The militaristic feel of Sade's comeback video "Soldier of Love" for a moment made me think of service men, tanks and guns in Rihanna's "Hard" video.
I feel bad for even mentioning the two in the same sentence, considering that Sade is one of the world's most talented and respected voices in soulful pop music, and Rihanna is, well, unique looking and has the benefit of working with great producers and songwriters.
But it was inevitable that I would find such a thin veil of commonality between the two simply because they both have similar themed videos in the marketplace.
I dismissed the comparison within seconds as I took in Sade's comforting voice, the humming strings, and the video's sharp imagery. The yellow and red hue overcasts might signal a dark message had it been coming from someone else, but like the way a friend or relative with a peaceful presence exudes something good, Sade lends hope for those in relationship despair.
And man, is she really turning 51 Saturday? She looks as beautiful as she did in the '80s.
She really makes you forget the song's somber message-"I've lost the use of my heart...Still looking for the life, The endless poll on the other side, It's a wild wild west, I'm doing my best."
But I intentionally skipped a lyric that might better convey the point I'm trying to make.
In the song's second sentence she sings, "But I'm still alive."
In the mist of her anguish, she is STILL here. She's a "Soldier of Love."
She's not an angry single lady seeking therapy in the club.
Man, I love this lady and am glad she's back. She's been greatly missed during her 10 year hiatus.
Her sixth studio album, "Soldier of Love," is out in February. Listening again to her classics "Smooth Operator," "No Ordinary Love," "Your Love King," etc. has me anxious.
Her return is right on time. We could use the balance she brings to what's currently on the charts.