Amazon.co.uk Review
In the 1980s, Sade's brand of elegant pop/R&B owned the charts, making the Nigerian/British chanteuse one of those artists whose very name became the adjective to describe their sound. After an eight-year layoff, Sade and her core band (and long-time producer Mike Pela), are back with an album that is both a stunning reaffirmation of her artistry and a solid soulful collection. Perhaps the best thing that can be said about
Lover's Rock is that it picks up where Sade left off, meaning that you will hear no cool beats or hot hired hands or hip-hop cameos. This is Sade music: on the first single, "By Your Side", she glides back into the spotlight on gentle, country-ish and sparse wings, singing, once again, about love's power to redeem. Of course Sade also knows that love can stink: listen to the dub riddim-tinged "Every Word" and cry tears of recognition. Decidedly female but utterly universal, grown up yet not hardened,
Lover's Rock ranks as one of the best of the year, and the return of a true original. --
Amy Linden
CD Description
Examining the career of former model/fashion design studentHelen Folasade Adu, it's apparent that the span between studio albums increased exponentially. Eight years after LOVE DELUXE, the original members of Sade's band regrouped and here recapture the magic of the former ensemble. The vocals on LOVERS ROCK are unmistakably sensual and enchanting. Guitarist Stuart Matthewman steers clear of the crunchy electric sound that was his signature on LOVE DELUXE, the one exceptionbeing "Somebody Already Broke My Heart", which has some tasty understated percussive palm muting in the choruses.
From an instrumental perspective, LOVERS ROCK leans a bit moreto the electronic side, but technology doesn't dampen the atmosphere and simple beauty of the music. Not surprisingly, the focus continues to be the sweet, often mournful melodiesof a unique pop vocalist.