Twenty-six years since the debut of Diamond Life, Sade is still going strong with 502,000 copies of Soldier of Love already sold --beating its predecessor Lovers Rock which sold 370,000 copies.
“I've lost the use of my heart, but I'm still alive,” is the first line that is sung in Sade's new #1 hit song Soldier of Love.
Smooth yet edgy, title track Soldier of Love is the most complex and dark song the band has ever recorded. Its military drum beat commands the attention of listeners.
With lines such as “I've been torn up inside, I've been left behind. Tall I ride, I have the will to survive,” will prove relatable to its listeners, making them feel like soldiers of love.
Opening track The Moon And The Sky is a typical Sade song of heartache, setting a dark tone for the rest of the album. “You'll always know the reason why we could have had the moon and the sky.”
The loss of love seems to be a staple for many songs by Sade. The Reggae-tinged Babyfather is up-temp and the most light hearted song on the album.
Telling the cute story of how a child's parents met, its a sweet uplifting song that may have listeners remembering the day they met the significant other that is a parent to their child.
The soulful/bluesy In Another Time will put listeners in a mellow mood with its soothing melodies.
The song deals with moving on and getting over a broken heart. “In another time girl, your tears won't leave a trace.” In Another Time is one of the most beautiful songs on the album.
Skin is a smooth jazz-inspired track that is sexy. Lines such as “Sure as it's gonna play and play, like Michael back in the day, I'm gonna peel you away,” will surely grab the attention.
“Now its time to wash you off my skin. Now as I begin it couldn't be right, cos you're not right within. I say goodbye,” is a great line on how to let go of someone that is a constant negative in your life.
Soldier of Love is a smooth yet edgy album; dark and yet sexy. For new Sade fans, this will be a favorite in their future collection of Sade albums.
But for her long-term fans, in order to fully enjoy this album, you must have one ear in the past and the other in the present. Below, you can compare Soldier of Love with her 1984 classic Smooth Operator.
Sade – Soldier of Love 8/10