'Soldier of Love,' Sade's first studio release since the 2000 multi-platinum 'Lovers Rock,' is dropping Tuesday, Feb. 9. With themes of tough love and disappointment, it's only fitting to have the six-minute title track evoke heavy military, rhythmic backbeats as Sade Adu's more edgier voice delivers a wounded soldier's merciful line: " I'm at the borderline of my faith / I'm at the hinterland of my devotion / In the frontline of this battle of mine / But I'm still alive."
Despite the whole album having an edgier sound, devoted Sade's fans should still enjoy their sixth studio album, which includes longtime bandmates guitarist/saxophonist Stuart Matthewman, bassist Paul Denman and keyboardist Andrew Hale. Notable tracks are the lullaby-sounding 'Morning Bird,' with it's self-reflective lyrics: "I've nothing to fear / but I am a broken house / I'm holding onto broken vows / Now it's easy for me to see," as well as the soulful ballad 'In Another Time.' 'Skin' -- a tribute to Michael Jackson -- is a flashback to the '90s neo-soul sound of Sade, and 'Babyfather' is a mid-tempo track with subtle reggae and dub-step grooves.
To hear a selection of tracks (listed below) from the album -- produced by the band and Mike Pela -- tune into AOL Radio's New R&B First station.
Tracklisting:
1. The Moon And The Sky
2. Soldier Of Love
3. Morning Bird
4. Baby Father
5. Long Hard Road
6. Be That Easy
7. Bring Me Home
8. In Another Time
9. Skin
10. The Safest Place
Listen to New R&B First Radio