SADE - STRONGER THAN PRIDE

I've yet to write here about Sade, but I've written other places about her. Right now, this disc is burning up my player. It's no secret I'm a big fan of Sade and her band. I love the mellow grooves and sultry vocals. There's nothing complicated about their music except for the complexity of her messages of love. She often puts feelings into words in such a delicate and beautiful way... It's hard to see as anything other than amazing.

'Stronger Than Pride' is the third disc from this exciting band and singer. The album starts off with the soft title ballad, 'Love Is Stronger Than Pride' in which Sade tells her wayward lover despite his actions, she still loves him. She won't take him back, let his infidelity hold her back or easily forgive him. But she still feels love more than anything else because love is stronger than pride. The soft sound of the music and the sadness in the vocal delivery are heart rendering and once again, Sade shows us that even a cliche overwrought subject like love has multi-facets we can continue to explore and discover. It's followed by 'Paradise'; a huge hit for the band. The song is based around a simple bass line and almost island rhythm section. It's the mellow groove of the rhythm track that gives this song it's momentum. The lyrics are simple, invoking the imagery of waves and tropical weather.

'Nothing Can Come Between Us' is another number with a catchy bass line and great rhythm. This song demonstrates the power of creating verses and choruses that move along at a rhythmic pace and how effective Sade is at building complex verse structures for her limited vocal range. 'Haunt Me' is a beautiful number that in effect, is essentially haunting. The guitar played in the background gives it an ancient quality. 'Turn My Back On You' is a lovely song about loyalty and devotion to one's lover. 'Keep Looking' is a tune meant to encourage those with dreams while 'Clean Heart' tells the story of a young man killed in a back alley and how strong his love was for his family and friends. 'Give It Up' is a song relying heavily on a repeated line. Of all the songs on the disc, this is probably the least interesting. It's followed by 'I Never Thought I'd See The Day'. This song is a companion piece to 'Love Is Stronger Than Pride'. Both tunes deal with infidelity. I think it would have been better to close the disc with this track rather than 'Siempre Hay Esperanza', the album's only instrumental.

Although there are certain songs I'm drawn to and enjoy more than others, this is a strong record with almost no filler material. In my opinion, virtually all of these tracks could stand on their own as singles. Back in the 80's, Sade and her band released a string of records over a very short period all of which were incredibly strong. Instead of continually pumping out album after album of sub-par material when ideas started drying up, the group instead spent more and more time between records compiling strong material. I think this is smart and even though I sometimes wish for more music, I'm happy with what's available. Another great aspect of Sade is the fact the music refuses to sound dated. It continues to hold up even years later. The potency of the lyrics and the musical arrangements is timeless and strong.

They are a great example of a strong musical group who create dazzling records. My final word: CLASSIC!

SADE - STRONGER THAN PRIDE
01. Love Is Stronger Than Pride
02. Paradise
03. Nothing Can Come Between Us
04. Haunt Me
05. Turn My Back On You
06. Keep Looking
07. Clean Heart
08. Give It Up
09. I Never Thought I'd See The Day
10. Siempre Hay Esperanza