I have, like many of you, been burning up Sade’s latest album, Soldier of Love. Her music is as ageless and eternally classic as she is. Really. It’s not quite fair that one person should be allowed to be so beautiful and talented. But it’s ok, because I love her.
After downloading her latest collection, I went and uploaded all my Sade CDs (yes, CDs – the last time I bought Sade music, there was no iTunes!) on the iPod so I could revel in her entire catalog. While I don’t think she’s ever released a bad track, there 10 songs – well, 11 really – that I think are truly her best. Indeed, they are among the best songs recorded by anyone, ever. So to change things up, I’m doing the Jukebox as a Top 10 list.
Sade’s Top 10 (well, 11) Tracks (according to me!):
10. Never As Good As The First Time
So cool, so funky, but still classically Sade. And aren’t the lyrics the truth?!
9. Smooth Operator
Remember the first time you heard this track? It was like nothing you’d ever heard of before, right? And then remember seeing the full-length, epic video for it on VH-1 (back when they showed such things) and thinking that this woman was possibly the coolest chic ever? Yeah, me too. Don’t let anyone tell you 80s music is all crap.
8. Kiss Of Life/By Your Side
Ok, this one’s a tie for all the same reasons. While Sade is at her best singing about longing, or pain, or hurt, or forlorn love, she can also do a simple beautiful happy love song very, very well. Both of these are examples, and I couldn’t possibly pick one over the other.
More smoothness after the jump =>
7. Cherish The Day
This is the way Sade does love songs best – when it’s not about love that’s so simple as the last two tracks. “You’re ruling the way that I move; you take my air.”
6. Your Love Is King
I think this is the first Sade song I ever heard, and the first Sade video. Both are gorgeous, as she is. It will always be one of my favorites.
5. War Of The Hearts
Ok. Have you ever been in a relationship that was in trouble? No? Want to hear what it feels like? Listen to this song.
4. Soldier of Love
OMG, when I heard about her new album coming out, I was hoping it would be good. Then I heart this track – and I literally got goose bumps! She killed it! It’s was different from anything she’s done before, and it’s amazing! And my goodness – does this woman age? Damn!
3. Love Is Stronger Than Pride
Ok. Have you ever broken up with someone, or found yourself on the verge of doing so, and listened to this song? Then you know exactly why this song is brilliant. Not only are the lyrics perfect, the song actually sounds like what you feel like! Her haunting voice is like that emotion that is a perfect mix of love and pain. The percussion is like the feel of a heartbeat. The guitar is like the sound of longing for the past. Really. It’s the perfect heartbreak song.
2. Is It A Crime
This song makes me want to have her voice. It’s one of my all time favorite in-the-car, windows-rolled-up, singing-at-the-top-of-my-voice tracks. Y’all know what I’m talkin’ about: “My love it wider than Victoria Lake; Taaaaaler, that the Em-piiiire State; it diiives, it juuuuUUUUUUUUUUUUuuumps!” But it’s not the same without having her ability to belt the words out while still being breathy. How does she do that? This is also my favorite Sade video.
1. The Sweetest Taboo
The previous 10 songs set the bar high, and this is the only one that can clear it. It’s so great I’m making it one of Elleen’s Essentials. The percussion, the lyrics, the guitar, the groove, the vibe, Sade’s voice – the whole thing is perfection.
(Don’t agree? Tell me your favorites below!)
