open old wounds but to rejoice in the understanding of it all. Then there is everyone else. These are the non-fans who believe Sade on the stereo, a dark room and anything sharp within arm’s reach is a recipe for suicide soufflé. To them, the melancholy is overbearing and less than enjoyable.
However, Ms. Adu and company have managed to retain a loyal fan base even after a ten year hiatus and their latest release, Soldier of Love, is one of the most anticipated albums of 2010. And the band doesn’t disappoint unless, of course, you were expecting a 180 in content and delivery. They are still searching for that unordinary love and failing miserably, but their sonic pain is our gain.
The album begins with “The Moon and the Sky.” It’s a tale of betrayal between lovers. He pushed. He prodded and when the chase was over and Adu was sufficiently in love, he walked away. However, he keeps her hanging, not allowing her heart the freedom to love another. In true Sade fashion, the track is moody and somber. The foundation is built with strings and a slow bass as Mathewman’s guitar whines over top. It’s their signature sound just as effectual as previous material.
Following is the first single, “Soldier of Love,” with its military inspired comparisons of love and war. Next is “Morning Bird.” The strings and piano are sparse. The songs builds slowly while Adu bemoans being chained to the memory of happier days. Again it’s solemn and again it’s beautiful.
There is an expected upswing with “Babyfather” (I’m so glad they didn’t call it babydaddy.) The band gives a bit of calm in the midst of the storm with this song, possibly considering how heartbreaking the previous songs were. This is a reggae tinged track dedicated to the love between a father and his child. It’s not the best on the album but the sentiment is grand. “Long Hard Road” continues the more optimistic flow. There are problems but according to Adu, “It’s gonna be alright.” And you know that’s about as hopeful as these songs get sometimes. She declares her commitment to her journey knowing it’s going to be difficult, but the light at the end of the tunnel guides her.
Sade gets a bit country blues with it on “Be That Easy.” This sound wasn’t a good fit when Adu covered “Please Send Me Someone to Love” and it fits no better now. The country vibe on this song even comes with some whistling at the end. This would be the least enjoyable song on the album.
“In Another Time” is an enjoyable flash back to old school soul with a bit of schooling for young women who are sifting through a mountain of Mr. Wrongs looking for Mr. Right. It’s a discourse about getting over it and realizing the pain doesn’t last. The alternating violin, sax and piano over the slow grove give this song the perfect balance of melancholy and optimism. “Skin” is smooth with hints of funk. Denman’s bass tows the line and Mathewman’s guitar darts in and out and the bass stutters. Adu sounds like she’s trying to get rid of a dude for a change. Nice flip. Soldier of Love closes with a love song “The Safest Place.” She again revisits the idea of love as war, but the outcome is much happier than in the title track.
Soldier of Love is everything Sade fans could want, plus some subtle spins on the band’s normal shtick that may even convince the non-fans that they have some diversity in both style and substance. There aren’t any club bangers or ass shakers of course, but the album flows wonderfully from one song to the next and listening to it in a dark room with a glass of wine wouldn’t be such a mentally morose act after all.
4.25 Out of 5
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You are wrong, the album is short and boring. Every song sounds the same, all slow songs, no hook, no catchy tunes (except the single). It’s a loser!
Sorry I like the early jazz oriented compositions over the slow funk groove of the last two CD’s. I really hate that flat canny percussion noise. Jazz is timeless this stuff is very dated. YUK !
I’ll buy “In Another Time” when it’s available on iTunes and leave the rest behind.
no need to apologize. im starting to believe im the only person who likes this album. thanks for stopping by tho, maybe we can see eye to eye on the next one… maybe 🙂
sade is a true goddess. her voice is timeless. she could duet with kanye west and i’d still barely cringe. luckily, she doesn’t even know who he is, lol.