Smooth Operator Spice

Good music is like good sex, when it’s good, it lasts, and when it’s bad, you want it over, yesterday. On that thought, Sade’s new album Soldier of Love delivers the best lovemaking music since, well, her last record, Lover’s Rock. It’s been nearly a decade since then, leading many fans to rely on other Sade classics such as Love Deluxe and Diamond Life for fulfill their desires for sensual sounds.

Soldier of Love outshines all records out there from the past five years, easily. Sade has come back as a strong soldier, both lyrically and musically. There’s a common theme of love and war in the album, yet the songs on the disc give nothing but feelings of peace. As a songwriter, Sade Adu flows freely in a poetic path. No matter what Sade sings about, though, her vocals arouse all senses.With all its erotic heat, Soldier of Love has plenty of tracks to add to the list of late-night love affair classics. Every Sade record has its songs for the seduction (“Love is Stronger Than Pride”), the afterglow (“Kiss of Life”) and the in-between (“No Ordinary Love”), and Soldier of Love satisfies any need.

For the Seduction: Like the anticipation music fans have felt waiting for this new Sade record, a handful of the tracks on Soldier of Love help build up the momentum. The singer seduces sweetly with “Babyfather” and “Bring Me Home.” “Morning Bird,” though a bit dark for Sade, still exudes the feelings of a first kiss in the dark.

For the In-Between: Candles dripping, all that’s missing is the music. ”Soldier of Love” with it’s thrusting beats, commands attention.” The Moon and the Sky” and “Long Hard Road” heat things up in their passionate rhythms and the climax of the record, “Skin” goes deep into the lustful groove.

For the Afterglow: After all is said and done, and you lie there in the stillness, songs such as “Be That Easy” and “In Another Time” comfort the soul and ease the mind. The album’s closer, “The Safest Place” breathes new life into the love song and creates the feeling of a lover’s embrace in the moon glow.

For all its worth, Soldier of Love makes for a strong album laced with eroticism. The record should actually come with satin sheets. Even the morning after the first time listening to the album, just the thought of the beats sends tingles through you. The words inspire and the music hypnotizes. An album that feels like it will last; Soldier of Love hits all the right spots.