In 1992 when I threw this album on for the first time I immediately knew I was hearing one of my favorite albums of all time. Sade's vocals are wonderful and her song writing superb throughout. Her band, by this album, had cemented a sound that backs her perfectly and draws the listener in with smooth melodic hooks. This album is perfect to throw on for almost any occasion.
To me the real beauty of this album is that it builds on what she had done in her three previous albums. Each of those albums is distinct in their own way, and this album feels to me to have taken all the good components from those and pulled them together brilliantly.
I know a lot of people make fun of Sade, but I think they miss the real beauty of her music. It's not easy to write and perform music so consistently. To blend rock, pop, and jazz so perfectly. It reminds me of a critic I read once who was reviewing her concert. He said he went in to hate it, but couldn't help but get pulled in to the whole vibe of the performance. I think her band, her presence, her voice laying out these simple lyrics in such a poetic fashion make for great music.
Sade - Love Deluxe (1992)
1. No Ordinary Love
2. Feel No Pain
3. I Couldn't Love You More
4. Like a Tattoo
5. Kiss of Life
6. Cherish the Day
7. Pearls
8. Bullet Proof Soul
9. Mermaid
