Love is a brilliant battlefield

British band Sade's new album, Soldier of Love, accomplishes more than simply showing off the veteran musicians' soothing soul grooves and penetrating lyrics; the LP creates an atmosphere fit for a therapeutic meditation retreat in an exotic locale.

Even the record's cover plays a part in setting the mood. The artwork depicts the band's lead singer, the refined, exotic British-Nigerian Sade Adu, overlooking what appears to be an ancient city near the ocean. Each of the album's 10 songs induce a tranquil state, often while providing guidance and motivation to listeners who may be frustrated with either their significant others or the direction their life is taking.

Although Soldier of Love is Sade's first studio album of new material since 2000, the four-piece group sounds as fresh and tight as ever. Sax player and guitarist Stuart Matthewman especially deserves props, for his acoustic riffs and plucking on songs such as "The Moon and the Sky" and "Long Hard Road" are like a sensual massage to the ears.

And Adu's prolific lyrics, which communicate so much in so few words, seem as wise as the advice of a village elder. However, her voice is as sultry and as soothing as a late-night R&B radio host.

Adu begins the Soldier of Love counseling session by sharing her own experiences. On "The Moon and the Sky," she sings about a mate who ruined a great relationship but continued to drag it out. "You left me there dying, but you'll never let me go," Adu laments. "You'll always know the reason why/ We could have had the moon and the sky."

On the title track, Adu asserts that although she is struggling, she will keep fighting for love "on the front line of this battle." The music complements the track's content: "Soldier of Love" begins with the first several notes of the military, bugle-driven song "Taps" and the rolls of a marching band's snare drum. The distant-sounding hook is reminiscent of a warrior's cry.    

Four album cuts later, "Long Hard Road" reaffirms Sade's resilient spirit. She croons "There's a long hard road ahead, but a voice inside me said ... it's going to be all right."

The song is serene and uplifting enough to be quietly played in a Buddhist temple.

In addition to expressing her personal feelings, Adu spends plenty of time advising others. "In Another Time" is a comforting pat on the back to women screwed over by unappreciative men. The familiar doo-wop-esque rhythms, complete with a saxophone, are one of the song's many calming effects.

And on the reggae-tinged "Babyfather," Adu speaks to a child whose parents aren't together, telling him that their failed relationship isn't his fault and his parents have unconditional love for him.

Although most of Soldier of Love is a mix of optimism and realism, Adu occasionally contradicts those stances and strays from the role of musical psychologist.

She sounds downright defeated and fed up with love on "Bring Me Home" and sings of her frustration with people who sugarcoat their problems on "Be That Easy."

But both tracks discuss the importance of enjoying life's journey and living in the moment, another reason for why Soldier of Love is a fitting soundtrack for a yoga class.

Overall, Soldier of Love exhibits the strength of a musical group in its 27th year. Adu touts her ability to overcome obstacles and move forward throughout the album, but she perhaps best describes her growth in "The Safest Place," the album's final track. "In my heart your love has found the safest place," she sings. "My heart's been a lonely warrior/ so you can be sure/ your love's in a sacred place."
   

Soldier of Love is just as reliable as Adu claims to be. Listeners can trust the album will heal their heartaches.

rush@umdbk.com

RATING: 4 stars out of 5