Sade style

Press, 19 December 1985, Page 12

Sade style

SADE “Promise” (Epic EPC4ISO) One of the disappointments of watching the Live Aid concert was missing Sade, because it would be interesting to see what she and her group try live. “Promised” is really a continuation of the debut album, the silky smooth songs that fit into the nightclub mould, so that it all becomes a matter of style rather than substance. The hit of the debut album, “Your Love Is King,” actually sounded like a pop song, but “Promise,” has skirted this in favour of a jazzier approach. However, it contains some interesting songs, notably “Never As Good As The First Time,” certainly a well-worn theme to catch the imagination. Another song with an in-

teresting theme is “Tar Baby,” about a white woman having a brown baby, and what comes out of the grief.' The song is neither black nor white. The lyrics are there, but it is done in such a smooth style. “Maureen,” about a supposed friend, does not reach the same heights, at least not lyrically. The nearest to the debut hit single is “The Sweetest Taboo,” a song with a relentless beat and a bit of sway to it, chugging to an inevitable conclusion. “War Of Hearts” tests Sade’s vocals, but like the rest of the album it is done in a perfect style, so that when you step back it is empty. There is no doubt about the musical ability, it is superb, but there also has to be more. —NEVIN TOPP.