sade’s new video: ’soldier of love’

So by now I’m sure you’ve heard that Sade will be releasing her new album, Soldier of Love, on February 8. The first single, which is also the album’s title track, has been out for a little while now. The song took a couple of listens to grow on me, mainly because after a long Sade-absence, I was hoping for a more mellow, smooth selection to quench my Sade thirst, not a gritty heartbreak anthem dominated by a militaristic snare drum.

The video – which I saw for the first time today, thanks to @honeysoul - was also something of a surprise. For starters, Sade look like she’s barely aged. She also looks suprisingly athletic for a 51-year old (riding a bucking white horse? Bodyslamming an S1W?). And the harsh, post-apocalyptic imagery is a definite departure from any of her other videos. Yet… it works, presenting a visual narrative that’s clearly linked to the song’s lyrics. The dancing soldiers do seem kind of out of step in a couple of places, though.

And while we’re on those dancers… what’s up with the turtlenecks in the middle of a flaming desert? Seems like a huge missed opportunity for some sweaty, sinewy chest and ab action…. Pity.

Click to watch Sade’s Soldier of Love video.

cheers,

k