After 3,700-plus days Sade has emerged with (yet) another 10-track similarly smitten, silky-smooth, soulful addition to her well-documented and storied catalog. After months & months of rumors, gossiping word-on-the-streets and the ever-present, calculating, “industry leaks,” Sade’s “Solider of Love” officially dropped today..., just in time for Valentine's Day. I’ll be honest, I like it. The new joint is cool – especially given the other iTunes options.
In the interest of full disclosure, I jumped on the “industry leak” bandwagon [courtesy of my underground cohorts, Cy Prince and Lamar Hawkins and Tony Tone]. I have been spinning "Moon to the Sky" for a couple of weeks and it is officially my favorite on the LP. I think the CD is real cool and no matter how long its been it's tough not to yearn for a Sade project. That said, I’d really hoped that she stepped out of her legendary, safe haven and unleashed a CD that would've thrust her one-named status to record heights (if you pardon the pun). After all, isn’t that the true essence of growth?
Whether you be man or woman you will never do anything in this world without courage. It is the greatest quality of the mind next to honor. -- James Allen
I need that growth and courage from her. The souring, close-minded domestic industry needs it. Radio (among MANY other things) needs it. And quite frankly, I think Sade needs it too. I’m not so sure that this soon-to-be-awakened, 4G networked society is willing to wait another 10 years for [yet another] monotone, roll-out-of-bed, bouncing-balled liner note, sing-a-long from the industry’s most-noted and illusive mystery star. At this point, I would settle for a Sweetback backing. Or, what about a cool, “summer night” collaboration with Maxwell – he may need that too! I mean is delightful dubbing with D’Angelo too much to ask?
What about collaborations with the likes of: Jose James, Shaun Escoffery, Aya, Jonathan Butler, Wax Poetic, or the British Soul Wonder, Omar? (As if you didn't see that suggestion coming!)
I know its Sade “safe” to avoid any musical departures that could possibly tarnish her tabloid-free career. However, isn’t the opposite true as well? If Sade went out on a limb and did a live set with the Roots’ band circled behind her and a host of soul singers like: Erykah, Rahsaan Patterson, Roy Ayers, Lizz Wright or even a now watered down Jill Scott... I'd pay to see that. Wouldn't you?
I think a show along those lines would elevate her embolic career. Quite frankly, at 51 years of age there isn’t much (I feel) Sade can do this side of a T-Pain duet that will remotely smudge her divine and limelight-less career.
If you like Sade, pick up “Soldier of Love” you'll love this one too. However, if you like change, you may have to wait another decade. Maybe longer.
click on blog title/arrow for bonus beat
1 love,
Ray Lewis
