Listen: Sade makes a militant return on 'Soldier of Love'
Singer appears after a decade-long absence. Did you miss her?
Sade
If you’re under 30, unless your parents have introduced you to Sade, it’s probably impossible to understand how adored she was when her records first came out in the 1980s. In fact, you may have never heard her name.
Here was the stunning, exotic British/Nigerian beauty , who sang with total ennui, in a somewhat flat monotone that nonetheless stirred emotions within the listener even if Sade remained impassive. Songs like “Your Love is King,” “Smooth Operator,” and “No Ordinary Love” were mainstays on MTV. Indeed, with her sleek, gorgeous presence and stylized videos, she and a then-nascent MTV were made for each other.
It’s been more than 20 years since Sade has a real radio hit and around 10 years since her last album, but she’s back now, still on her original label (Epic) with a new single from her forthcoming February album. (Editor's Note: As one of our readers pointed out below, it has actually been 17 years since her last radio hit, "No Ordinary Love." )
And it’s amazing how little has changed. Not that we expected Sade to suddenly be a belter, but “Soldier of Love” sounds like it could have come off of “Diamond Life” or any of her other huge sellers.Hear it here.
“I’ve lost the use of my heart, but I’m still alive,” Sade sings as the song open as its military-precision drums propel the story. Her voice is instantly identifiable, but is deeper, and not quite as smooth. It’s grown a little rougher around the edges over time. However, that weatherbeaten tone certainly fits such lyrics as “I’ve been torn up inside, I’ve been left behind” and “It’s too late for love to come to turn it all around.”
It is too late for Sade? Perhaps. We doubt even adult-leaning radio would play her at this point. This is a song that will live or die by press and television placements. It has the right tone to be used in a commercial for an FX TV show or something like that. Plus, there are some righteous dance remixes to be made of this track.
Sade, "Soldier of Love" (Album Version)
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About This Blog
Melinda Newman is the former West Coast Bureau Chief for Billboard Magazine with more than 15 years of experience in the music industry. She covers music and entertainment for the Los Angeles Times, the Washington Post, Associated Press, MSN, AOL and other outlets. Recent interviews include Taylor Swift, Pink, Brad Paisley, Foo Fighters, Jonas Bros. and Snow Patrol.
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Login or create a HitFix account Login SignupMe I wish pop critics would get the facts straight before writing. Sade's last two albums Love Deluxe in 1992 and Lovers Rock in 2000 were both quadruple platinum top 10 selling albums. So Sade is not an eighties pop star having achieved success in each decade since their first release in the 80s. Second, No Ordinary Love and Kiss of Life from Love Deluxe were billboard top 10 hits. It remains to be seen whether radio will warm to the new album but it is interesting to note that Lover's Rock released in 2000 outsold it's predecessor Love Deluxe without much radio support. Such is the nature of Sade's fan base , faithful to the core because they know that at the end of the day only Sade can do Sade.
December 8, 2009 at 9:23PM EST Reply to CommentSam Sade is adored by millions worldwide and the band's return a breath of fresh air they don't need radio their fans will scoop this release up by the millions. Radio is complete trash these days anyway....
December 8, 2009 at 9:28PM EST Reply to CommentSolider of Love is BANANAS
melinda Me--
December 8, 2009 at 11:03PM EST Reply to CommentThanks for your comments. "Lovers Rock" was certified triple platinum by the RIAA, but Sade's last top 40 hit was in 1992 with "No Ordinary Love"--so it was 17 years, not 20. I definitely concede that point. More to your point, "Lovers Rock" sold as well as it did without major radio play (although some of the songs got great club play). It's nice to know that her core fans are excited about this
hotshotwriter I appreciate the somewhat positive review of Sade's first single from her upcoming album, but I feel the need to clarify some things that were inferred in your post. Yes,while no singles from Lover's Rock, her last album, released in 2000 cracked the US Top 40 chart, the album itself sold 3.8 million copies. Her fan base is healthy and intact. Radio stations have changed quite a bit in the 17 years since No Ordinary Love and sadly, a lot of really good music by established artists may not fit current formats. That is a reflection on the stations and their demographics, not the quality of the artist's material. As somone who appreciates real musicians and artists like Sade, I will buy this album regardless if radio stations pick up the new single, which by the way deserves to be heard...loud. I disagree completely and respectfully that you would say that it sounds like it could have come of Diamond Life. Are we listening to the same song? Sonically, it's on an entirely different playing field than any of her past work. There is a ferocity in those drum beats that beautifully juxtapose with that unmistakable voice. This single marks a turning point in her music and it's an organic shift that stays true to the very nature of what Sade has done so well for decades, but at the same time embraces new territory fearlessly. There isn't a song out there being played on radio right now that comes close to this one in terms of bringing something new to the table. Sade doesn't need radio, but the current state of radio definitely needs Sade.
December 9, 2009 at 11:34AM EST Reply to Commenthotshotwriter I appreciate the somewhat positive review of Sade's first single from her upcoming album, but I feel the need to clarify some things that were inferred in your post. Yes,while no singles from Lover's Rock, her last album, released in 2000 cracked the US Top 40 chart, the album itself sold 3.8 million copies. Her fan base is healthy and intact. Radio stations have changed quite a bit in the 17 years since No Ordinary Love and sadly, a lot of really good music by established artists may not fit current formats. That is a reflection on the stations and their demographics, not the quality of the artist's material. As somone who appreciates real musicians and artists like Sade, I will buy this album regardless if radio stations pick up the new single, which by the way deserves to be heard...loud. I disagree completely and respectfully that you would say that it sounds like it could have come of Diamond Life. Are we listening to the same song? Sonically, it's on an entirely different playing field than any of her past work. There is a ferocity in those drum beats that beautifully juxtapose with that unmistakable voice. This single marks a turning point in her music and it's an organic shift that stays true to the very nature of what Sade has done so well for decades, but at the same time embraces new territory fearlessly. There isn't a song out there being played on radio right now that comes close to this one in terms of bringing something new to the table. Sade doesn't need radio, but the current state of radio definitely needs Sade.
December 9, 2009 at 11:38AM EST Reply to CommentJ Brooks With all do respect Melinda, do your homework before writing your articles. Unlike other artist who's art falls victim to the "pop profit machine" that makes them over exposed and that put out poor repeatative music every other year, Sade (I mean the group) is writing their own rule book. Tell me who else can turn out a CD once a decade and never have to worry whether or not their fan base will still exist? Sade can and does and it's art when the art is ready, and it never disappoints. Putting Sade the lead singer aside for just a second I have to say that her band is an absolute BEAST!!! They never take one sound and recycle it through out song after song. They create a sound like no one elses time and time again. They are the perfect marriage with Sades vocals and song writing. Who else can take a simple drumbeat that we've all heard before and do what they did with it in Soilder of Love? It's SICK. By the way the lyrics in the song say "STILL waiting for love to come and turn it all around."
December 9, 2009 at 2:03PM EST Reply to Commentsade listern in atlanta I love Sade and would buy her album today. The true appreciation of Sade comes with her live tour. There isn't anyone better with the full band and old school class. Soldier of Love hasn't deviated one note from her previous albums which for the true Sade fan is a blessing. I for one love her unique sound and monotone voice. It is distinctive in a way that only a few notable artist can claim. I do agree that it isnt as youthful as it was 20 years ago but it is still vibriant, unique and easily identifiable.
December 18, 2009 at 3:32AM EST Reply to CommentLyrics remain catchy, classy and memoriable. Uniquely Sade.
Sade has a cult-like following and as such I expect her album to do well without mainstream play. As expected the album is much anticipated and should live up to all the longing of Sade. Remember that Sade has an established following and she aims to appeal to that crowd.
She should make a killing with her live tour which if you have never seen is truly a special occassion. My two three favorite tours of all time include Tina Turner (Atlanta 2008), Sade Love Deluxe(Atlanta 1994), and Sade Sronger than Pride (Pittsburgh 1988)
Sade's 2000 release, Lovers Rock sold 3,881,000 copies in the U.S. and the prior album, 1992's Love Deluxe sold 3,407,000. Since 1984's Diamond Life debut, Sade has sold nearly 17 million units in the U.S. alone according to Nielsen SoundScan, and has sold more than 50 million units worldwide to date. Not bad for an artist who hasn't had mainstream radio support. Long live Sade Adu.
Sarl I count those days, I keep track of the calandar, I booked my vacation just for "SADE" the whole time she's in California, I'm dieting just because she's my insperation, -- already got my Sade Tickets , I still don't know what to wear but I know what I'm looking for - Not gay, but I love her so much - I've done everything in advance to be READY for her and that wonderful talented group of hers "SWEETBACK" I hope though that I get to meet them, I did say I hope, did I?
April 5, 2011 at 11:02AM EST Reply to CommentTEKin I love you & your music sade and cant wait to see you live in staples center.......... -- already got my ticket from Ticketsinventory.com … Thank you Sade, for your music has made my dark days bright again!
April 5, 2011 at 11:06AM EST Reply to Comment