Love Deluxe - An Album Analysis
Sade’s Love Deluxe is a timeless record and nothing short of the smoothest album to exist. It is romantic yet heartbreaking, forcing you to think about others yet consider your own feelings. Sade captures the listener, where the album can contain radio hits while still opening up a personal, nuanced listen. It’s so encompassing of a human experience, showing us the many dimensions of love. From the stellar production to Sade’s beautiful vocals; Love Deluxe makes your heart beat toward it.
“This is no ordinary love”
A 10/10 opening track– this song is perfection. No Ordinary Love is atmospheric and sorrowful, leaving one unsure of what to expect from Sade for the rest of the album. That repetitive bassline sticks with you while the keys hold out the sections of the song. When the gainy guitar comes into the chorus it’s just unbeatable, making this track so unique compared to other music in this genre The song wrestles with feelings of unrequited love where the speaker is giving everything to the one they love but aren’t given it in return. No Ordinary Love can never get old.
“I wear it like a tattoo”
This one hurts. Like a Tattoo references the shame one can bear but can’t shake. It tells a story through the lyrics over melancholic instrumentals. The acoustic guitar and low bass create a standout track– something like this hasn’t been heard from Sade’s discography yet. Like a Tattoo pulls the listener’s focus toward pain over love, creating a solemn atmosphere.
“I swear the whole world could feel my heartbeat”
Kiss of Life is the song you dance to in your living room; it’s a generational feel good track. The song is completely lovely and about being loved. The joined walk down of the bass and keys move the listener and Sade’s voice doesn’t stop delivering here. The song clearly represents the side of love Sade is choosing to express: deep connection. Look up concert footage of Kiss of Life, it’s fun to see how many people share the love for it.
“You show me how deep love can be”
Another display of perfection; one can never get enough of Cherish the Day. The beat is spectacular and while it expresses itself as lowkey, paying attention to it solidifies how excellent the song is. The strings add a nice ambience, helping the track stand out even greater. When the bass comes in with the first chorus it’s just too good.The inclusion of little guitar riffs throughout the song is solid. Cherish the Day gives a spectacular ambience.
“Hit me like a slow bullet”
Love Deluxe shifts in tone after Kiss of Life, becoming softer and more somber. Bulletproof Soul includes a very low bass. The saxophone picks up a prominent role, filling in the corners of the song. Sade gives us another side of love with Bulletproof Soul. Especially on that last verse. It hits hardest where we further understand the relationship Bulletproof Soul is demonstrating.