Entertainment

Artist: Sade

Album: Soldier of Love

Grade: A

Label: Epic

Helen Folasade Adu, the voice and face of the group Sade, creates on her own timetable. She makes music when she's ready, ignoring the recording industry's conventional wisdom that equates long absences with career suicide. Soldier of Love is Sade's sixth studio album since 1984 and its first in a decade.

Musically, lyrically and stylistically the clock barely ticked. Soldier of Love basks in Sade's signature blend of R&B, jazz and pop, a luxurious combination that defines the quiet storm movement. It is her sound, as well as that of her band mates, and it never grows old. That's because, as usual, the production, instrumentation, vocals and ambiance are stunning.

Anchored by the title cut, an epic number awash in militaristic beats and a seductively haunting melody, the album is a 10-song cycle. Soldier of Love is an elegant marvel whether in urban mode ("Babyfather"), singing about resilience ("Long Hard Road"), softly searching for solace ("The Safest Place") or sizzling in sensual rhythms ("Skin"), It's quintessential Sade.

Camila, Dejarte de Amar (Sony Music Latin) – Sophomore effort from the Mexican pop band that scored big stateside with its 2006 debut disc, Todo Cambió.

Jaheim, Another Round (Atlantic) – Silky-voiced R&B crooner features rapper Jadakiss on "Ain't Leavin' Without You," the lead-off single from his latest collection of fresh tracks.

K.D. Lang, Recollection (Nonesuch) – Two-disc compilation gathers staples such as "Constant Craving" and "Summerfling," then includes duets with Tony Bennett and Roy Orbison.

Massive Attack, Heligoland (Virgin) – First full-length studio album in seven years for Britain's influential trip-hop duo of Robert "3D" Del Naja and Grant "Daddy G" Marshall.

Allison Moorer, Crows (Rykodisc) – Always enthralling singer-songwriter offers a collection of new, piano-based songs to follow her 2008 CD of covers, Mockingbird.

Michael Martin Murphey, Buckaroo Blue Grass II: Riding Song (Rural Rhythm) – Dallas-born country and Western singer-songwriter again delivers bluegrass versions of his treasured tunes.

TobyMac, Tonight (ForeFront) – Famed contemporary Christian artist continues to experiment with blending hip-hop, rock, pop and urban elements on his fourth solo outing.

Josh Turner, Haywire (MCA Nashville) – A solid, traditional country fourth studio disc from the South Carolina singer and songwriter with the rich, deep baritone.

Chicago native Daphne Willis' debut CD, What To Say (Vanguard), engages with its sprightly, organic brand of folk-pop. The 22-year-old wrote all but one song, and she's got a lively voice. She's not shy or wispy, thankfully. The album is available only at Barnes & Noble.

Ska rockers Fishbone and ska new wave band the English Beat bring on the rhythms in a double-bill concert Saturday at the Granada Theater.