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Musically, this is imminently satisfying with the elements that make Sade Adu's vocals and the group's instrumental backing distinctive. As in their initial album, the group is given space by the vocalist to exercise it's own voice. This is an emotional set, one with which many women can empathize as Sade portrays the hurt coming from a love that goes sour, and yet at the end shows the strength so that she can get on with her life. It's a set which helps men understand what the woman is going through during such a period.

Some of the songs stand better on their own than others. The opening song, "Is It A Crime", certainly is a strong one as are her hit, "The Sweetest Taboo" and "War of the Hearts". These three set the stage for the entire album. "You're Not the Man", while not as notable musically, does wring a sensitive person's heart as she expresses how the man seems at the end of the affair. "Jezebel" has a touch of bitterness. "Mr. Wrong" is a bit of a filler, but fits in nicely before the instrumental "Punch Drunk". And this instrumental is a great jazz number, hardly likely to be one's favorite cut or anything like that, but it plays a role in the mood of the whole set. "Never As Good As The First Time" was another hit for her, but in the context of the entire album takes on deeper meaning. "Fear" is a darker song typifying the aftermath of the woman's hurt. And then, thankfully, Sade lightens up as a woman coming up from the depths with "Tar Baby" and "Maureen".

This is a CD to listen to with lights down low, to really listen to alone, or to share with a compatriot spirit. This CD can be a great listening experience for those who are really tuned in to smooth and yet meaningful music.

However, if you are one who wants a hard driving beat, loud and brassy vocals, this isn't for you. Also, if you are one who just listens to a new CD once and instantly judges whether or not you will ever give it a second spin...no, I don't think I'd recommend it. But for those appreciative of true singing, of evocative world beats, of jazz that comes naturally from the hearts of the performers, chances are you'll prize this.


The girl is sizzling...   August 20, 1999
 9 out of 11 found this review helpful

Ms. Sade Adu is the most amazing person. She makes the most amazing music. I wouldn't call this album her best, because all of her albums are the bomb. Sade's music really can't fall under a category, because it's unique. Today, I found her albums under the Pop/Rock sign at the music store. Way untrue. Her music goes under the title "Oh my gosh, it's Sade! She's so cool! I absolutely have to get that CD!". If you disagree, feel free to e-mail me.

There is nowhere in this world where you can find such stylings as such as these. This is one of a kind. Sade is totally special. Totally.

Anyone who hasn't heard any of her songs has not lived. On this album, I wear out the CD listening to "Never as Good As the First Time" (which I'm listening to at this very moment), "The Sweetest Taboo", "Maureen", and "Tar Baby". Even though some of her songs are kind of hard to comprehend (Or maybe it's just me because I'm a 7th grader), I still love them and the challenge of trying to understand the meaning of the songs.

It's nice to see some versatility on Sade's part. She has instrumentals on her albums (like Fear), which is a good thing. It calms me down after getting keyed up from another song.

So whenever you're looking to relax after a hard day, or just plain in the musical mood, take the time to settle down with a nice serving of Sade with more Sade on the side.


A classic and her Best CD   October 31, 2000
 8 out of 8 found this review helpful

Promise is my favorite of Sade's CDs and the one that I listen to on a regular basis -- 14 years later! I don't even skip tracks, I just hit play and let the music flow until there's nothing left. This is great mood music with a combination of torch songs, a couple of uptempo cuts and a fantastic, and underrated, instrumental.

It's hard for me to pick a favorite track because they are all good, still there are a couple of standouts. "Is it a Crime" is the ultimate torch song about a love that you can't shake. May I never be so afflicted. Whew! "Jezebel" is a haunting number about a beautiful call girl who 'wasn't born with a silver spoon in her mouth.' "You're not the Man," takes to task a lover who has become a disappointment. The one instrumental on this CD ,"Punchdrunk," is sexy and languid. I don't want to sit here and list all of the tracks, but it's no exaggeration to call them all great.

Sade combines lyrics, delivery and arrangements to produce a polished final product. The end result is timeless music that we can all enjoy for years to come.


A "Promise" Fulfilled.   July 16, 2003
 8 out of 8 found this review helpful

Listening to a Sade album is like wearing an Armani suit: it's stylish and impeccably tailored, but it won't look foolish in six months. In other words, the band's music is elegant yet able to survive passing trends and fads. Their second release, "Promise," may be the best. Fusing jazz and pop with a dash of r&b, "Promise" is the personal journey of a broken heart and a bruised soul. It bleeds with emotion, and it captivates the listener through its refined and understated grace. Sade Adu won't go down as a singer with tremendous range, but she sure uses the best of what she's got. We can both hear and feel Sade's longing in the excellent opener "Is it a Crime," in which Ms. Adu can't seem to shake the man who once loved her. She also runs the gamut of emotions from affection ("The Sweetest Taboo") to longing ("Maureen") and pain ("War of the Hearts"). But the track that makes me stop EVERYTHING is the have-your-Kleenex-ready breakup number "You're Not the Man." With the assistance of Stuart Matthewman's pained saxophone, Sade wakes up and realizes that she no longer can connect with the man she loved for so long. I think this may be my favorite Sade song ever. "Promise" is simply a work of class done to near-perfection. In fact, Sade is one of the reasons why I can't warm up to jazz pop upstarts like Norah Jones. The latter singer is an able, but unexceptional, singer whose material suffers from milquetoast production and too many contrivances. But Sade gives you the real deal, straight from the gut. "Promise" still has the juice after all these years and it comes highly recommended. It's one of the best records money can buy.


Sade's blue side is revealed ......   December 20, 2000
 7 out of 7 found this review helpful

Promise, Sades' second album is the album which I believe truly cements thier image as a group to be reckoned with and Ms. Adu songstress extraordinare. While Diamond life was an introduction to the Sade sound, Promise is bluer, more emotional. It wears its heart on it's sleeve and is a favorite of many Sade fans.This is the ultimate rainy day, i just got dumped by with my girlfriend/ boyfriend album. The first track the melodramatic is it a crime sets the tone for a bluesy, sad at times but utterly brilliant sophmore album. The sweetest taboo was the first single off of Promise is still as bewitching as when I first heard it. Never as good as the first time sounds better after each listen. You're not the man is another sad sade song which ranks up there with any Nina Simone song. And my favorite song on promise the raw emotioinal war of the hearts still sends shivers down my spine when i listen to it. What can easily be forgotten is the contribution the rest of the band makes to this Sade. Yes it's Ms. Au's vocals that are haunting an memorable but it's the groups music that gives them their controlled emptional sound. On Punch drunk, the lone instrumantal song is a soothing alternative to the rest of the tracks but it still keeps in stride with thier sound. Overall another winner from Sade and another must have for Sade fans.