Sade ‘Soldier of Love’ Review
Everything changes − except Sade.
For over a quarter-century, the singer has sported the same look, employed the same band, recorded for the same label, and for the most part, kept the same sound: a lean, wan take on lounge-jazz that never loses its temper or its focus.
So narrow an approach could easily bore a fidgety public. But Sade’s last CD, “Lovers Rock,†sold over 3 million copies without seeming to break a sweat. This, despite the fact that eight years passed between the release of that CD and its predecessor, a stretch during which the star passed the dangerous age of 40.
Now, another decade has passed in Sade’s life − and in her leisurely approach to recording. (The 51-year-old has produced just six studio albums.) “Soldier of Love†represents Sade’s first work since the turn of this century, which may have triggered something. For its initial 10 minutes, it seems like time finally has made an impression on the famously static star.
“The Moon and the Sky†kicks things off with a uniquely squiggly guitar hook that undulates around a skinny synth line. It sounds as fresh as anything from the singer’s first flush, transporting her understated character to an exotic new setting.
There’s even more surprise in the title track. A brutish beat mirrors strings that sound as stalwart as those in Led Zep’s “Kashmir.†An added whine from a guitar gives the song a hook that won’t quit. Sade’s voice, meanwhile, explores a deep, new register that lends her an androgynous allure.
Has the star finally broken the consummate cool that threatened to suffocate her for so long? Not entirely.
Nothing else on the CD cracks the whip with such force, even if does include flashes of what made her such a striking figure to begin with.
“Morning Bird†represents Sade at her most fine. The song’s piano has a classical formality, while her voice expresses just enough hard emotion to contrast the music’s composure.
She remains a sharp lyricist as well. The words in “Babyfather†paint an uncommonly vivid picture of a lust that brought about more entanglement than either member of the couple anticipated.
Unfortunately, by the last few tracks, Sade wafts back into her usual mood of chic control. Once again, she’s assessing thwarted love with a resignation as studied as a model’s pose.
Of course, that still leaves a CD with more life than her ’90s works. By that measure, “Soldier of Love†offers just enough variation − and comes after a long enough break − to give this steady star a worthy new tweak.
