'Soldier of Love' is only the sixth studio album the band Sade have released during their 25 year career, and the first since 'Lover's Rock' in 2000. For Sade herself, as the lynchpin of the group's songwriting effort, it's a simple matter of integrity and authenticity. "I only make records when I feel I have something to say. I'm not interested in releasing music just for the sake of selling something. Sade is not a brand."
The album was completed in the summer of 2009, mainly at Real World. The feel of the music this time had moved away from the old country soul styling of 'Lover's Rock' and assumed a more eclectic identity. At times the band sounded like the original Sade, with Matthewman back blowing soft sax on 'In Another Time' and the vocal on 'Long Hard Road' hymning. But with songs such as the joyously quirky reggae chant 'Babyfather', and the dramatically arranged album opener 'The Moon and the Sky', Sade were exploring new territory. "I never want to repeat myself," Sade herself says. "And that becomes a more interesting challenge for us the longer we carry on together."
Album will be released Februrary 8.
Monday 18,January,2010
