Sade
Love Deluxe


5.0
classic

Review

by mandan USER (31 Reviews)
May 29th, 2013 | 184 replies


Release Date: 1992 | Tracklist

Review Summary: Sade's masterpiece. A journey into another dimension.

Sade: The Band and the Woman
Part IV: Love Deluxe


"This is no ordinary love
No ordinary love"



With this epic opener ("No Ordinary Love"), we wade into Sade's best album. There is, indeed, a watery feeling to the music, as if you were at the bottom of an ocean of synth work, basslines, Sade's extraordinary voice, etc. When compared to Sade's first three efforts, it differs greatly from those in terms of sound (subject matter is, for all intents and purposes, the same). Here, a more captivating ambience is generated for the listener. In other words, prepare for a trip into another dimension.


Sade's debut had seen the band show off their love of jazz, albeit with pop sensibilities. The sophomore effort had less poppyness to it, and had a far more introspective vibe. Their third album experimented heavily with funk and world music. But, quite simply, as excellent as those records are, they don't captivate the listener the way this does.


"Feel No Pain" is an oddity in Sade's catalog. Here, she tackles the issue of dealing with unemployment. The song features use of percussion that is somewhat reminiscent of Stronger Than Pride. "Kiss of Life", features some nice use of the piano, bass work, and funky beats. Obviously, the lyrics deal with romance. But, it must be said, it is a downright beautiful song.


"Cherish the Day" has a well-made intro: a guitar comes accompanied by pop-hooks which lead us to Sade's voice. After the first chorus, we can hear the bass grooves, which fit in perfectly. Near the end, the synths add to the ambience, making for an entrancing experience. The closer, "Bullet Proof Soul", has great trumpet work, piano parts, and beats similar to those mentioned earlier. Sade shows great charm when when she sings "You kept on thinking, you were the only one. Too busy thinking, love is a gun", accentuating the last three words effectively.

This album could be compared to Seal's Seal II in terms of atmosphere: that album has a similarly hypnotic feel, although Seal incorporated more rock elements than Sade. This album feels more soothing and relaxing however (not necessarily better), and might suit those in the mood for such music somewhat better than Seal II (that album might serve best for getting a dosage of inspiration and introspection).

One of the only problems a listener might find here is that the lyrics focus on romance for the most part. Again, it all comes down to whether or not the listener has gripes with that. Another is that the beats used on some of the songs are similar to each other, which might bother others. But, having said that, this is Sade's masterpiece, and she will never do an album the likes of this again.



Recent reviews by this author
Judas Priest PainkillerSade Stronger Than Pride
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user ratings (266)
4.3
superb

Comments:Add a Comment 
Voivod
Staff Reviewer
May 29th 2013


10937 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

This is her magnum opus.

oltnabrick
May 29th 2013


40765 Comments


amazing album

HolidayKirk
May 29th 2013


1722 Comments


Never gotten into Sade, how lonely i must be inside.

KILL
May 29th 2013


81580 Comments


mother fuckin sade

cagedescending
May 29th 2013


4124 Comments


LA2chicago

KILL
May 29th 2013


81580 Comments


i'm actually gonna listen to this just for you ohhhhhh danny boy

wacknizzle
May 29th 2013


14555 Comments


Disappointed by this not having Smooth Operator on it but Ill still def check it. Sounds gr8

Athom
Emeritus
May 29th 2013


17244 Comments


pretty sure half of the population in their early 20's was conceived to this record.

Jethro42
May 29th 2013


18281 Comments


Maybe I know some songs without knowing it. Definitely interested in this album. Posd.

TheNotrap
Staff Reviewer
May 29th 2013


19009 Comments


Beautiful voice&nice vibe.
Have a pos.

mandan
May 30th 2013


13925 Comments

Album Rating: 5.0 | Sound Off

The debut has Smooth Operator.



@Fripper: my reviewing style is rather primitive. I try my best.

72haha72
May 30th 2013


498 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

Great, this needed a review! I love this album

oltnabrick
May 30th 2013


40765 Comments


tbh this review could be better imo

royukiyo
May 30th 2013


15 Comments


My favorite is definitely Kiss of Life.

manosg
Emeritus
May 30th 2013


12710 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Good work Danny, pos. I slightly prefer Promise and Stronger Than Pride from this one tbh.

Adabelle
September 14th 2013


4425 Comments


Where does one begin with Sade?

manosg
Emeritus
September 14th 2013


12710 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

You can start with this one but Promise and Stronger Than Pride are equally excellent. All three are equally accessible imo.

OmairSh
March 13th 2014


17733 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Chill stuff

Digging: Cemetery Skyline - Nordic Gothic

manosg
Emeritus
March 13th 2014


12710 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Incredible voice.

OmairSh
March 13th 2014


17733 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Yeah she's great, I thought she sounded like a guy initially



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