hello all , i would not give my opinion but rather my impressions of the album soldier ; more than a year after its release i listen often to the house i ' m tired of all why ? talent group obviously ! the last "battle" can be ? a result no one realizes it , surely ! an album as a habit his honest.........

I love you SADE you are my favorite singer for ever. I know that. I just want you back to your beautiful classic Jazz style. wanna hear that beautiful piano and saxophone in your art again.
you are always the best.

your songs we walk , we stroll , takes us into the starry sky .............

I watched her video on 'The making of Soldier of Love.' Even here she comes across open. In it she talks about things about herself. She didn't intend to be a singer. She doesn't like to soak up that fan fare paparazzi stuff. And like that french guy who posts used the word 'humility.' Now, also, Sade said that when it's time to do her stuff. She is all there 100% for the Spirit of that song.

And that's it. When she comes out of that speaker it's like she's right there with you!

I'm telling you. It was like that the first time I ever herd her voice.

hello all ,personally for me every trip album s more than a gift ,a treat ,we must not forget that whem she writes and composes with his mucician friends ,the words of the texts as a rule are link to her life with her and their own ;so l think that when the group gives us giftsof this size,l dare say who are we to discuss shapes and colors in 'humility' take these gifts as sinple possible. jordan art..

good morning , every albom ply bel gift ,event ; very profond et noble ...

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jordan-art

bonjour a tous : personnelement pour ma part chaque sortie d'album s 'est plus q' un cadeau pour moi , un regale ,il faut surtout pas oublier que quant elle ecris et compose avec ses amis musiciens ,les paroles des textes en regle general sont sont lier a sa vie avec un son qui leur et propre :alors je pense que quand le groupe nous offre des cadeaux de cette importance qui somme nous pour discuter des formes et des couleurs ' humilite ' prenons ces cadeaux le plus simplement du monde ...

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jordan-art

a little more electronic sound which sound good because they know how & what to do with all types of music..........!
of course they are some oldies albums which bring us here as fans, & from now, nothing can compare to them!
I am a little more desapointed by the little risk taken with new more slamming tempos........!!!! & finally Helen Voice is still there, even better! what is her secret?!?

Soldier of love = Well done job !!!!!
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Nadège

bonjour a tous : oui j 'ose le dire et encore et encore , humilite, simplicite, naturel, professionnalisme , un son , une voix ,une presence , une gestuel, plus q'une artiste une princesse une vraie.... princess.....

bonjour a tous : oui j 'ose le dire et encore et encore , humilite, simplicite, naturel, professionnalisme , un son , une voix ,une presence , une gestuel, plus q'une artiste une princesse une vraie.... princess.....

I love, love, love this album as I have all of Sade's music. Every album has its own personality, concept, and direction. I prefer music which speaks of intelligence, desire, love and conflict. All of this music shows a maturity, thoughtfulness and depth we have been missing for too long. My favorite band has layed it out for us to chew on and absorb. I love to sing along, so each song becomes a part of me. I've always done this with Sade. Maybe, this is just a querk of mine but, It helps me to absorb the lyrics of each song. Whether its a slow or upbeat song I don't care, as long as it means something strong to me. The Moon and the Sky reminds me of an old boyfriend, its beautiful and haunting. A Soldier of Love makes me want to move. Morning bird reminds me of commitment. Babyfather reminds me of all the young women trying to find their life and mates. Long Hard Road is lovely, it reminds me that no matter what its going to alright. Be That Easy makes me think of mint julips, moss on the trees sitting of the front porch in the summer in New Orleans. Bring Me Home reminds me of all those I have lost in my life and my own mortality. In Another Time is just want to slow dance and play it for every young person who has ever felt left out, talked about or mistreated. Skin is interesting, sober thinking about ending that bad relationship. The Safest Place is a perfect ending. I mind is put back into a peaceful and secure place. Please Sade don't make me wait so long. This album is like food to a starving soul. The singer is excellent and probing, the music is flawless.......Play it again......

Merci

Bienvenue

Voici mon avis tout à fait personnel sur l'album de Sade

Après 10 ans d'attente, on s'attendait à quelques choses de magnifique, et personnellement je n'ai pas été déçu, cet album est trop génial, on y retrouve le style Sade mais remis au goût du jour. Du tout grand Sade.
Soldier Of Love est un très bon choix pour le premier extrait. C'est un titre accrocheur.
Babyfather, ma chanson préférée et puis The Moon And The Sky ; Bring Me Home et puis toutes les autres, elles
sont toutes les 10 agréables à écouter, elles sont toutes d'une très grande qualité, ce qui est rare de nos jours. Total Respect.
Pour finir Sade Adu n'a rien perdu de son charme, de sa sensualité, son élégance naturelle, sa personnalité .... et surtout de son merveilleux talent.
Un énorme bravo.

Bravo! Excellent review, thank you.
I particularly love your phrase "...the significance of marinating with an album for a substantial amount of time".
So true!

Nice. Very much that. And sweet. Very. Roses. Lots of Roses. Love the beat... of the title track "Soldier Of Love". Lyrically I prefer the strength, pride and acceptance of the mind behind the lyrics on SOL over the sadness... on a track from an earlier Sade track that put me off a bit. Age makes us stronger in some way like that. Getting back up is moving, eh? A BIG Mahalo Ms. Adu et. alii. - DaKine.

I have many artists I love to listen to but SOL has been on my stereo since I bought it . Awesome album

wonderful ! ... you said it best !

Awesome review!

Like you, I too, still have the SOL songs reeling through my head, day and night. It so creeps into you and stays there, like a dear old friend. I loved every song from the first moment I heard them which is rare, I admit. And still, I love every song.

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts.

Soldier Of Love is a breath of fresh air! In an era where organic, soulful, heart wrenching and genuine music is damn near obsolete SOL plays through like a triumphant king basking in his rightful throne while most other albums/artist step aside without confrontation but respect, in awe.
The album plays through very cohesively with a beautiful, mature, and soothing sound.

One of the biggest problems I find with critics and most listeners, is that they tend to go into a new albums with baggage. In other words, they shortchange their experience of taking in new music by trying to compare something old with something new. SOL is not a Pt 2 of anything. It stands alone and it stands tall!

I was dissapointed but not surprised to read reviews that while they praised the album alot were plagued with "It lacks songs like (insert old Sade song here)" and really, that's just not only unfortunate but unfair. If a 10 year break isn't a big enough indicator that people just might grow and mature than the only thing really lacking in the equation is common sense and logic. I really feel bad for any "major" publication that houses such un-professional and really, incompetent music critics who don't understand the significance of marinating with an album for a substantial amount of time

This album creeps into your psyche, almost like a drug, with it's deep lyrics and haunting melodies. I literally found myself waking up with hooks and lyrics at the tip of my tongue, not being able to get them out of my head for days on end.
SOL is an in depth and intimate body of work that at the same time really never gets into any explicit detail and if you ask me, that's half of the magic that makes up Sade. Any real fan of music will immediately notice the real time chemistry between vocalist and musician. Every song has a very collective and genuine vibe to it, making it instantly obvious that these guys really did get together in 1 studio and sculpted this album from the ground up!

At the end of the day Sade may very well only drop one album per decade these days but it's becoming more apparent that she's probably also dropping the album OF the decade when she does, as well.....

Real Talk!

A huge heartfelt thanks... From Russia with Love...
Jah bless...

Well, weeks ago, I gave my initial impression, and now after the 'taking some more time to get really deep into it' phase is over....... it's unbelievably excellent!!!!
just now, i realized that listening to a brand new album is very much like a blind date... and of course anything really meaningful that might happen, probably won't sink in 'til way, way, way... after the third date (if you know what I mean). And even though we go way back, (Sade and the fans) a reunion after a ten year gap is like getting to know someone all over again. Despite constant consistency, Sade always pull out a new direction in every album, and of course, anyone who does not change and mature in a ten year time span, probably isn't very fascinating!!! So... after getting to know it, and reuniting with Sade and the boys further down the road, I have to say... it's another classic and the album sales speak for themselves...... and like that diamond, it will be forever.......

If it takes such a long time to produce this album I am willing to wait another 9 years to get an album like soldier of love - maybe one of the best I ever heard.

Big thanks to Sade and the musicians.

I Love it!!!!

SOL

... is not set up yet but will be written with my emotions.
I'm still getting more familiar to it - and loving more and more! I'm very sentimental, so sometimes tears pop up in my eyes (Bring Me Home, The Moon and the Sky). Beautiful match of Sade's voice and the band!

from iTunes on the day it was released, Feb 9, 2010. I have been listening to it almost exclusively (Sade has been the exclusive artist that I have been listening to since the 9th).

It does 'seem' to have a lot of slower songs than most, but pick up Promise and listen to it again. It's mainly slow tunes as well - and that one was their other #1 album!

I love this new album! Love it, Love It, LOVE IT!

You're correct...there's no such word.

But it is the only word I can think of when thinking about this CD. I'm in love with it. In another time, it wouldn't be that easy, but it's been a long hard road getting to this point. I swear upon the moon and the sky that I am now a true soldier of love, and I already miss Sade, my morning bird, and would love to be her baby father. She gets under my skin, and knows how to bring me home. I will always keep her in my safest place.

Wow. I love you, Miss Adu

Mr. Millennium

I've been playing an album at night as I sleep for a very long time, and SOL is my new fave. Sade gives me a great night's sleep.

Just heard it for the first time and i have to say that SOL is really the one i enjoy. I also liked first time through Bring Me Home and The Safest Place.

Opinions of songs and albums change over time; I'm sure mine will.

What interests me is how styles change over a lifetime; I would guess that lyrics and music are written in the moment. I would not think that one would or could write a song at the age of 45 than when she/he were 18.

Overall, I am very impressed.

Thanks for your review. You wrote it like a friend of mine that does all of Tori Amos's songs, to the point. I just bought this CD and I can't stop playing it. I had NO PC back in the 90s, and lost touch with Sade. Welcome back Sade

I believe Helen is blessed to have these type of fans, all words from the heart ,no lying, no politics just heart felt adoration for those gifts which touch with gentle mercy the heart and spirit in where we live and breath through this mortal shell. She is the bringer of hope to the broken heart, and the friend to those which can never heal, but live always in that special moment. No matter what or by which name we call upon our higher power and our articles of faith, Helen is always at hand to mediate, a liaison by which we speak our heart deeper and more affordable than we our selves could ever in a thousand life times. Her Spirit , very mature, ancient by many standards. The sword in the hand of the wronged and broken, the rightness of the dammed, and hope to the forgotten. Aba Binillin Iholip Topoli Chukma Umi Itabee Sade, Mica Chukam shki. Ten Lionz

Ten lionz

I have to say that Soldier of Love is growing on me. It is though Sade's darkest record to date. It is not an easy album, it is difficult to listen to at first all at once but it is really a brilliant album that growns on you with time.

am not the best critic...i try to c good n everything...even if there is no good. but whatever about that! lol => i love soldier of love each time i listen to it i get a little stronger....the US really needed this! umm i like baby father with her daughter singing on the track...i thought that was sweet too...I play it for my neighbors little girls. and i like number 1... i just realize how accurately it describe a relationship i was in. Very good work this was a great cd to just relax and chill out to or have playing around the house. But my real baby of a song is the last one. I hear the emotion of the beats, lyrics, and singing.

I love the entire cd. I have to say "Be that Easy" become my fav over the course of the week, @ first its was "Skin", then "In another time" but I can safely say "Be That Easy" is one of the most beautiful melodies with such sweet poignant lyrics ever. It just speaks to a painful situation so gently, so appropriately and beautifully metaphoric....my fav track by far!! The the bluesy cords and countriness reminds me of Pasty Cline whom is my fav country singer ever..I love it!!!!!

For those of you having problems with the slow songs, you have to listen to them when there are no other distractions, like traffic and daytime noise. Trust me, I had the same problem. I was so disappointed when I first heard so many of them. But when I finally had the opportunity to be somewhere that was quiet, and I could chill, I could hear so many different things that I was blown away. It was if I had been listening with the sound turned down.

Another issue you may be having that I had is the intro into each of the slow songs. When most start to play they sound as if they are going to be a very sad, slow song. Just let them play. After a few seconds, that Sade sound kicks in and you're hooked. It's like she walks up to you all sweet and innocent, and then POW...she slaps the sh.. out of you with that familiar jazz, funk, and R&B, and you just start grooving. I swear you'll ask yourself, why didn't I hear that before? As I said, it's because you can't hear it when you're on the go, or not paying attention, or you're not somewhere you can blast it, or you don't have base in the place.

Just do exactly what I'm telling you. Preferably at night, when it's quiet, either put on your earphones and turn it up, or if you are not around neighbors, turn it up on your stereo, or if you're near the ocean...DAMN...if you're near the ocean, just get there just as the sun is setting and crank your car speakers. Then come back and tell me I'm wrong.

Trust me.

I got this album on the day of it's release and i can't stop listening to it. Every song is good, to the ear and the soul. This was the music the world was waiting for. Alot of the songs on this album speak to me. It's hard to pick a favorite but i will say Morning Bird, Babyfather and Bring Me Home i tend to play alot.

Sade – Soldier of Love – A record for the strong heart.

I would first like to thank Sade for creating a work of art that we can (in essence enjoy and) listen to. Being that this is my favorite artist I will try to give an “as unbiased as possible” review of this 2010 release. I purchased this album February 9, 2010 and have listened to it several times through now. I thoroughly enjoy it and, if you haven’t heard this album yet, I strongly suggest you give it a listen. There are not many artists of this caliber, and even if you don’t understand it, you should at least check it out, if only one time around.

In order to properly appreciate this album one should understand the artist/s to a certain degree. The scope of this review won’t allow me to go into details so I’ll skip the biography, that you can read at http://www.sade.com/us/biography/ .

My initial excitements came when I listened to the single “Soldier Of Love” back in January 2010. It was shortly after the Grammy’s, and I was browsing albums upcoming this year (hoping for something better than 2009). I stumbled upon a treasure…Sade was releasing a new album. Awesome! either a late Christmas or I must be dreaming! I immediately saw a downloadable single entitled “Soldier of Love” and quickly added it to my collection.
I listened to “Solider of Love” begin with cold winds and battle horns that cry and, you I was immediately placed in a barren, lonely battlefield. Then Sade’s legendary voice in the first verse, “I’ve lost the use of my heart, but I’m still alive.” struck the initial blow, letting you know exactly who you (the listener) were dealing with; a tough, determined, and caring individual. Though the music may get you psyched up to charge into battle with deep bass and battle-like drum rolls, the lyrics contrast this emotion with sorrow from remembering previous battles. The optimistic closing verse “Still waiting for love to come and turn it all around” leaves one thirsty. Needless to say I pre-ordered my copy which I’d have to wait several weeks for…

One of the first things I noticed about Soldier of Love is the packaging. Wrapped (on the side) in jet black, contrasting all of her previous albums which are white, was a new color, fitting for this latest album. Also, we don’t see her face anymore, Sade is turned and we only see her back. The background, a breathtaking landscape with no people and a bird flying high in the sky. Lyrics still printed inside the booklet, and my only complaint is that there are no photos of anybody else inside either, not her or the band. Considering the mood of the music, which leans towards an overall melancholy character, this all seems quite appropriate.

I listened to Soldier of Love on my large home speakers and wasn’t dissatisfied with the sonic quality one bit. Considering I’d compare it to Diamond Life, which was recorded some 20 years ago, this was expected. With ten coherent tracks Soldier of Love shows us how/why Sade is a soldier of love. Each track strengthens her main theme as she lyrically reveals herself as a wise female reflecting passion, love, and sorrow. Sung with the classic elegance as that of her previous records, the vocals remain heartfelt, consistent and, dynamic. With similar style, effects, sounds, and design, this is unmistakably another Sade record.

The album begins rather distressing, with The Moon and The Sky as the opening scene Sade sets the stage and the mood. It moves into a relatively upbeat theme song, and single, entitled Soldier of Love which forces energy into the album, fueling the listener for what’s to come and, grabbing their attention. Track three, Morning Bird, eases the pace with a serene, private track designed to touch the listener personally. When Babyfather comes on, we are well into the album and hear a novel story telling type of song. Midway through the album Long Hard Road prepares the listener for the rest of the journey. Followed by a comforting song entitled Be That Easy, brings people together under a common ground (Love isn’t easy for anybody). As we reach Bring Me Home we are thrown into the heat of the battle. Succeeding the darkness is a feel good song entitled In Another Time. When Skin comes on next, the healing begins and wounds inflicted are licked clean. The Album closes with The Safest Place, an “amazing grace” style song that will leave listeners feeling loved, and/or ready for love.

In further detail a track by track analysis…

The Moon and The Sky: Kicks the album off, beginning with a couple guitars and some strings that set a mellow-dramatic tone. Quite possibly the strongest track on the entire album. Mixed to perfection The Moon and The Sky is flawless. Sade takes the stage questioning why her lover left her even though she gives them everything. “You lay me down, and left me for the lions” A verse conveying the suffering she has been through, gives the impression of pain and disappointment. This song sounds like a hopeless cry to a person who deserted her. It’s mysteriously personal though, she doesn’t tell us why they left or how, because they alone can only know, and regret it forever. The Moon and The Sky evokes powerful emotions which prove to be lonely but not depressing. The foundation of the album is set, the mood is revealed. Subsequent tracks are purely extensions layered off The Moon and The Sky.

Soldier of Love: The theme song and title for the whole album. A perfect second track, sets the album off with a steady war-like pace. It just feels like an army march or a battle song. I can’t see anybody under 20 years old relating with this song completely. Being that I myself (not even half her age) can’t even grasp the full scope of the feelings expressed. So personally, I can only watch/listen to this strong individual in awe. “I am lost but I don’t doubt” gives hope to continue on even through the “wild, wild west”. The drum roll makes it first appearance here, playing a significant role throughout the album and, giving power to this war-like tune. Sade’s vocals aren’t high, they play subtle and tough, just like a focused warrior. I think the key lyrics, “But I’m still alive” show us that even though she may not be perfect, the message is clearly that she is still trying, hasn’t giving up, and in essence, is still here! This song gives a person optimism and prepares them for the battles they will have to go through in the remaining tracks, as well as throughout their entire lives.

Morning Bird: The third track in the album. Quiet, subtle, and mellow. Begins with an acoustic piano and a light string section. This song is about a first love who gave her life but has turned into a “ghost” and flown away like a bird (perhaps on the cover). “You are the morning bird, who sang me to life.” She reminds us that even although she has been left, she herself will never fly away. Again, repeating what she told us in her opening track, that she couldn’t ever leave her true love. This song slows down the pace of the album considerably and gives it a very dark feeling. It does contain the war-like drums introduced in Soldier of Love, however they are played in the background as to not dominate in this calm track. Not much happens musically, this is almost an a cappella song with subtle instrumentation to enhance and, dramatize the tranquility of the tone/lyrics.

Babyfather: A much needed relief song from the previous Morning Bird comes track four. So far the first three songs were mainly melancholy tunes, this one gives us a break and pulls the spirit up. Babyfather picks the pace up immediately with fast paced electric snare drums to lift the spirit. A very happy peaceful guitar strums chords until Sade takes stage, and the bass hits deep. With lyrics like “your daddy love come with a life-time guarantee” Babyfather is unmistakably a song dedicated to fathers everywhere. It’s about a girl meeting a younger boy and falling in love. This is a song, narrated by Sade, with background vocals singing in harmony, giving more of a happy mood. I can’t say I am impressed with the melody of the verses nevertheless, the chorus lines are defiantly catchy. And the theme and message out-weighs this weakness only to turn it into a strength. This is defiantly the feel good song on the album.

Long Hard Road: The middle song in the album begins with acoustic guitar only that plays through the entire song. Long Hard Road give the feeling you are about to embark on a journey into the unknown. With no background vocals of any kind, and very little instrumentation or drums, Long Hard Road unfolds musically as an extremely sad and lonesome song. Sade lyrically transforms it into a hopeful adventure with words like “It’s gonna be alright”. By the end of the track instead of feeling abandoned you are actually strengthened, and prepared to keep moving as you progress to experience more emotions in forthcoming songs…

Be That Easy: My initial impression of this song was that it sounded like a lullaby. Slow tempo, and not very loud, with soft vocals and lovely harmonies. It feels like something you could play as you hold a newborn baby and be completely peaceful. As with most of the songs though, the lyrics “I am a broken house” contrast the blissful nature of the beautiful music. Midway through the song however, “Flying as slow as I can” takes you on a flight like a bird (perhaps the bird on the cover). The song really puts one at ease with mellow instrumentation; something you can close your eyes to and really relax. Her closing verse, “Meanwhile boy I love you” reiterates the fact that even though she is alone, she will never stop loving. Love is never, “that easy”.

Bring Me Home: Conceivably the fastest paced track on the entire album. With opening lyrics “I have nowhere to turn now” Bring Me Home compels one to feel lost or deserted. The melody of the guitar sounds like a final push, or even vengeance-like. I love the fact that the cymbals do not crash loud, but are delicately placed in the background. Bring Me Home has got to be the most vivid and gloomy pieces on the Soldier of Love. Mid-way through Bring Me Home Sade sings, “I’ve cried the tears”, all drum and bass cease and, a songstress breaks down with a cry absolutely unique and unforgettable. This song does give the vision of death with lyrics like “Send me to slaughter”. What could be more on a soldiers mind then inevitable death? Great Track.

In Another Time: A slow intimate jam with a touch of jazz. This is one I can see myself having a personal dance with my sweetheart with. This is where the healing begins on an album so full of longing and heartbreak. As Andrew plays the acoustic piano you can feel your troubles start to slip away. In Another Time ultimately tells us not to wait for change or cry about our problems. Stuart lays down yet another soulful saxophone track, along side a brilliant violin solo, that really begin to heal the soul and sharpen the heart. Classic jazz, and defiantly candle-lit dinner worthy.

Skin: Welcome back the synthesizer sounds and special effects. Skin is a smooth groove that will really purify your spirit. Clever percussive sounds give the song snap in a bass heavy track. Pads provide an ambiance that will sooth your soul. Lyrically there isn’t much happening, as the music is so rich it will do all it needs to cleanse your skin. And that is what Skin is about, (“Now it’s time to wash you off my skin”) a cleansing of the spirit and forgetting about the past. Sade gives a warm “goodbye” at the very end, signaling the album is coming to a close.

The Safest Place: The final track. Sade doesn’t leave us lightly, she invites us all right into the depths of her very own heart with the first phrase, “In my heart your love has found the safest hiding place”. Musically we hear an intro that awakens us as if we are coming to awareness. There are no drums present on this track, as the melody is largely vocal and carried by Sade’s voice. She paints a wonderful picture of how wonderful the heart of a soldier’s of love truly is. “In there will shine the light of heaven”. Although short, this final track is very, very, sweet.

In closing, Soldier of love is an album not for the faint at heart. You won’t find classic love songs like “Your Love Is King” or “Nothing Can Come Between Us” or “Kiss of Life”. This album approaches love from a different perspective. However, Love is still Sade’s main theme, this album simply approaches it in a more mature manner. As a lonely warrior on a battlefield, she demonstrates how even in the harsh surroundings of love and relationship, she remains unwavering in her devotion. I don’t see any fantasy in this album, instead it is so real it is almost scary. After nearly a decade off, Sade’s voice is more dazzling then ever. Musically the band doesn’t fall short at all of their tried and proven sounds. If anything, due to technological advancements in audio engineering, this is arguably their best sounding album to date. With a wholesome blend of acoustics as well as electric sounds, Sade fans will be ecstatic when they hear Soldier of Love. Furthermore, anyone from all ages and all walks of life will leave with something beneficial having listened. As for Sade fans, Soldier of Love is defiantly a must have.

Well It's been almost a week since I picked up the album. Let me first make one thing clear.

I LOVE SADE. I am borderline obsessed, but I won't let that cloud my judgement on what makes a classic album. I can turn on many of her songs, and tear up. It's amazing how she makes me feel inside, and I'm sad knowing there might not be another artist I enjoy in my lifetime as much as I enjoy her. Sade is, without a doubt, my favorite.

When I first saw the Soldier of Love video (which was the first time I heard the song), I wasn't that impressed. I said to myself "I waited 10 years for this?" even though it was still awesome. Yes, it was great, but not the Sade I know. I didn't have the highest of hopes for the album.

I love the jazz infused music they (used to) have. I listen to so much Deep House music and some underground hip-hop. Actually, because of underground hip-hop, I learned about Sade (see MF Doom - Doomsday). Sade is something I put on when I'm tired of the same old same, or need some inspiration, or maybe even keep me down when I'm already down. I don't need them to make me a trip-hop song when I already listen to Portishead and Massive Attack.

But whatever, any Sade is good Sade.

The album is very good, but in my rankings, it's last in the Sade discography (albums-wise).

The album just lacks the smooth, jazzy Sade sound. I dislike slow tracks, no matter what album or artist sings them. The Safest Place, Morning Bird, Be That Easy, or Long Hard Road are so slow to me. In my eyes, that's four out of ten songs with the same boring, slow sound. In addition, the album is more somber than the past works. For Valentine's, I made a Sade mix for my restaurant. I had only one song on my mix from SOL, the other songs were filled up from the other albums. Just seems like a sad album, rather than a positive one.

But please, don't think that I am not a fan of the album, because I enjoy it very much. Moon and the Sky, Soldier of Love (which grew on me a lot), Skin, In Another Time, are all very terrific songs, but I'm not sure about their staying power in my rotation. I guess I was just expecting a bit more after 10 years. Maybe she just doesn't have the fire or energy in her anymore. I hope not, and I hope I don't have to wait 10 or 12 or 15 years for something else. But, this may be the last Sade album.

By the way, I can listen to Love Deluxe from now until forever. Same goes for Promise and Diamond Life.

Maybe as time goes on, I'll grow to appreciate these songs a bit more. In actuality though, this release has made me listen to Sade's old music non-stop. It's almost like I fell in love with Sade all over again.

She's amazing. I can't wait to see Sade in concert for the first time.

The new Sade songs simply take me away; they work the same magic effect on me her other albums did. No other artist has ever had such a mysterious hold on me. The lyrics, the music, the ambiance created and, over all, Sade's voice take my whole soul away. Does Sade know the power she holds ? What a smooth operator ... Many of her songs make tears drop from the corner of my eye over and over, I really can't help it; this time around I'm especially moved by The moon and the sky, Bring me home, Long hard road and mostly by In another Time. I'm already addicted to this beautiful album. I can't wait to see Sade live. Hope they come to Canada and if not, I intend to travel anywhere anytime to be at the show. I'm in love really - again ! Long live Sade !

That was too damned long. But you had to be there. It was an incredible awakening. Sorry.

How could I have doubted you? You have been gone so long I had forgotten how to appreciate you. Damn, damn, damn!

When I first bought the CD, I was so hungry to hear that traditional Sade sound, like, Paradise, Sweetest Taboo, Never As Good, and Cherry Pie, that I was ready to burn rubber out of the parking lot of the music store as the CD eased in for play. So the first thing I did of course was go right to the title track, and then look for anything else that was close to that, as I was already on cloud nine with Soldier of Love. It was the middle of the day in beautiful southern California, and even though it was cold with overcast skies, it was Cali, and I had the NEW SADE!

To my initial disappointment, nothing came close to the energy and beat of Soldier, except BabyFather. I had a momentary sigh of let down. But I'm a soldier of yours, and I knew I just needed time to truly listen to the entire CD. So I ignored the all of the slower tracks and just listened to Soldier and BabyFather on my way to work.

After work that night, and during several days, I listened to the entire CD over, and over again. Each time I did, more tracks started to penetrate my wall of resistance. But as my first review stated, I still felt like

"This CD does not have that beat woven into it. With the exceptions of Soldier of Love, Babyfather,
and maybe Skin after I have allowed it to grow on me some, there are too many slow melodies,
with a guitar and a cappella feel, and somewhat of a country and western sound. :("

And after reading some other reviews that made references to mine, I felt that some thought that maybe I was dissin you, and said,

"But make no mistake about it, I love every song on the CD. The only thing I'm having to get comfortable
with is having more slower ballad's than upbeat rhythms for the first time."

Again, my listening time was during the day, and on the go. This will make more sense as I continue.

So the entire work week went by and I thought I had finally narrowed it down to only three tracks I just could not get into, and proclaimed loudly,

"I have finally decided that there are three tracks that I will just never like, no matter how many times
I try and absorb them. They are Long Hard Road, Be That Easy, and Bring Me Home. They depress
me, I'm sorry."

So today, Valentine's day, I drove down to the ocean again, where I always find you, and parked in my favorite spot. It was packed with people walking, talking, and loving, on another beautiful, sunny, southern California day. I lowered my tinted windows enough to hear the waves crash into the shore, as the cool calming sun descended from a cloudless sky and into the clear blue water. And again, I eased the CD in for play. OMG! I found you!

With the sun fully set beyond the western horizon, and the stars sparkling in the east, I melted in every single track. I heard things I hadn't heard all week. And even better, of the three tracks I said that I just could never get into, Long Hard Road and Bring Me Home are now two of my favorites. And while Be That Easy is the least of my favorites, it is simply that, the least of the best. One of them had to be last on the list. Know what I mean? But though it was last on the list as I sat alone in my car, when I got to my girl's apartment later tonight, it was the "sh..," as her tongue went in one ear and out the other, and around my neck and back again, as we made love to BE THAT EASY!!! DAYUMN!

As I lay next to her asleep in my arms, listening to the CD, I realized something I hadn't taken into account. The reason I wasn't feeling the entire CD at first was because it was always a different mood, and the time of day. In the daytime, when I'm hustling and on the go, it is rare that slow ballads keep my juices flowing enough to hold my attention. All of your other CD's do that, however, and so I was wondering why this one wasn't. It's just a different kind of CD. For me, this is a CD I have to listen to when I'm reflective and alone. It has a texture to it that is so subtle to me, I can't hear it when I'm zipping past some jerk going 20 miles and hour in the fast lane. But when I'm at the beach, where my god finds me, and I find you, I hear it loud and clear.

I'm so sorry I spoke too soon. I'm sure you're strong enough to really not care anyway, but I just had to say it. I love you, I love you, I love you! Don't stay gone so long. You "F" me up with that.

Welcome back!

i wanted to give the album a lot of listens before i said anything about it. i remember stronger than pride i wasnt crazy about and over time its become a tie for my favorite album. sade albums just get better with each listen for me but i have to be a little familiar with them to really appreciate them.

after giving the album around 10 listens i just have to say this album is absolutely fantastic. initially i liked it but it took a couple times it really sunk in. i think i prefer it slightly over lovers rock. unlike some of the some of the guys here i love the slow ballad tracks especially.

the one thing here i disagree about is that its like all their albums. to me it sounds A LOT like lovers rock except with perhaps a slightly more latin edge. you have some songs with slightly different styles but the core sound to me is like lovers rock. the instrumentation is really guitar heavy just like lovers rock and theres only one stuart sax. it has a more rock-ish sound then jazzy to me unlike diamond life through love deluxe.

and i second the comment about babyfather making me want to have a kid more then ever. haha that song is so beautiful. its brilliant how clay and ila jumped on it for backup vocals too.

It is interesting how different people see different songs. I actually think Long Hard Road is a hopeful song because I interpret it as saying that whatever you are going through at the end of the day it is going to be alright. Bring me home is unquestionably dark, but I think it stands out on the album because of how the lyrics are crafted. But while it is a stand out to me for those reasons, it is not a song I plan to have on heavy rotation because it is a downer and the theme is dark. Be that Easy is perhaps my least favorite not because of the lyrics but because of the languid pace. I have heard people say SOL - the song is depressing but I see it as a hopeful a kind of survivor song so that is actually one of my favorites.

After getting my SOL Cd last Friday,i can easily say that this album is one of the best albums of 2010 already. The music, thesound is perfect.Sade's voice is still one of the best in music business.

I can't pick a favourite track,to me all of them are brilliant.I hope Sade won't wait for another 10 years for a new album,because you guys (the band) rule.

Welcome back SADE.

Fantastic album,my rating is 100/100.

These guys know how to compose and perform music.
Sade as always perfect!

From reading the reviews, I have noticed that more women seem to like the Album's slower mix than the men do. That's understandable, as women tend to love these kinds of slower ballad's, and think a lot deeper than men do about them, as they sit in tubs of bath water, in candlelit bathrooms. I also agree that this is a mix of styles, but not necessarily a mix of her older songs. Now that you've brought it to our attention I think it is a mix that maybe she wanted to capture as many people as she could with, and explore her range. I mean, look at Darius Rucker, a black man winning a country music award. That hasn't really happened since Charlie Pride. Times, they are a changing.

After listening to the CD all week, I have finally decided that there are three tracks that I will just never like, no matter how many times I try and absorb them. They are Long Hard Road, Be That Easy, and Bring Me Home. They depress me, I'm sorry. I'm a happy guy, and they take me to a place I see other people in and hope I am never in. But I can see how they are appealing to others who can identify with their flow, they're just not for me. All of the other tracks that aren't my favorites are slowly growing on me. I've just had to hear them completely through a few times. With time they will become more appealing. But the three I mentioned, not gonna happen.

don,t let us wait for another 10 years ,great album and smooth operator i agree with you this is a mix of all the pevious albums

Now that I have had a few listens I feel like I am finally ready to write my review.

I see Soldier of Love as Sade’s bridge album. By that I mean that this album is an attempt by the band to sample all the styles from their previous outings into one coherent record. Stylistically there is a little bit of something here from all those previous records. The strong guitar licks on The moon & the sky/Bring me home have a bit of the latin feel that was evident on Stronger than Pride, Babyfather captures some of the reggae/ caribbean vibe that was dominant on Lover’s Rock, In Another Time captures the jazzy elements that we were introduced to us on their debut effort Diamond Life and follow up Promise. Then there is SOL and Skin which stylistically remind me of songs from Love Deluxe. For me the standout tracks are:

Skin
The Moon & the Sky (a highly relatable song with the strongest hook on the album)
Long Hard Road (for its message of hope)
Soldier of Love
Baby Father
Bring Me Home (grim to its core, but poetic)
In Another Time

As a bridge album Soldier of Love compares very favorable to the bands previous efforts, but bridge albums by definition rarely become classics. Classics typically become classics because they break new ground. Still, as a concept album with a recurring military theme of war and love permeating most of the songs only with time will we know whether SOL becomes a classic in the Sade catalogue. Sade rarely hits you over the head with their music it just slowly gets under your skin(pun intended) and Soldier of Love does just that. Loving it more and more with each listen.

The album art is among ruins it clearly gives you the insight for the mood of this Brilliant music .... I think many are used to Sade providing
escapism putting you in the mindset of the beginnings of love, sprinkled with the conscious songs mixed within. For me, this takes you to the
place of the sense of urgency expressed in The Moon And The Sky maybe he left but she's telling him the love will haunt you no matter what.

Soldier Of Love ---> Aren't we all still cultivating Love - Not giving up ? This is here is the Battlefield of Life survival of Life the endless pursuit of inner
peace. ::::sings STILL WAIT FOR LOVE TO COME TURN IT ALL AROUND....I'M A SOLDIER

Morning Bird ----> Haunting ...Beautiful....Enchanting.....if one could sing a prayer this is what it would sound like.

Baby Father ----> Sade is clearly in joy singing with the ones she loves ! good job ILA ; ) It just might explain to any child who would ask

"Mommy how did you meet Daddy ? ...this would be the story " I like this one A LOT !

Long Hard Road ---> Self explanatory in these times it's the soundtrack to get you through

Be That Easy ---> a good ole western song done Sade's way ! gather round the fire and stare among the stars !! YEEEE HAWWW

Bring Me Home ---> When your Fed Up ! turn this up loud ! this song says you know what I don't know what to do anymore ... this is someone
in search of answers

In Another Time---> I AM IN AWE OF THIS SONG ! SO MUCH SO I can't listen to it in public for fear of being seen with tears streaming my face !
I guess we all have a song which aligns our current thoughts ! This is it !

Skin ---> What an eloquent way of word play to be done with a relationship .... Back in the day after I'd break up with someone after closing the door
I'd take a lonnnnng Bath ! to renew ...Give you a bath when I meet you and wash you away when I leave you. THUMBS UP !

Safest Place--->Is the feeling of finding that one for YOU .... be it person or happiness

I am so glad to have Sade back ....I'd wait another 10 years for she NEVER disappoints

Mr Millennium:
Clarification...

Ten lionz response: I feel you when you say Tribe, as I am a Chickasaw Native American, the security director of the largest Native American Health Care Facility in the U.S.A. and I feel you when you say these Ideas speak to your heart, I have written over 500 Ideas my self, some you have heard. Believe me I am not Sade bashing in any way shape or form, her ideas speak to the heart and are programed from the bottom up to reflect human emotion and provoke emotional response. This is the majik of Helen, but to speak from the heart as an NDN is to honor those we love and cherish. There is no lying in my Native Language, no politics no diplomacy, we speak to the heart from the heart. and so to say those things I have stated boldly is to show my honor and respect to another child of our Great Mother the Earth, the respect I truly have for her. To lie would be a dis-honor her. I hope you understand. I find 3 very inventive ideas some of the rest are a bit the same, not a bash, just my heart felt feeling. The more I listen the more they begin to separate "yes" this is true of all things we encounter, we familiarize our selves with those things we encounter daily, and believe me I listen daily, Se is a bringer of peace, as the story tellers of my Tribe and Clan, they are highly honored and generally Women such as TeAta Thompson Fisher - Chickasaw Storyteller Media:1895 - 1995. We just finished up our music video production for the Chickasaw produced major movie release "Pearl" as she was a major Chickasaw personality as an aviator. For me to say that I honor from the heart of my Clan Achufa Kowi Ishto, Helen Adu and her gift given from the Creator (Grand Father) is to say something very large among my People.