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| Sade - Lovers Rock Band: Sade Sade "Rocks" Solid Nobody makes pain feel as good as Sade. Since her 1984 debut, the oh so sensual chanteuse Sade Adu and her moody groovers Stuart Matthewman (on guitar and sax), Andrew Hale (keyboards) and Paul Spencer Denman (bass) have made a successful career out of their exotic, down-tempo odes to Love and loss. In the eight years since they released their last studio album, Love Deluxe, Sade has, if anything, gotten sultrier. And with today's marketplace dominated by hyperperky teen pop, she returns as the Anti-Britney. (sorry Brit) With a sound that's strikingly real for these digitized times, Lovers Rock doesn't look only at the rocky side of romance. The disc-opening single, "By Your Side," with its arrangement laying bare, a simple yet poignant lyric, is positively uplifting. Even such sad songs as "King of Sorrow," "Somebody Already Broke My Heart" and the achingly beautiful ballad "It's Only Love That Gets You Through" attest to the adage that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. And with Sade, the melancholy makes for some mesmerizing music. Still Good The British quartet set out in 1985 with Diamond Life and never looked back. The latest installment in the series is Lovers Rock, amidst rumors that Sade was broken up and had been laid to rest in "Where Are They Now?" history. This album proves that Sade indeed has staying power, and probably is their best to date. Lovers' rock is actually a sweet, slow reggae, which Sade has got down to a T here. Admittedly, most of the songs here sound quite similar (tracks 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10) in the relaxed drum machine, but it is totally forgiveable when you hear Sade murmuring how she'll stay "By Your Side", where a Love light rushes over her in "Flow", and how she's crying everyone's tears in "King Of Sorrow". The writer's opinion is that "Every Word" would have made an excellent single, but no matter. That's also forgivable when you hear it performed Live (see the Lovers Live dvd), along with every other song on the CD, except All About Our Love, which is a shame because it's an addictive song. All in all, Sade is like fine wine: they just get better with age. Let's hope for more music in the years to come. A Welcome Return - She Remains So Soulful In the early,and throughout the 80s,Sade and her Band were so distinctive and owned the right to claim the development of the nightclubbing/lounge sound.She produced a debut CD that was brilliant and distinctive,that created *her* own style and sound.*Diamond Life* has remained a watershed for soulful adult groove.This CD caresses and tantilizes. After 5 or so years out of the spotlight Sade has returned with an excellent collection of seriously adult soulful and funky grooves.The sound is even more distinctive without changing her trademark formula.A definate maturity has made her songs even more appealing.This CD is so familiar to the existing fan of her style and music,and offers a welcome delight to the uninitiated. Andrew Hale,Stuart Matthewman and Paul Denman compliment her beautifully,so as to allow her voice to caress and sooth ,as a wave of sound washes over you. The singles *By Your Side* and *King of Sorrow* are excellent and worth the effort to listen,but the CD as a whole offers a rewarding experience.I think she has avoided the necessity to delve into hip hop,and techno wizzardry,and has remained Self assured in her own original style.Listen to *Slave Song* and then to *the Sweetest Gift* and *Lovers Rock*,and see the diversity.No one,other than Bryan Ferry possibly,delivers with such sensual appeal,and has such an immediately recognizable sound.Very adult and worth several plays to appreciate the textures and layering.The use of the drum programming does not detract unnecessarily from the overall product. A very smooth delight to the senses,and well worth the money expended.A rating of 4 to 4.5,and if you listen to this after 10 pm with that special person 5 stars all the way.If you loved *The Sweetest Taboo* and *This is No Ordinary Love*..you will not be disappointed.A welcome addition to your collection..gentle on your mind,red wine in hand recommended. Buy Sade Lovers Rock at Amazon.com Buy posters at Allposters.comJamster - the latest ringtones for your phone! |
