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Breaking out of a hiatus since her 2000 album “Lovers Rock,” Sade Adu is back on the front line with her first album of the new decade, “Soldier of Love.”
Many believe Sade is a one-woman act, but Stuart Matthewman, Paul Spencer Denman, and Andrew Hale make up the band, which takes Sade’s first name. The band has been together since day one.
“Soldier of Love” is Sade’s sixth album within the band’s 25-year career.
Sade returns with a broken heart and a mourning soul, taking to lyricism to express her despair.
Though she isn’t singing about the “sweetest taboo,” her voice reclaims her stake as one of the best female vocalist in the industry.
The lead single, “Soldier of Love,” is out of the norm compared to Sade’s past work.
The guitar riffs and heavy bass drums give the track an electrifying militant feel.
If they don’t already, Generation Y will soon know exactly who Sade is.
“The Moon and the Sky” opens the album and sets a grieving tone with questions for a disloyal lover: “So why did he make me cry?
Why didn’t you come get me one last time?”
My personal favorite, “Babyfather,” is one of the two up-tempo tracks on the album. It holds a reggae vibe and a first-time collaborator, 13-year-old daughter Iba.
The other up-tempo track, “Bring Me Home,” is about hopelessness.
Sade sings, “I’ve cried for the lives I’ve lost, like a child in need of love.
“I’ve been so close but far away from God.
“I’ve cried the tears so let the tide take me.
“I won’t fight, I’ve cried the tears.”
Though it’s not our usual lively Sade, she still uses her vocals for consumer pleasure as she pleads of hopelessness and heartache.
Sade is back with new contemporary vocals. I recommend all fellow songstresses to watch out.
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